Canada Tightens Cancellation Rules for Visas, eTAs, Study and Work Permits

On November 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released new rules explaining how officers can cancel visitor visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), study permits, and work permits.

Until now, there were no clear instructions on how to revoke temporary documents once issued. The new rules give immigration officers firm and transparent grounds to act when people no longer meet conditions, overstay, or provide false information.

Officials say the changes will strengthen Canada’s control over temporary residents and ensure fairness through consistent enforcement.

New Rules for Visitor Visas

Under the updated rules, officers can cancel a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for several reasons. These include administrative errors, criminal or medical inadmissibility, loss of eligibility, or security concerns.

For example, if someone loses their job abroad after receiving a visa or gets refused for another Canadian permit, officers can cancel their visa.

A TRV also ends automatically if the person becomes a permanent resident, loses their passport, or dies.

Cancellation of eTAs

The same approach now applies to electronic travel authorizations (eTAs). These are digital approvals needed by visa-exempt travellers.

Officers can cancel an eTA if a traveller becomes criminally inadmissible, loses eligibility under current rules, or if the eTA was issued by mistake.

An eTA automatically becomes invalid when the passport linked to it expires, is lost, or destroyed.

For instance, a traveller convicted of a serious offence abroad could see their eTA revoked. Similarly, if they renew their passport but forget to apply for a new eTA, the old one no longer works.

Study Permit Rules

Under new regulations, study permits can be cancelled if IRCC finds administrative errors or misrepresentation.

A study permit automatically ends if the student becomes a permanent resident or passes away.

For example, if a school loses its approval to host international students, IRCC can cancel permits issued under that institution. The same applies if forged documents or fake test scores were used in an application.

The department advises students to stay enrolled, avoid unauthorized work, and ensure their school remains eligible.

Work Permit Changes

Work permits face similar rules. IRCC officers can cancel them if a permit was issued in error or if the employer turns out to be ineligible.

If a worker becomes a permanent resident, the work permit automatically expires.

For instance, if a company loses its government authorization, any permits linked to that employer can be revoked.

Why These Changes Matter

The updated system brings clarity, consistency, and transparency. In the past, officers relied on general discretion, which often led to confusion. Now, the legal grounds are clearly defined under new regulation sections.

The new process also protects applicants by making cancellations predictable and open to judicial review.

IRCC says these changes are part of a wider effort to modernize the immigration system, prevent misuse, and ensure that only qualified individuals hold valid status in Canada.

Fairness and Accountability

A waiver clause ensures fairness. If IRCC granted a visa or permit under a humanitarian or public policy waiver, that same reason cannot later justify cancellation. This protects applicants approved under compassionate grounds.

By clearly outlining when a document can be cancelled, Canada sends a strong message that temporary status must be respected. The government continues to welcome newcomers but wants them to follow the conditions of their stay.