Canada Proposes New Asylum Regulations to Streamline Processing and Improve Decision Times

Key Point  

• Canada introduced proposed regulatory changes aimed at improving the efficiency, clarity and timeliness of its asylum system. 

New Asylum Regulations 

The government of Canada has proposed updates to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to modernize the asylum process and support faster, more predictable decision-making. 

Clearer Application Requirements and Timelines 

The proposed changes would establish defined requirements for asylum applications, including required documentation and submission timelines. Claimants would generally have 60 days to submit a complete application, with a one-time extension available. 

Defined Government Review Timelines 

The regulations would set timelines for key government review steps—such as security, admissibility and integrity checks—before officials refer claims for hearings. This will ensure cases are fully prepared and reduce delays in the hearing process.

Clarified Processes for Claim Status Changes 

Proposed updates would formalize procedures to reinstate withdrawn claims and continue claims deemed not abandoned. These changes aim to improve consistency and help manage unused or inactive cases.

Faster Access to Work Authorization 

Eligible asylum claimants may obtain work permits sooner after submitting a complete application, allowing them to enter the labor market more quickly while awaiting decisions. 

Safe Third Country Agreement Clarifications 

The proposed regulations maintain existing practices under the Safe Third Country Agreement while clarifying how eligibility timelines are calculated for online applications. 

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