Canada’s New Visa Rules May Impact 4.2 Lakh Students

While the students and work visa holders in the US are worrying about the changes made to the immigration rules by the new administration, Canada comes with new visa rules effective February 2025, giving more power and authority to border officials over visa-related decisions.

Canadian officials can now change or cancel the visa status of international students, workers, and migrants if they find it necessary.

Under the new immigration rules, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations can cancel a student’s permit, and the latter could be asked to leave the country by a specific date. These changes are expected to impact Indian and other foreign students in Canada.

420,000 Indian students are in Canada for higher education, and under the new rules, Canada can deny or cancel temporary resident documents, including work permits and student visas. However, conditions must be met before such actions can be taken.

If a Canada officer believes that a person may not leave Canada after their authorized stay ends, they may refuse entry or cancel their permit, and this could happen even if the person is in Canada. Providing false information, and lost documents also could lead to visa rejection.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada will inform impacted students via email and their IRCC accounts.

India and Canada have a strained diplomatic relationship after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. India rubbished the allegations and both countries expelled diplomats in retaliation.