Canada’s New Visa Rules Cause Concern For Indians
OTTAWA (ANI)- Canada’s latest immigration regulations, which took effect at the beginning of February, have raised concerns for thousands of international students, workers, and migrants, particularly from India. The new rules give border officials greater authority to alter visa statuses, deny entry, or cancel permits at their discretion.
Under the revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel can now reject temporary resident documents—including work permits and student visas—if they believe an individual may not leave Canada after their authorized stay. This discretionary power allows officers to assess and revoke permits at any time, even while a person is already studying, working, or residing in Canada.
These measures could significantly impact Indian nationals, who form the largest group of foreign students and workers in Canada. According to government data, over 4.2 lakh Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian institutions. Canada is also a top destination for Indian workers and legal migrants, as well as tourists. In the first half of 2024 alone, the country issued over 3.6 lakh travel visas to Indian visitors.
If a visa or permit is rejected, the individual will be denied entry and sent back to their home country. Those already in Canada may receive a notice to leave by a specified date. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will notify affected individuals via email and their IRCC accounts. However, there is no official clarification on what will happen to financial commitments such as tuition fees, loans, mortgages, or rent already paid by students and workers facing sudden cancellations.
These changes come just three months after Canada shut down the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program in November 2024. The SDS had been a preferred pathway for Indian students willing to provide financial guarantees for a smoother visa process.
While the full impact of the new rules remains uncertain, they introduce added risks for Indian students and workers seeking opportunities in Canada.
