Canada's New Visa Rules Grant Border Officials Expanded Powers, Impacting Indian Students and Workers

The regulations, effective February 2025, allow officials to cancel or deny permits and visas, raising concerns for over 4.2 lakh Indian students and thousands of workers in Canada.

Canada's new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations give border officials authority to modify or cancel visa statuses for students, workers, and migrants under specific conditions.
The changes allow officials to deny entry or revoke permits if they are not convinced the individual will leave Canada after their authorized stay expires.
The cancellation of the Student Direct Stream visa program in late 2024 has further complicated the process for Indian students, who make up a significant portion of international students in Canada.
Indian nationals, the largest group affected, include over 4.2 lakh students currently enrolled in Canadian institutions and thousands of workers and tourists holding temporary permits.
Individuals impacted by permit cancellations will receive notifications via email or their IRCC account and may be required to leave Canada by a specified deadline.