Canada has introduced six major regulatory changes to its asylum system under Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, which became law on March 26, 2026. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the reforms on June 19, 2026, aiming to streamline claims, reduce backlogs, and strengthen fairness.
Key Reforms Under Bill C-12
The six proposed regulations include: clarifying the application process with a 60-day document submission requirement and a one-time 30-day extension; setting government review timelines for security and admissibility checks before referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB); introducing a new pre-referral abandonment process to clear stalled claims; establishing clear rules for appointing designated representatives for minors and vulnerable claimants; providing faster work permit access for eligible claimants; and creating exceptions to ineligibility for unaccompanied minors and those who registered early intent online.
Drop in Asylum Claims
The announcement comes as asylum claims have dropped sharply, with 42% fewer claims between January and April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, and 63% fewer compared to 2024. The government hopes these measures will reduce the backlog of 298,200 pending asylum cases and average wait times of 25 months.
New Online Application System
The most significant change is the introduction of a single online application. Claimants will submit identity documents, basis of claim information, and declarations in one package directly to the minister, replacing the current multi-step process involving both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).
Stricter Timelines
Claimants now have 60 days to submit a complete application, with a possible 30-day extension. The government must finish pre-referral reviews within a set timeframe. After referral, claimants have 30 days to submit personal documents, with country condition evidence due 10 days before the hearing. This front-loaded approach aims to reduce delays.
Abandonment Rules
A new pre-referral abandonment process will allow the RPD to declare claims abandoned if required documents are not submitted or claimants fail to attend examinations. Claimants will still have the chance to provide missing information before a final decision.
Protections for Vulnerable Claimants
Designated representatives will be appointed earlier in the process for minors and those unable to understand proceedings, aiming to reduce delays and ensure accessibility.
Work Permit Access
Claimants will be able to access work permits sooner, helping them support themselves while awaiting decisions. This change addresses long wait times and reduces reliance on social services.
Exceptions to Ineligibility
Unaccompanied minors and claimants who registered early intent online will be exempt from new ineligibility rules introduced under Bill C-12.
RPD Rule Amendments
The Immigration and Refugee Board has also proposed changes: evidence must be submitted earlier (30 days post-referral), fax is eliminated as a communication method, and the Basis of Claim Form is replaced with "basis of claim information."
Public Consultation
The consultation period runs until July 20, 2026. Feedback can be submitted via the Canada Gazette website, email, or mail. Implementation is expected later in 2026. These reforms mark the most significant overhaul of Canada's asylum system in over a decade.
