New Visa Regulations in Canada: What Indian Students Need to Know

Amidst the backdrop of the United States tightening its immigration policies, Canada has implemented new visa regulations starting February 2025. These adjustments grant enhanced authority to Canadian border officials, allowing them to amend or revoke the visa status of foreign nationals, including students and workers, should they deem it necessary. This move is part of Canada's efforts to have more control over who enters and remains within its borders.

The alterations to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations mean that international students could lose their study permits and be required to exit Canada by a set deadline. This development is particularly concerning for the Indian community, as there are currently 420,000 Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada. The revised regulations encompass the authority to deny or cancel various temporary resident documents like work permits and student visas, under certain conditions.

Should an officer from Canada suspect that an individual may not leave the country upon the expiry of their authorized stay, they now have the power to deny entry or cancel existing permits. This could occur even if the individual is already in Canada. Other factors that might lead to visa refusal include providing misleading information or losing important documents. Impacted students will be notified of any changes to their visa status through email and their accounts on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) platform.

The introduction of these stringent visa rules comes at a time when diplomatic tensions exist between India and Canada. The relationship between the two nations has been strained following accusations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, claiming India's involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist. India dismissed these allegations, leading to a diplomatic spat that saw both countries expelling diplomats.

These new immigration policies by Canada are expected to significantly affect Indian students and other international migrants looking to study or work in the country. It underscores the importance for all prospective and current visa holders to ensure their documentation is in order and to be aware of the conditions that could potentially affect their stay in Canada.