Bill C 12 Immigration Overhaul – How does this affect me?

Article By : Acme Immigrations

Bill C 12 plans to overhaul Canada’s immigration system with sweeping reforms not seen in decades, by giving executive powers to the Governor in Council to pause, cancel or suspend immigration applications and documents related to work permits, study permits and even permanent resident visas, should it be in the “public interest” to do so.

Bill C 12 received its third reading in the Senate on March 12, 2026, called “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures”. There are three pillars within the Act that will bring the changes –

Executive Powers of the Governor in Council 

The Governor in Council will be given executive powers to make decisions about immigration applications and documents. Specifically, the GIC can cease or pause or terminate the processing of immigration applications. They can also cancel or suspend immigration documents such as work permits, temporary resident visas, study permits and, in this case, even a permanent resident visa. Certain conditions can also be imposed on temporary residents in Canada, if it is deemed in the public interest to do so. It is unclear at time of writing what constitutes “public interest”, but if there is evidence of fraud or a security concern, this part of the Act may be triggered. The Minister is required to justify the use of these powers with reporting to Parliament, as Parliament is to provide a committee of oversight into these broad executive powers so that they are used responsibly.

Asylum System Reform 

The bill introduces two new streams of ineligibility in the Asylum system, and this part of the Act has received criticism from some human rights groups, including the UN Commissioner of Human Rights and Amnesty International

1) Claimant crossed the US Border – Applicants who have recently crossed the US border at a non-port of entry, must apply for asylum within 14 days of arrival or will be rendered ineligible to apply

2) Claimant didn’t apply within one year of arrival – Applicants who have been in Canada for more than one year will no longer be able to apply for asylum (post one-year claimants).

Access to a referral to the Immigration Refugee Board of Canada will be denied for these two groups of individuals. Human rights organizations have advocated that the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights guarantees unfettered access to the asylum system of any signatory country without restrictions. In this part, Canada has received criticism for these particular measures. The two new streams of ineligibility for asylum would be retroactive to June 3, 2025 which is the date the Bill was first introduced to Parliament.

It is important to note that applicants for asylum may still apply for a Pre-removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) which still gives them access to the asylum system and allows them to make a claim for protection under the Act.

You are advised to make your claim for asylum as soon as possible, and to not delay the process despite your circumstances. It is advisable to act right away, as it is in your best interest with the changes coming into force.

Personal information sharing

Bill C 12 will also give IRCC the ability to share personal information with other government bodies both within Canada and abroad. This measure will only pertain to temporary residents and will not include permanent residents. For example, IRCC could share your personal information with the RCMP who could in turn share the information with international security agencies such as Interpol. Information such as identities, status documents could be shared for the purposes of public safety and security under the direction of the Minister. Again, these measures do not affect Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

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