Canada has introduced new immigration and asylum measures after Bill C-12 received royal assent on March 26, 2026. The law aims to strengthen the country’s immigration system, improve processing, and address rising pressure on asylum claims.
The new law brings changes across four areas, including stricter eligibility rules for asylum seekers, a revised claims process, expanded information-sharing powers, and new authority over immigration documents and applications.
Stricter asylum eligibility rules
Under the new rules, asylum claims made more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. This applies even if the person has left and re-entered the country.
Claims made by individuals who cross into Canada between official ports of entry along the Canada–US land border and file after 14 days will also not be referred to the board.
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The government said these measures will reduce pressure on the system, close loopholes, and discourage misuse of asylum pathways.
At the same time, affected individuals will still have access to a pre-removal risk assessment to ensure they are not returned to countries where they may face persecution, torture or harm. Special guidance will also apply to unaccompanied minors.
There is no change to the Safe Third Country Agreement. People making claims at official entry points or within 14 days of irregular entry will continue to be returned to the United States unless they qualify for an exemption.
Faster processing, more government control
Canada will also update its asylum process in the coming months to improve efficiency. The changes will simplify online applications, remove duplicate steps, and ensure only complete claims are sent for review.
Authorities will process claims only if the applicant is physically present in Canada. If a person returns voluntarily to their home country before a decision, their claim will be treated as abandoned.
The system will also remove inactive cases and allow faster voluntary departures by making removal orders effective on the same day a claim is withdrawn. Vulnerable individuals, including minors, may be assigned representatives to assist them.
The law also allows the government to share immigration-related information within departments and with federal, provincial, and territorial partners under strict safeguards.
In addition, the government now has powers to cancel, suspend, or change groups of immigration documents, including visas and permits, in the public interest. These decisions must be approved by the Governor in Council and reported to Parliament.
Officials state that the new measures will help Canada manage its immigration system more efficiently while maintaining fairness and security.
The new law brings changes across four areas, including stricter eligibility rules for asylum seekers, a revised claims process, expanded information-sharing powers, and new authority over immigration documents and applications.
Stricter asylum eligibility rules
Under the new rules, asylum claims made more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. This applies even if the person has left and re-entered the country.Claims made by individuals who cross into Canada between official ports of entry along the Canada–US land border and file after 14 days will also not be referred to the board.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The government said these measures will reduce pressure on the system, close loopholes, and discourage misuse of asylum pathways.
At the same time, affected individuals will still have access to a pre-removal risk assessment to ensure they are not returned to countries where they may face persecution, torture or harm. Special guidance will also apply to unaccompanied minors.
There is no change to the Safe Third Country Agreement. People making claims at official entry points or within 14 days of irregular entry will continue to be returned to the United States unless they qualify for an exemption.
Faster processing, more government control
Canada will also update its asylum process in the coming months to improve efficiency. The changes will simplify online applications, remove duplicate steps, and ensure only complete claims are sent for review.Authorities will process claims only if the applicant is physically present in Canada. If a person returns voluntarily to their home country before a decision, their claim will be treated as abandoned.
The system will also remove inactive cases and allow faster voluntary departures by making removal orders effective on the same day a claim is withdrawn. Vulnerable individuals, including minors, may be assigned representatives to assist them.
The law also allows the government to share immigration-related information within departments and with federal, provincial, and territorial partners under strict safeguards.
In addition, the government now has powers to cancel, suspend, or change groups of immigration documents, including visas and permits, in the public interest. These decisions must be approved by the Governor in Council and reported to Parliament.
Officials state that the new measures will help Canada manage its immigration system more efficiently while maintaining fairness and security.
