Canada Students And Workers Impacted Following New Visa Policy

Canada's new immigration policy changes, effective in February, grant border officials the power to alter international students' visa status. These measures create uncertainty for tens of thousands of students' visa status. These measures create uncertainty for thousands of students and workers, particularly affecting the sizeable Indian student population. The closure of the Student Direct Stream program exacerbates the difficulties faced by Indian students.

Canada's latest measures to curb migration, which came into effect at the beginning of February, are expected to badly affect tens of thousands of international students, including many from India. If reports are to go by under the amended Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border officials have been granted extensive discretionary powers to alter the visa status of students, workers and migrants at any time; these changes allow officials to reject or cancel temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorization and temporary resident visas if they determine it necessary.

These new regulations have prominent implications, as border personnel can deny or revoke work permits and student visas. One key provision allows officers to reject a permit or entry request if they are not convinced that an individual will leave Canada upon the expiration of their authorized stay.

Uncertainty for foreign nationals, especially Indians  

The new regulations have considerable uncertainty for thousands of international students and workers, with Indian nationals forming the largest group in both categories. Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students. If reports are to go by, there are 4.2 lakh Indian nationals currently enrolled in higher education programs in the country.

Impact on visa holders

With the new rules, individuals whose permits are rejected will be stopped at the port of entry and sent back to their home country. Suppose a visa or permit is revoked while someone is already studying, working, or residing in Canada. In that case, they will receive a notice to leave the country by a specified deadline. A prominent concern for affected individuals is the lack of clarity regarding financial losses incurred due to sudden visa cancellations.

Regarding reimbursement, there is no official information on whether students, workers, or migrants will be reimbursed for tuition fees, loans, mortgages, or rent already paid in advance.

Canada's policy shift: Claosure of Studnet Direct Stream program

This step follows Canada's decision in November 2024 to close the Student Direct Stream visa program.

The program allows students to expedite their visa applications by demonstrating financial capability upfront.

Its closure has made it more difficult for Indian students to secure study permits in Canada. Those affected by the latest regulatory changes will receive official notifications from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via email and their IRCC accounts.


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