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Canada's recent measures aimed at limiting immigration are anticipated to adversely affect tens of thousands of international students, particularly those from India. This policy shift also poses challenges for individuals seeking work and residency permits. Implemented at the start of February, these regulations empower Canadian border officials with broad authority to adjust the visa statuses of students, workers, and migrants whenever they find it necessary. According to the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, border personnel now possess the authority to deny or reject temporary resident documentation, such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs).
As a result, border officials have the ability to revoke these documents, including work and student visas. Nevertheless, specific criteria must be satisfied for permits and visas to be denied. Notably, if an officer doubts that an individual will depart Canada after their authorized period ends, they can refuse entry or revoke a permit even while the person is in Canada. The authority to make these determinations rests solely with the officer. The uncertainty surrounding these new rules could significantly affect tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of international students and workers, with Indian nationals forming the largest group in both categories.
Canada remains a highly sought-after destination for Indian students, migrant workers, and legal immigrants. Current government statistics indicate that over 420,000 Indian nationals are pursuing higher education in Canada. If an applicant is refused entry, they will be detained at the border and sent back to their country of origin. Additionally, if a permit is canceled while an individual is already studying, working, or living in Canada, they will be issued a notice to exit the country by a specified deadline. Beyond these demographics, Canada also experiences a significant influx of tourists from India, all of whom hold temporary permits with varying durations of stay. In the first half of 2024 alone, Canada granted travel visas to over 360,000 Indians. Previous data from the first six months of 2023 indicated that Indian tourists numbered around 340,000, according to figures released by Canadian officials.
Affected individuals will be notified via email and through their accounts with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There is no clear guidance concerning the financial investments or amounts already paid by these individuals, whether for education or loans, or housing costs incurred by workers during their time in Canada, in the event of an abrupt permit cancellation. Just three months prior, in November 2024, Canada had discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a favored pathway for Indian students.
