As we all know that Canada has introduced new visa regulations effective from January 31.
But these latest changes have become eyesore for many as under these new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel can reject electronic travel authorisations or eTAs and temporary resident visas or TRVs.
A Nightmare For Indian Student & Workers
In simple words, the border officials can cancel such documents, which include work permits and student visas anytime.
Basically, these new rules which have come into effect from the beginning of February give unhindered powers to Canadian border officials.
These officials can alter the visa status of students, workers, and migrants at any time should they deem such action necessary.
This appears to be Canada’s latest step to curb migration, but it is likely to have an adverse effect on tens of thousands of foreign students, especially from India.
Besides this, it would also have an adverse impact on those who apply for work and resident permits.
With the implementation of these new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Canadian border personnel are now vested with the powers to deny or reject temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorisations or eTAs and temporary resident visas or TRVs.
Now border officials can cancel documents including work permits and student visas.
An Scope For Uncertainty
But, all is not in vain as for doing so, they need to follow some guidelines which need to be met in order for them to reject permits and visas.
One such rule states that if an officer is not convinced that the individual will leave Canada upon the expiration of their authorised stay, then they can reject their entry or cancel their permit even during their stay in Canada.
It is noteworthy here that the discretionary powers to make such a judgement is entirely vested upon the officer.
The situation is alarming as these new rules and regulations have a scope of uncertainty.
It has the potential to impact tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of international students and workers – of which Indians are the largest group of foreign nationals in either category.
Till now, Canada is considered among the most preferred destinations for Indian students, workers, and legal migrants.
The government data indicates that students alone, currently pursuing their higher education in Canada, account for more than 4.2 lakh Indian nationals.
Consider a case if a student, worker, or migrant gets rejected then they will be stopped at the port of entry and sent back to their home country.
If a permit is cancelled while such a person is already studying, working, or residing in Canada then they will be served a notice to leave the country by a specified date.
Besides students & workers, Canada also entertains a massive inflow of tourists from India – all of whom also have temporary permits of different duration of stay.
As per the country’s regulations, those who will be impacted shall receive a notification by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada via email as well as their IRCC account.
So far, they did not give any clarity regarding what will happen to the money invested or already paid by such persons – be it towards their education or loans, mortgages or rent paid by workers during their stay in case of a sudden cancellation.
