In February 2025, Canada introduced new immigration rules that allow officials to cancel temporary residence documents under certain circumstances. Find out when your visa or permit to study or work in Canada may be canceled

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On February 12, 2025, the Canadian government announced new immigration rules that could affect every foreigner in Canada. In particular, it became known that the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allowed officials to cancel issued visas or residence permits under certain circumstances. Read about those who will be affected by the innovations in our new article.

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What permits can the Canadian government cancel?

The new rules apply to the following categories of documents:

- electronic travel authorizations (eTA),

- work permits,

- study permits

- temporary resident visas (TRV).

The updated Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into force on January 31, 2025.

In what cases can the Canadian government cancel your migration documents?

According to the new rules, Canadian immigration services can cancel temporary residence documents if:

1. The person is found to be ineligible, false information was provided, the foreigner has a criminal record, etc.

2. The officer believes that the person will not leave Canada after the expiration of the authorized period of stay.

3. The document is lost, stolen, destroyed, etc.

4. The expat is transferring to a permanent residence permit.

5. The person has died.

6. The document was issued due to an administrative error.

We will discuss each of the situations in detail below.

What can be the basis for canceling migration documents in Canada?

1. Ineligibility or inadmissibility

Immigration authorities can cancel a visa if the applicant provides false information, has a criminal record, or has a serious illness that prevents him from entering.

2. Death

If a person dies, Canadian authorities update their immigration records, automatically cancelling their visa.

3. Risk of overstaying

Your visa may be cancelled if immigration officers believe that the traveller may not leave Canada after the end of their permitted period of stay – due to lack of funds, weak ties to their home country or previous experience, etc.

4. Document problems

Your passport, visa or other documents have been lost, stolen or destroyed. To prevent identity fraud, authorities cancel such documents and require the traveller to apply for a replacement before re-entering Canada.

5. Change of status

If a temporary resident successfully applies for permanent residence, their previous work or study permit becomes invalid.

6. Document Issuance Error

Clerical errors such as incorrect names, passport numbers or visa expiration dates can result in cancellation. In such cases, IRCC may issue a corrected document or require a re-application.

Consequences of Visa or Permit Cancellation in Canada

According to IRCC, foreign nationals affected by these changes may face the following in Canada:

- Deportation from Canada if expats are found to be ineligible.

- Denied boarding at airports.

- Denied entry at Canadian ports of entry.

- Financial losses if travel tickets are purchased but entry is denied.

Why did Canada introduce a visa and residence permit cancellation process?

The approval of the possible cancellation of visas and residence permits in Canada is necessary to:

- Strengthen the border protection system - only those who meet the requirements can enter and stay in Canada.

- Protect public safety - allow immigration officers to act quickly when new information about a traveler becomes available.

- Prevent fraudulent applications and abuse of visa programs.

The main goal of the above innovations is to strengthen control over temporary residence in Canada, in particular the study permit system, as well as strengthen the country's border protection and optimize immigration processes.

How to protect yourself from sudden cancellation of permits in Canada?

Foreign nationals currently in Canada or planning to visit the country should consider the following factors to prevent possible cancellation of documents:

1. Stay up to date with immigration policies

Regularly check the IRCC website for changes in policies that apply to visa holders.

2. Check your documents

Always provide accurate information when applying for a visa or permit. Be sure to notify IRCC of changes such as marriage, employment, or criminal records.

3. Keep your documents in a safe place

If your passport or visa is lost or stolen, report it to the police and IRCC immediately.

4. Plan your visa and avoid overstaying

If your visa is about to expire, apply for an extension well in advance. You can also consider obtaining a residence permit, if your legal status allows.

5. If your visa or permit has been canceled, familiarize yourself with your rights

You have the right to receive information about the reason for the cancellation. Some decisions can be appealed if you made a mistake. Timely contact a lawyer will solve a large number of problems.

Order a consultation with a migration lawyer to understand the new rules for canceling visas and permits in Canada. Also, specialist support will be extremely necessary if you find yourself in a difficult situation abroad or when your migration documents have become invalid. We resolve simple and complex issues quickly and with care for the client.

Canada is improving its immigration policy, so expats need to be as careful as possible. Follow the latest news from the world of migration on the Visit World portal.

Reminder! Canada’s immigration and visa policies have undergone significant changes in recent months that could affect millions of visitors, students and foreign workers. We’ve already covered what’s important for expats planning to migrate to Canada in 2025 to know.