Canada’s revised visa regulations could pose challenges for Indian students and workers
Canada’s New Immigration Regulations Impacting Foreign Students and Workers
The recent changes in Canada’s immigration regulations are causing concern among foreign students, workers, and migrants, including those from India. These new rules, which came into effect in February, give Canadian border officials broad powers to alter the visa status of individuals at any time if they believe it is necessary.
Increased Discretionary Powers for Border Officials
Under the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel now have the authority to deny or reject temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs). This means that officials can cancel work permits, student visas, and other temporary permits if they have concerns about an individual’s intention to leave Canada after their authorized stay.
Uncertainty and Potential Impact
These new rules have created a sense of uncertainty for tens of thousands of international students and workers, with Indians being the largest group of foreign nationals affected. Canada has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, workers, and legal migrants, with over 4.2 lakh Indian nationals currently pursuing higher education in the country.
Consequences for Rejected Applicants
If a student, worker, or migrant is rejected under the new regulations, they will be stopped at the port of entry and sent back to their home country. Those already studying, working, or residing in Canada may receive a notice to leave the country by a specified date if their permit is suddenly cancelled.
Impact on Tourists and Temporary Residents
In addition to students and workers, Canada also sees a significant number of tourists from India, many of whom hold temporary permits for various durations of stay. In the first six months of 2024, Canada issued travel visas to over 3.6 lakh Indians, highlighting the potential impact of these new regulations on a wide range of individuals.
Notification Process and Financial Implications
Individuals affected by these changes will receive notifications from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada via email and their IRCC account. However, there is no clarity on what will happen to the money invested in education, loans, mortgages, or rent paid by workers in the event of a sudden permit cancellation.
Previous Changes and Continued Uncertainty
Just three months before these new regulations, Canada had closed down the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a popular option for Indian students seeking guaranteed admission to Canadian institutions. These successive changes have created a sense of uncertainty among foreign nationals in Canada and those planning to travel or migrate to the country.