Ottawa: Canada is considering granting its immigration department new powers to cancel temporary visas collectively amid rising fraud and asylum claims. This is aimed particularly at applicants from India and Bangladesh, CBC News reported.
Internal documents reviewed by CBC News reveal that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are seeking authority to revoke temporary resident visas (TRVs) collectively — instead of handling such matters case by case — if significant evidence of misuse or fraud is detected.
The report said the proposal would allow Canada to "cancel, on a group basis", visas issued under specific circumstances, such as in the event of fraud, war, or a health crisis, giving the immigration minister the legal power to act swiftly.
According to the report, the discussions have taken place amid a surge in asylum claims from Indian nationals and growing scrutiny of the temporary visa system. Officials reportedly cited difficulties in verifying the authenticity of documents and the rising number of fraudulent applications.
Last year, over 20,245 asylum claims were filed by international students. The countries with the most asylum claims filed by students were India and Nigeria, according to federal immigration data obtained by Global News. Asylum claims from Indian nationals increased from fewer than 500 a month in May 2023 to about 2,000 by July 2024, CBS reported.
| Nearly three out of every four Indian applications for student permits to Canadian post-secondary institutions were rejected in August this year — a sharp rise from just 32% a year ago, Reuters reported, citing government data. Figures from Canada’s immigration department show that about 74% of Indian applicants were denied study permits in August 2025, compared to 32% in August 2023. |
