Canada’s immigration authorities seek sweeping powers to cancel visas in bulk amid fraud concerns. Internal documents reveal plans to target applicants from “country-specific challenges” including India.
What’s the Plan?
- According to a recent report, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are seeking legislative backing to revoke or cancel groups of temporary visas, study permits, work permits and other authorisations en masse when fraud or misuse is detected.
- The internal presentation cited by media lists India and Bangladesh as “country-specific challenges” in a fraud-prevention context.
- The legislation referenced is Bill C-2 (and its offshoots like C-12), which would give Canadian border bodies greater discretion to act on cohorts of visa holders rather than only individual cases.
Why Indian Nationals Are Deeply Affected
- Indian nationals form one of the largest groups of international students, temporary workers and visitors in Canada — more than 4.2 lakh students alone.
- The proposed powers raise concerns that beyond individual merit, visa holders from India might face tighter scrutiny, mass cancellations, and uncertainty over status.
- For many Indian students/workers, sudden cancellations would mean stranded studies/jobs, financial losses and unexpected return to India.
Key Implications & Risks
- Visa Stability at Risk: The ability to cancel in bulk means even those with valid paperwork might face sudden revocation if their cohort is identified as high-risk.
- Financial & Academic Disruption: Students and workers make significant investments in Canada — tuition, living costs, relocation — and cancellation might result in major losses.
- Diplomatic Strain: The singling-out of India in Canadian documents adds another layer to bilateral tensions over immigration and diaspora issues.
- Alternative Pathways Impacted: Those planning permanent residence or job transitions may see pathways narrowed as temporary statuses become more volatile.
What Canadians and Indians Should Watch
- Indian applicants or holders of Canadian study/work visas should stay current with documentation, ensure compliance with study/work rules, and be prepared for sudden policy changes.
- Universities and employers in Canada will likely increase audits of attendance, work-hours and financial backings for Indian nationals.
- Monitor legislative progress: whether Bill C-2 / C-12 pass in Parliament and exactly how the cancellation powers are framed.
- Seek counsel or legal advice if you hold a visa-category affected by the broader reforms (temporary resident visas, study/work permits, etc.).
