Bill C-12, also known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received royal assent on March 26, 2026, enacting significant changes to Canada's immigration and asylum systems. The legislation focuses on four key areas: new eligibility requirements for asylum claims, a modernized asylum process, domestic information sharing, and immigration document and application authorities.
Two new eligibility requirements for asylum claims are now in effect for claims made on or after June 3, 2025. 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 (IRB). Similarly, asylum claims from individuals entering Canada between ports of entry along the Canada–US land border made after 14 days of arrival will also not be referred to the IRB. These measures intend to reduce pressure on the asylum system, deter irregular border crossings, and prevent asylum claims from being used as a shortcut to regular immigration pathways. Individuals affected by these rules will still have access to a pre-removal risk assessment.
The legislation also grants the government new powers to manage immigration documents, allowing it to cancel, suspend, or change immigration documents, pause application intake, or suspend application processing when deemed in the public interest. Furthermore, Bill C-12 enables the sharing of personal information within the immigration department and with other domestic government partners, with built-in safeguards to protect applicants' privacy and Charter rights.
While proponents say Bill C-12 will strengthen border security and streamline the immigration system, some critics argue the bill weakens refugee protections and may violate international human rights law. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for arbitrary decisions due to the broad powers granted to the government.
