Canada&rsquo;s recent changes to its immigration policies, effective from February, could have severe consequences for Indian students and workers, granting border officials sweeping powers to alter or revoke their visa status at any time. &nbsp;
Under the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border authorities now have the discretion to deny, reject, or cancel temporary resident documents, including student visas, work permits, and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs). Officials can refuse entry or revoke permits if they believe an individual may not leave Canada upon the expiration of their authorised stay. &nbsp;
These changes introduce significant uncertainty for international students and workers, with Indians being the largest group affected. Government data shows over 4.2 lakh Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Canada, and thousands more apply for work and residency permits each year. In the first half of 2024 alone, Canada issued over 3.6 lakh travel visas to Indian nationals. &nbsp;
If a student, worker, or migrant is denied entry, they will be sent back to their home country. Those already in Canada who face permit cancellations will receive a notice to leave by a specified date. The fate of financial investments, including tuition fees, loans, and rental payments, remains unclear. &nbsp;
The move comes just months after Canada shut down the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program in November 2024, a route favoured by Indian students for faster processing. These developments signal increasing restrictions on migration and could complicate the plans of thousands of Indians seeking education and employment in Canada. &nbsp;

Border officials now have sweeping powers to cancel student visas, work permits at any time

Canada’s New Visa Rules May Hit Indian Students, Workers

Border officials now have sweeping powers to cancel student visas, work permits at any time

February 25, 2025 | 09:06 IST