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Canada’s immigration and asylum systems are set for significant change after Parliament passed Bill C‑12, legislation the federal government says will make the system more efficient, more secure and better able to respond to sudden pressures. The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act received royal assent on March 26, 2026, introducing new rules that affect asylum eligibility, claim processing, information‑sharing and the management of immigration documents.
The changes come at a time when Canada continues to face high demand for refugee protection, rising numbers of temporary residents and growing pressure on border and processing systems. Federal officials say the new law is designed to close loopholes, reduce backlogs and ensure the asylum system remains available to people who genuinely need protection.
The most immediate changes affect who can make an asylum claim in Canada. Two new eligibility rules will apply to all claims made on or after June 3, 2025. Under the first rule, people who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, will no longer be able to file an asylum claim more than one year after their first arrival. The government says the measure is intended to prevent people from living in Canada for extended periods without status and then turning to the asylum system as a last resort.
The second rule targets irregular crossings along the Canada–U.S. land border. Anyone who enters between official ports of entry and waits more than 14 days to make a claim will be deemed ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Federal officials say both measures are meant to reduce pressure on the asylum system and discourage people from using it as a shortcut to regular immigration pathways. Critics have warned the changes could affect vulnerable people who may not understand the system or who fear coming forward, but the government says officers will receive guidance to consider the circumstances of unaccompanied minors.
People found ineligible under the new rules will still have access to a pre‑removal risk assessment, a process designed to ensure Canada does not return someone to a country where they face persecution, torture or other serious harm. The Safe Third Country Agreement remains unchanged. People who make a claim at an official Canada–U.S. border crossing—or within 14 days of irregular entry—continue to be returned to the United States unless they qualify for an exemption.
Beyond eligibility, Bill C‑12 introduces a series of regulatory changes aimed at speeding up how claims are received and decided. The government plans to simplify the online application process, reducing duplicate questions and eliminating the need for multiple forms. Only complete, “schedule‑ready” claims will be referred to the IRB, a shift officials say will help reduce delays and allow the Board to focus on cases that are ready to proceed.
The IRB will also decide claims only while the claimant is physically in Canada. If someone voluntarily returns to their home country before a decision is made, their claim will be considered abandoned. The government says the change prevents people from leaving Canada while still expecting a decision on their case. Inactive files will be removed from the system, and removal orders will take effect immediately when a claimant withdraws their case, speeding up voluntary departures. The law also strengthens protections for vulnerable claimants. Minors and people who struggle to understand the process may be assigned a representative to help them navigate proceedings with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Bill C‑12 also gives IRCC clearer authority to share certain personal information with other federal, provincial and territorial partners. The government says the changes will improve service delivery, reduce fraud and make it easier to coordinate programs across jurisdictions. Under the new rules, IRCC can share identity information, immigration status and IRCC‑issued documents with other government bodies through written agreements. The department can also use information from one immigration program to support another—for example, using permanent residence data to process citizenship applications.
The law includes safeguards to protect privacy and Charter rights. Information can only be shared with partners that are legally permitted to collect it and have written agreements in place. Provinces and territories cannot share the information with foreign governments unless IRCC gives written permission and the disclosure complies with Canada’s international obligations. Within IRCC, any new use of personal information requires a privacy impact assessment outlining what can be shared, why it is needed and what limits apply.
The final major component of Bill C‑12 gives the federal government new powers to manage immigration documents—such as visas, work permits and study permits—and the applications associated with them. In situations deemed to be in the public interest, IRCC may cancel, suspend or modify a large group of immigration documents, pause the intake of new applications or halt the processing of certain files. Public interest grounds include fraud, administrative errors or concerns related to public health, safety or national security.
These decisions cannot be made by a single minister. Each action requires approval by the Governor in Council through an order recommended by Cabinet. All decisions must be published in the Canada Gazette and reported to Parliament. The law also allows the government to create regulations enabling officers to take similar actions on a case‑by‑case basis, such as reviewing document holders outside Canada to confirm they remain eligible. The new authorities do not affect asylum claims and do not give the government power to grant, change or revoke permanent resident or temporary resident status.
Federal officials say the changes introduced through Bill C‑12 are intended to make Canada’s immigration and asylum systems more sustainable at a time of rising demand. The government has faced mounting pressure to address backlogs, improve processing times and ensure the system remains fair and accessible. Supporters say the law will help Canada respond more quickly to emergencies, reduce strain on the asylum system and strengthen program integrity. Critics argue the new eligibility rules could leave some vulnerable people without access to a full refugee hearing. As the changes roll out over the coming months, the government says it will continue updating regulations and providing guidance to officers, with the goal of creating a system that is faster, more predictable and better equipped to handle future challenges.
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