The changes coming into effect will directly impact temporary foreign workers, permanent residence applicants, asylum seekers and passport holders. This month will see a major federal law take force, the opening up of a new massive program for permanent residence, and tighter rules around asylum eligibility. There will be sweeping fee increases, extension of humanitarian measures for Ukrainians, and new rural community foreign worker increases all at the same time. These changes are a reset to how Canada will select new immigrants, including the temporary residence classes. With the advent of additional delegated powers to the provinces, processing times will shift and wait times will hopefully decrease.

We are breaking down the changes for you, and helping you navigate the process for Canada

Bill C-12 becomes law and reshapes Canada’s immigration system

The largest change that we saw this month is called Bill C-12, “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act”. The Act received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026, allowing the Canadian Government to make sweeping changes quickly to the Canadian immigration system. Firstly, it revamped eligibility rules for asylum seekers, that apply retroactively to anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020. Anyone who waits more than one year to complete their claim will not have their case referred to the Immigration Refugee Board of Canada. Secondly, irregular arrivals along the US border will not be able to make a claim if 14 days have passed since arriving at a non-port-of-entry crossing. Bill C-12 also gives the Canadian Government new authorities to share personal information between their own departments, and as well if special permission is given, to share information with foreign governments. IRCC and the CBSA will be able to cross check information that was normally more difficult to obtain prior to the passing of the Act. The new Act also gives broad powers of authority to cancel, suspend, or pause immigration documents, including permanent resident visas, in situations where the public interest is at stake. There are some safeguards in place in order to use these new powers, as the Government will have to get Cabinet approval and publish any changes/amendments in the Canada Gazette publication. Asylum seekers are already receiving procedural fairness letters and as their claims are now deemed to be ineligible.

TR to PR Pathway for 33,000 Temporary residents

This new pathway is expected to go public this month, April 2026 and the new portal is expected to open no later than May 15, 2026. This pathway will grant permanent residency to 33,000 temporary foreign workers over the next two years. Minister Metlege Diab already confirmed that the program has been “soft launched”, she said in an interview on March 6, 2026. Full criteria and program specific details however have not been made public at the time of writing. We have been told that operational guidelines will be made available in April, and that the target applicants will be people who are working in sectors that are facing shortages, rural areas, and as well healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and essential services. This program operates separately from Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs, making it a unique offering from the Government of Canada. Applicants should begin to prepare their documents, including but not limited to, a valid work permit, language test results, educational credential assessments, employment records for 1 year of work in Canada, including T4 slips, pay stubs and community ties, so that they are ready to go when the portal for new applications opens.

New Passport fees increase, with a guarantee

Canadian citizens will now be paying more for their passports through Service Canada. New passport fees took effect on March 31, 2026. This is the first increase in passport fees not seen in 13 years, ending a long freeze on fees. The fee reflects inflation and rising costs associated with producing travel documents according to the Department. Starting in 2026, there will be regular fee increases, and a guarantee that your passport will be processed in no more than 30 days or you are entitled to a full refund. The refund is automatic if the processing center takes longer than 30 days to process your travel documents.

Permanent residence fees are also increasing 

The Canadian government officially confirmed that PR fees will increase across every PR category starting April 30, 2026. The updated fee schedule is posted on IRCC’s webpage and applies to all applications submitted on or after that date. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is going up from $575 to $600. You must prepare to pay this amount when it is requested, not when you applied. Many people defer this fee until later in the processing of their application. Those individuals and families will be subject potentially to the increase and must make sure they pay the right amount, or face processing delays and in the worst case scenario a refusal if the proper fees are not received by IRCC. Anyone submitting a PR application should look at upcoming fee structures prior to submitting their application.

Citizenship Application Fee Increases

The Government of Canada has decided to also increase the fees for Citizenship applications. Effective March 31, 2026, the Right of Citizenship fee goes from $119.75 to $123.00 for adult applicants. All applicants who submit their citizenship applications after March 31st are subject to increase. If you mailed your Citizenship application, as long as it was sent prior to March 31st, it will be accepted and put into processing. If there is a shortfall, IRCC will get in touch with you in order to request a new fee payment and will refund the other fee payment for you. This change will directly affect many permanent residents in Canada and outside Canada who wish to become citizens. It’s important to check for any updates on fee structures prior to sending any application to IRCC.

