# Ontario cuts social assistance to temporary visa holders 2026-08-14T10:56:30+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Ontario’s government has cut off social assistance to people living in Canada on temporary visas, including international students and work permit holders. The new rules also bar those living illegally in the country. Minister Michael Parsa announced the change on Thursday, saying it protects taxpayer money and ensures programmes support only people legally authorised to live in Canada. The decision follows a National Post report that an Ontario tribunal allowed a person who had overstayed a work permit since 1997 to claim benefits. Premier Doug Ford had vowed to close the loophole. The amended regulations take effect immediately and cover anyone authorised to stay only temporarily, such as visitors and tourists. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: Canada, Immigration, international students, Ontario, social assistance, temporary visas Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ontario-cuts-social-assistance-to-temporary-visa-holders/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ontario-cuts-social-assistance-to-temporary-visa-holders/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.