Canada Unveils New Rules for Cancelling Temporary Visas, Including Visitor and Student Visas

In a move to enhance immigration control, Canada has introduced new regulations that allow for the cancellation of temporary resident visas, including those for visitors and students.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, giving immigration and border services officers clearer authority to revoke temporary documents when needed.

The revised rules, which are now in effect, enable officers to cancel electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs) if the individual’s status changes, if they fail to prove they will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay, or if the documents are lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.

Furthermore, the new regulations empower officers to cancel TRVs, eTAs, work permits, and study permits in cases where the holder becomes a permanent resident, passes away, or if the document was issued due to an administrative mistake.

Previously, there was no direct framework to guide the cancellation of such documents, and the ability of officers to revoke them was less clearly defined.

The IRCC states that these amendments aim to fortify the integrity of Canada’s temporary residence programs and improve border security.