Indian Students in Canada Face Uncertainty Amid Visa Policy Changes

Canada has implemented significant changes to its immigration regulations, which are expected to have a serious impact on thousands of Indian students. The latest amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into effect on January 31. Under these revised rules, border officials have been granted the authority to cancel temporary resident documents such as Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) and Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs).

These new regulations will create difficulties for international students, workers, and temporary resident visitors, including those from India. Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 427,000 Indian students are currently studying in Canada.

The amended regulations provide enhanced powers to Canadian immigration and border officials, enabling them to revoke ETAs, TRVs, work permits, and study permits under specific circumstances. Authorities may declare individuals ineligible if they are found to have provided false information, have a criminal record, or are deemed unlikely to leave Canada after their visa expires.

Due to this policy change, nearly 7,000 additional temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits are expected to be canceled. If foreign nationals, particularly Indians, have their permits revoked, they may face severe consequences, including being barred from entering Canada through its ports of entry or being required to leave the country.