Bill C-12 became a law recently which is going to be Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. This law received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026, and the federal government says it changes Canada’s immigration and asylum system in four main areas: new asylum eligibility rules, a more streamlined asylum process, expanded domestic information sharing, and broader authority over immigration documents and applications.
For many people, these changes are not just technical updates. They may directly affect whether an asylum claim can go forward, how quickly a case moves, what information may be shared between government bodies, and how certain immigration documents or application streams may be managed in public interest.
One of the most important changes is the introduction of two new asylum eligibility rules that apply to claims made on or after June 3, 2025.
– The first is the one-year rule: if a person makes an asylum claim more than one year after their first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, the claim will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board, even if that person later left and re-entered Canada.
– The second applies to people who entered Canada between ports of entry along the Canada-US land border: if they make a claim more than 14 days after entry, that claim also will not be referred to the Board.
The government says these rules are meant to reduce pressure on the asylum system, close loopholes, and discourage the use of refugee claims as a substitute for regular immigration pathways. At the same time, IRCC states that people affected by these new eligibility bars may still have access to a pre-removal risk assessment, and officers will be guided to consider the circumstances of unaccompanied minors. The government has also said there is no change to the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement.
Bill C-12 also points to a more modernized asylum process. According to IRCC, upcoming regulatory changes are expected to simplify the online process, reduce duplicate forms and questions, and ensure that only complete, “schedule-ready” claims are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board. The government also says the system will focus on deciding claims only while the claimant is physically in Canada, removing inactive files, and speeding up departures where claims are withdrawn.
Another important part of the new law is domestic information sharing. IRCC now has clearer legal authority to share certain personal information within the department and with federal, provincial, and territorial partners through written agreements. According to the government, this is intended to improve consistency and service delivery, while still requiring safeguards such as privacy impact assessments and limits on when information can be disclosed.
The law also gives the government broader powers over immigration documents and related applications, including visas, electronic travel authorizations, work permits, and study permits. In certain public-interest situations, the government may cancel, suspend, or change groups of documents, pause intake, or suspend or cancel application processing. IRCC says these powers are meant for situations involving issues such as fraud, administrative error, public health, safety, or national security, and that they require approval by the Governor in Council, publication in the Canada Gazette, and reporting to Parliament.
For individuals and families, the main takeaway is simple: timing, accuracy, and legal strategy matter more than ever. A delay in making a claim, a misunderstanding about eligibility, or an issue in a temporary resident file could now have more serious consequences than before. That is why it is important to get advice early and understand how these new rules may apply to your specific situation.
At A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation, we help clients understand legal changes in practical terms. We can assess whether the new asylum eligibility rules may affect your case, advise on refugee claim strategy and deadlines, review your immigration history for risk issues, and assist with related applications such as pre-removal risk assessments where available. We also help temporary residents, workers, students, and families understand how broader policy changes may affect pending applications or future plans.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Sources used
IRCC backgrounder: New immigration and asylum measures from Bill C-12 (the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act) have become law — March 26, 2026.
Parliament of Canada, LEGISinfo: Bill C-12 (45-1), confirming the bill title and parliamentary status.
Government of Canada overview: Understanding the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act.
IRCC committee material: CIMM – Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act – October 21, 2025
