New rules to strengthen temporary resident document cancellations, and border security and integrity

Ottawa, February 12, 2025—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to strengthen authorities to cancel temporary resident documents.

These changes give immigration and border services officers explicit authority to cancel electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs) on a case-by-case basis, including when

• a change in a person’s status or circumstances makes them inadmissible or no longer eligible to hold the document (for example, the person provided false information, has a criminal history or is deceased)
• an officer is not satisfied that someone will leave Canada by the end of their authorized period of stay
• the document is lost, stolen, destroyed or abandoned

The changes also enable officers to cancel TRVs, eTAs, work permits and study permits issued to people when

• they become a permanent resident
• they are deceased, or
• the document was issued based on an administrative error

The amended regulations came into force on January 31, 2025, and are published in the Canada Gazette II. These changes enhance the integrity of Canada’s temporary residence programs and are expected to strengthen security at the border and within Canada.

IRCC will continue to improve processes and invest in tools to secure our borders and protect Canada’s immigration system.