Canada introduces new visa rules: How will it affect Indian students and workers?

Government data indicates that over 420,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Canada.

Updated: February 25, 2025 09:55 AM IST

In the first half of 2024, Canada issued travel visas to more than 360,000 Indian tourists. (File Photo)

The Government of Canada has introduced new visa regulations, effective from February 2025, granting border officials increased authority to modify or revoke the visa status of international students, workers, and migrants as deemed necessary.

Overview of the new regulations

Under the updated Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel now have the discretion to deny or cancel temporary resident documents, including electronic travel authorisations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs).

This encompasses work permits and student visas. An official statement from the Government of Canada explains that if an officer is not convinced that an individual will depart Canada upon the expiration of their authorised stay, they possess the authority to refuse entry or annul the permit, even if the individual is already present in the country.

Implications for Indian nationals

Impact on students and workers

These changes introduce a degree of uncertainty for many international students and workers, with Indian nationals constituting a significant portion of this group.

Also read | Why applying for visitor visa in Canada after PGWP expires is not a good idea

Government data indicates that over 420,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Canada. The new rules imply that if a student or worker’s permit is cancelled, they will receive a notice to leave Canada by a specified date.

Impact on tourists

The regulations also affect tourists holding temporary permits. In the first half of 2024, Canada issued travel visas to more than 360,000 Indian tourists. The government of Canada has stated that individuals impacted by these changes will receive notifications via email and their IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) account.

These changes, which came into effect on January 31, 2025, allow officers to cancel documents on a case-by-case basis if:

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Restriction: A person’s status or circumstances change, making them not eligible to hold the document.
False information: A person provides false information or has a criminal history.
Overstaying: An officer believes a person won’t leave Canada by the end of their authorised stay.
Lost or abandoned documents: A document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.

Discontinuation of the student direct stream (SDS) programme

In a related development, the government of Canada announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme in November 2024.

Also read | Canada Govt ends fast-track student visas for India, 13 other countries

This programme previously offered a streamlined process for international students from specific countries, including India, to obtain study permits. The decision to end the SDS programme was made to address challenges related to housing and resources, as stated by the government of Canada.

These policy changes reflect Canada’s evolving approach to immigration and border control, aiming to ensure that temporary residents comply with their authorised stay durations.

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