New Rules to Enhance Canada’s Border Security and Immigration Integrity

Canada’s immigration system just got an upgrade. As of January 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced changes to strengthen its authority over temporary resident documents like electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs). These updates aim to improve border security and ensure that only eligible individuals hold these documents.

What’s Changing?
The new regulations give immigration officers more power to cancel eTAs and TRVs on a case-by-case basis. This means an officer can revoke a document if:

• The holder’s status or circumstances have changed, making them ineligible. For instance, if someone provided false information, has a criminal record, or has passed away.
• There’s concern that the individual won’t leave Canada by the end of their permitted stay.
• The document has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.

Additional Cancellations
Beyond eTAs and TRVs, the updated rules also allow officers to cancel work permits and study permits in cases where:

• The individual has become a permanent resident.
• The document holder has passed away.
• The document was issued by mistake.

A Focus on Security and Integrity
These amendments, published in the Canada Gazette II, strengthen the integrity of Canada’s temporary residence programs. By clearly outlining when documents can be revoked, the government is better positioned to maintain control over who enters and stays in the country.

IRCC remains committed to investing in improved tools and processes to secure Canada’s borders and uphold the integrity of its immigration system.