On March 26, 2026, Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received royal assent and became law. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new law changes Canada’s immigration and asylum system in four main areas: asylum claim eligibility, asylum processing, domestic information sharing, and government authority over immigration documents and related applications. (Canada)
New Rules for Some Asylum Claims
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of two new ineligibility rules for refugee claims made on or after June 3, 2025. First, a claim will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) if it is made more than one year after the person’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, even if that person later left Canada and returned. Second, a claim will not be referred to the IRB if the person entered Canada from the United States between ports of entry and made the claim more than 14 days after entering. IRCC states that individuals affected by these new rules may still have access to a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA). (Canada)
It is also important to be precise about what Bill C-12 does not change. IRCC has stated that there is no change to the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement under these measures. People who make a claim at a port of entry along the Canada–US land border, or within 14 days of an irregular entry, continue to be subject to the existing rules unless they qualify for an exception or exemption. (Canada)
Changes to the Asylum Process
Bill C-12 also supports a more structured asylum process. IRCC says the government will update the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations over the coming months to simplify the online claim process, reduce duplicate questions and forms, and refer only complete and “schedule-ready” claims to the IRB. The changes also aim to ensure that the IRB decides claims only while the claimant is physically present in Canada, remove inactive cases from the system, and make removal orders effective on the same day a claim is withdrawn in order to speed up voluntary departures. The legislation also clarifies support for vulnerable claimants, including minors and individuals who do not understand the process, through the appointment of representatives in certain proceedings. (Canada)
Expanded Domestic Information Sharing
Another major change is information sharing. IRCC now has clear legal authority to share certain personal information within the department and with federal, provincial, and territorial partners through written agreements. Government sources state that this information is limited to matters such as identity, immigration or citizenship status, and the status or contents of documents issued by IRCC. The Justice Canada Charter Statement also notes that disclosures outside IRCC are subject to written agreements and that provinces and provincial Crown corporations are restricted from further sharing that information with foreign entities unless specific legal conditions are met. (Canada)
Authority Over Immigration Documents and Applications
Bill C-12 also gives the government broader authority to manage immigration documents such as visas, electronic travel authorizations, and work and study permits. In the public interest, the government may now cancel, suspend, or vary groups of documents, pause intake of new applications, or cancel or suspend processing. IRCC states that these powers require approval by the Governor in Council through an order in council, must be published, and do not apply to asylum claims or directly change a person’s immigration status. (Canada)
Conclusion
Bill C-12 introduces important legal changes to Canada’s immigration and asylum framework. The most immediate effects include new refugee-claim ineligibility rules, a revised asylum processing model, expanded domestic information-sharing authority, and new powers over immigration documents and related applications. Because these changes are now law and some operational details will continue to develop through regulations and implementation guidance, applicants should pay close attention to how the new rules may affect their circumstances. (Canada)
Contact Information
If you have questions about how Bill C-12 may affect your immigration matter, Jain Immigration Law can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Jain Immigration Law
📞 Phone: (416) 123-4567
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com
Disclosure
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration outcomes depend on the facts of each case and the current state of the law and policy.