Canada Introduces Bill C‑12 Immigration and Asylum

Key Point  

• Canada announced that Bill C‑12 is now law, bringing significant updates to immigration processing, asylum eligibility rules and government authorities. 

Bill C-12 Immigration and Asylum  

Canada announced that Bill C‑12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, has received Royal Assent and is now law.  

The legislation introduces significant changes to Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, including new authorities and eligibility rules that take effect. 

New Bill C-12 Eligibility Requirements for Asylum Claims 

Two new ineligibility rules now apply to all claims made on or after June 3, 2025:

• Officials will not refer claims filed more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada (after June 24, 2020) to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
• They will also not refer claims from individuals who entered Canada between ports of entry along the Canada–U.S. land border and apply 14 days or more after entry.

The government states that these changes aim to reduce pressure on the asylum system, close loopholes, and deter people from using asylum as a shortcut to regular immigration pathways.

Individuals found ineligible may still access a pre‑removal risk assessment (PRRA) to prevent removal to a country where they may face persecution or harm. 

Modernized Asylum Processing 

Domestic Information Sharing 

The new law expands information‑sharing authorities between immigration officials and other government entities to support program integrity and decision‑making.  

Immigration Document and Application Authorities Under Bill C-12 

Bill C‑12 grants the government broader authority over immigration documents and applications, including the ability to: 

• suspend or terminate processing of applications 
• suspend, cancel or vary immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, visas and permanent resident visas 

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