Canada Grants Immigration Officers Power To Revoke Temporary Resident Visas
Canada has introduced new regulations empowering immigration officers to revoke temporary resident documents, including 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 designed to enhance border security and streamline the immigration system.
The amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) grant immigration and border services officers expanded authority to manage various issues related to temporary resident status.
Under the new regulations, temporary resident documents can be canceled under the following specific circumstances:
- Ineligibility or Inadmissibility: If an individual provides false information or is convicted of a crime, making them inadmissible to Canada.
- Risk of Overstay: If an immigration officer believes that the individual might not leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.
- Document Issues: If the document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.
- Change in Status: If an individual becomes a permanent resident or passes away.
- Administrative Errors: If a document was issued in error.
Additional scenarios where temporary resident documents may be canceled include:
- Criminal Conviction: If an individual with a temporary resident visa is convicted of a crime that makes them inadmissible to Canada, their visa may be revoked.
- Non-Eligible Institution: If a study permit holder is enrolled in an institution that is not recognized or has been closed, their study permit may be canceled.
- Lost or Stolen Documents: If documents such as a passport or visa are lost or stolen, they may be canceled to prevent misuse.
- Permanent Residency: When a temporary resident becomes a permanent resident, their temporary resident documents will be revoked as they transition to permanent status.
- Clerical Errors: If there are mistakes made in issuing documents, they can be corrected, and cancellations may occur as needed.
To avoid issues with their status under these new regulations, residents are encouraged to stay informed, ensure document security, apply for extensions where necessary, and know their rights.
