Canada grants immigration officers power to revoke Temporary Resident visas

Posted by admin Canadian Politics, Africa & World Politics, Headlines Friday, February 14th, 2025

By Ruth Nwokwu

Canada has introduced new regulations that empower immigration officers to revoke temporary resident documents, such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), temporary resident visas (TRVs), as well as work and study permits, in certain situations.

The changes, reported by Immigration News Canada (INC), are intended to improve border security and support the immigration system.

The amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) give immigration and border services officers greater authority to manage issues related to temporary resident status.

Hereunder are specific circumstances under which temporary resident documents can be cancelled under the new regulations:

1. Ineligibility or inadmissibility: If a person’s situation changes, such as providing false information or a criminal conviction.

2. Risk of overstay: If an officer believes that an individual might not leave Canada by the end of their authorised stay.

3. Document issues: If a document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.

4. Change in status: If someone becomes a permanent resident or has passed away.

5. Administrative errors: If a document was issued mistakenly.

The changes to the rules bring several new scenarios that may lead to visa cancellation including:

Criminal conviction: If an individual with a temporary resident visa is convicted of a crime that renders them inadmissible, their visas may be cancelled.

Non-eligible institution: If a study permit holder is found to be enrolled in an unrecognised or closed institution, their permit could be revoked.

Lost or stolen documents: In cases where a passport or visa is lost or stolen, the documents may be cancelled to prevent misuse.

Permanent residency: If a temporary resident becomes a permanent resident, their temporary documents will be cancelled as they transition to permanent status.

Clerical errors: Mistakes made in issuing documents can be corrected, including cancellations if necessary.

To avoid issues with their status under these new regulations, residents are advised to stay informed, maintain accuracy, document security, apply for extensions, and know their rights.

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