New Canada Visa Cancellation Rules 2025

The Canadian government has introduced binding regulatory amendments that clarify circumstances under which a temporary resident visa may be cancelled, even after it has been granted.

These New Canada Immigration Regulations enhance compliance procedures and apply to anyone holding a Study Permit, Work Permit, Visitor Visa or eTA, both new and present.

Take the necessary steps to protect your status. Here are the overall takeaways from IRCC's updated guidance:

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IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS: Who is affected by the new cancellation policy?

IRCC`s policy now sets out specific and structured authority to IRCC officers to cancel temporary resident documents for specified reasons that create greater consequences for any violation of the terms, conditions and eligibility factors.

• Study Permits (SP)s – must maintain an active status with a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
• Work Permits (WPs) – must maintain the conditions of employment/permit
• Visitor Visas (TRVs) – grounds for cancellation is much clearer, especially for intent to depart; and
• eTAs (Electronic Travel Authorizations) – may also be cancelled for inadmissibility/eligibility.

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Grounds for Cancellation: What Puts Your Visa at Risk?

1. Rules for Cancelling a Study Permit (SP)

The authority to cancel is clear under IRPR 222.7. Cancellation can be triggered by:

• Administrative Error: The permit was issued in error (e.g., failed to notice documents were missing, or the DLI was not eligible).
• Non-compliance: This is not specifically noted as a provision to cancel, but a change of enrollment status, engaging in unauthorized work or institution validity could result in review under the existing rules for compliance.

2. Rules for Cancelling a Work Permit (WP):

Cancellation authority is explicit under IRPR 209.01. Cancellation of the permit is primarily applicable:

• Administrative Error: If the permit was issued because of the error of the IRCC officer, approving the WP application, e.g., he failed to validate a valid LMIA or eligibility of the employer.

3. Rules for Cancelling a Visitor Visa (TRV):

The TRV can be cancelled under IRPR 180.1 and 180.2 based on:

• Inadmissibility: If the TTVC holder is medically or criminally inadmissible after the visa has been issued.
• Failing to meet the eligibility: If the holder does not meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., ceases their employment that they relied on to visit).
• Later Refusal: If the holder is later refused an eTA or any other student or work permit, the TRV may be cancelled.
• Failure to Leave Canada: If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the visitor will not leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

4. eTA Termination Reasons

The termination causes referenced in 12.07 refer to:

• Inadmissibility/Ineligibility: A traveler may be inadmissible as a result of getting a new criminal record or if the traveler is no longer in possession of a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
• Administrative Error: There may have been an error issuing the eTA (i.e. system error or incorrect passport information).

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Automatic Cancellations of Significance ("By Operation of Law")

The following conditions cancel eTAs, TRVs, Work and Study permits automatically (this means the IRCC does not need to issue a manual decision).

• The holder becomes a Permanent Resident (PR);
• The holder dies;
• The holder has lost, destroyed or abandoned the passport that the eTA and TRV was issued based on (TRV and eTA).

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SIEC Action Point: Safeguard Your Status

This announcement now emphasizes strict adherence to all conditions on their permit.

Do Not Take the Chance on Misinformation: The consequence is now far more explicit and quicker.

Keep Your Status: Students must maintain their status by remaining in class and workers must ensure their employer continues to be compliant.

Seek advice: If your travel intent, study plan or job in Canada are affected, always consult an immigration practitioner prior to taking action.

Connect with SIEC today to discuss the existing or planned application so you ensure compliance with the Canada Visa Updates 2025.

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Conclusion

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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