Yes, but only if your eligibility, documents, or compliance change. In November 2025, IRCC introduced stricter rules for visitor visas, eTAs, study permits, and work permits. Officers can cancel a document immediately if someone becomes ineligible, submits incorrect information, or was approved by mistake. These changes replace vague guidelines with clear legal sections, making decisions faster, more consistent, and transparent.
With these updates in place, our team at IMM Consult is ready to guide you through the rules and help you stay fully compliant.
What Changed in IRCC’s 2025 Cancellation Rules?
IRCC replaced broad, unclear cancellation powers with specific, legally defined rules.
Previously, officers had flexibility but very little structure. Now, each document type, including visitor visas, eTAs, study permits, and work permits, has its own clear cancellation conditions, making decisions predictable and transparent.
Example: A business visitor who loses their overseas job and applies for a work permit extension in Canada but gets refused may have their original TRV cancelled.
Below, you’ll find how these rules apply to each category and the legal sections behind them.
Can My Visitor Visa Be Cancelled?
Yes, visitor visas can be cancelled under specific conditions. These cancellation rules are now clearly defined under IRCC’s updated legal sections 180.1 and 180.2.
IRCC can cancel a visitor visa if:
- There was an administrative or approval error
- You lose eligibility or become inadmissible after issuance
- You fail to leave Canada when required
- You submit false documents or misrepresent information
Automatic cancellations happen if:
- You become a permanent resident
- You lose the passport linked to the visa
- You pass away
Could My eTA Become Invalid?
An eTA can be cancelled or become invalid automatically. You can check the updated legal sections outlined in sections 12.07 and 12.08 under IRCC.
Officers can cancel an eTA if:
- You become criminally inadmissible
- Your passport becomes invalid
- The eTA was issued by mistake
Automatic voiding happens if you renew your passport but do not apply for a new eTA.
Example: A traveller with a valid eTA is later convicted of a serious crime, triggering immediate cancellation.
Are Study or Work Permits Subject to Cancellation?
Study and work permits can be cancelled if the rules aren’t met. These rules now fall under IRCC’s legal sections 222.7, 222.8 and updated legal sections 209.01 and 209.02.
IRCC can cancel a permit if:
- It was issued in error
- You no longer meet eligibility requirements
- Your college/university loses DLI compliance (for study permits)
- Your employer is non-compliant (for work permits)
Automatic cancellations happen if:
- You become a permanent resident
- You pass away
Example: A student enrolled at a college later removed from IRCC’s DLI list may have their study permit cancelled. A work permit tied to a non-compliant employer can also be revoked.
Are Special Policy Visas Protected From Cancellation?
Visas issued under temporary public policy waivers are protected.
- Temporary public policy waivers, often used for emergencies or humanitarian situations, cannot be revoked later simply because the approval was special.
Example: If you received a permit under a temporary emergency policy, it remains valid despite these updates.
How IMM Consult Can Help You Stay Compliant
At IMM Consult, we guide you through the IRCC 2025 updates and help you protect your visa, eTA, or permit. Our support includes:
- Checking eligibility before applying for visas or permits
- Ensuring your documents are valid and up to date
- Avoiding common mistakes that could trigger cancellations
- Understanding study and work permit requirements
- Guiding special policy approvals
- Keeping you informed about the latest IRCC updates and rule changes
With our guidance, you can navigate the new rules confidently and remain fully compliant.
IRCC’s 2025 update makes compliance more important than ever. Staying informed and following the rules helps protect your visa, eTA, or permit. At IMM Consult, we will guide you through every step to avoid cancellations.
