How thousands of Indian workers and students may be affected by Canada's new visa regulations

The Student Direct Stream visa program was discontinued in 2024, and the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations took effect on January 31.

Since officials now have more power to revoke study and work licenses under certain circumstances, Canada's new immigration laws may have an impact on thousands of Indian workers, tourists, and students.

On January 31, 2025, the revised Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations became operative. In addition, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa scheme was terminated in late 2024.

According to CanadaVisa.com, the initiative expedited the visa application process for students by asking them to present proof of funds up front, such as tuition payments and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) for living expenses.

As a result, authorized border authorities have the authority to revoke temporary resident documents such as temporary resident visas (TRVs) and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs).

Given that Canada is a popular choice for Indian students wishing to continue their higher education overseas, this is a problem for many Indians.

According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there are currently 4,27,000 Indian students enrolled in Canadian universities. Between January and July of 2024, Canada also granted 3,65,750 visiting visas to Indians.

Visa cancellations may occur under the following circumstances:

being deceased, having a criminal record, or giving false information.
Somehow, an officer is not sure that the individual in question won't depart Canada after their authorized stay is up.

Administrative errors result in the loss, theft, destruction, or issuance of documents.
A transient inhabitant turns into a permanent one.
If a student is refused a work or study visa, their immigration documents may also be revoked.

According to an NDTV article, the recently changed regulations may therefore lead to the revocation of an additional 7,000 temporary residence visas, work permits, and study permits.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), affected persons will get notifications via email via their IRCC account.

If a worker, migrant, or student is turned away at the port of entry, they will be returned to their home country.

The individual will be given notice to depart the country by a specific date if their permission is revoked while they are already living, working, or studying in Canada.