Super Visa Income Rules Become More Flexible 

Families hoping to obtain a supervisa for their parents or grandparents to visit them in Canada have more flexibility with showing income to support the visit in two ways. Effective March 31, the sponsor child and their cosigner can qualify by submitting two taxation years instead of the year prior to the application filing. Previously, IRCC would only assess the visa on the most recent taxation year only, and no other previously earned income was taken into consideration. The second change is allowing income from the parent/grandparent to be able to meet household income thresholds, and to make up for any shortfalls in the calculations. Prior to this change, families in Canada had to stand on their own to meet income thresholds without any additional outside help from their family members. This measure is a welcome relief for families affected by career changes, parental leave or small business fluctuations, because they can now still qualify and reunite their families.

Provinces and Territories Gain More Power Over Nominee Assessments  

Ottawa has delegated more authority to the provinces in assessing their permanent residency files, effective March 20, 2026. Prior to this change, IRCC officers would conduct independent evaluations of the provincial nominated candidates, including intent to reside, and whether or not the applicants were able to economically establish themselves in Canada. Under the new rules, the assessments are now the responsibility of Provincial officers. However, if IRCC has a concern with a particular file, they are allowed to consult the province where the applicant intends to reside. IRCC officers have 60-90 days to contact the province and to have their concerns addressed. The province however, retains the right to either maintain the nomination certificate or to revoke it, as it is no longer under the authority of IRCC. Provinces will be implementing changes as needed, in order to ensure that the assessments are completed properly. But it is expected that this change will lead to faster processing times for the Provincial Nominee Programs nationwide.

Canada Extends Work Permit Measures for Ukrainians Until 2027

The Minister, Metlege Diab, announced on March 31, 2026 that Ukrainians who originally arrived under the Canada Ukraine Emergency Travel measures and subsequent measures, will have the ability to extend their work permits for one year. The deadline has been extended to March 31, 2027. They are permitted only one work permit extension which can be issued for up to three years. Eligible applicants must have arrived by March 31, 2024 and must have valid temporary status at the time of the application. Those who wish to extend their stay by visitor or study permit can also do so under the new measure. This measure is expected to help nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their families fleeing violence in the Ukraine.

Settlement Services for Economic Immigrants Now Subject to Limitations 

Beginning April 1, 2026, the economic class of permanent residents will be subject to restrictions in accessing immigrant settlement services nationwide. They will be able to avail of settlement services assistance for a maximum of 6 years after becoming a permanent resident. It is important that permanent residents understand that the change is effective immediately but is also retroactive. If you landed four years ago, you now only have two years left to avail of immigrant settlement services before your access to this assistance is cut-off. Please also note that April 1, 2027, the access to settlement services decreases to a maximum of five years after landing (retroactive). This is the first time that Canada has put limitations on access to settlement services for permanent residents. It is also an incentive to have more permanent residents apply for their citizenship. In doing so, you will have unlimited access to essential services of any kind that are accessible to the general public. Applicants may wish to pursue their citizenship as soon as possible to be able to avoid limitations and restrictions that are coming into force. Settlement services includes language training, employment assistance, community activities and connections, and other integral supports that are funded by IRCC. Refugees and asylum seekers are not affected by these changes and will receive unrestricted access to services.

Rural Low-wage TFW Program Cap Expanded, But Provinces Push Back

Service Canada announced on March 13, 2026 that they would open the door for targeted rural employers to expand their caps from 10% to 15% to support the Agriculture and Agri-food sector by addressing workforce challenges for the sector through the use of the TFWP. This measure comes into effect on April 1, 2026 and will be in effect until March 31, 2027. However, there has been criticism and disagreement amongst the provinces, and for that reason, the measure is not fully in force across the country. While rural employers are crying out for assistance in order to keep their well-trained agricultural workers, a province or territory must first request the measure from the federal government before it can take effect in that jurisdiction. So far, the Maritime provinces are supporting this new measure, whereas the western provinces by and large have voted against the measure and have taken issue with the federal government that they were not consulted. BC is firmly against the measure with the Premier, Mr. David Eby making public announcements that he will not support an increase in the cap for rural employers. Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador have endorsed the program and will begin participation mid-April. Quebec has fully endorsed the measure effective April 1. Employers should check their province’s participation status before assuming they qualify for the increased cap. Sector-specific exemptions remain regardless of provincial participation in the new measure. Employers in healthcare, construction, and food processing continue to avail of a 20% cap on their workforces through the TFWP and the seasonal sector such as fish and seafood processing and tourism continue to avail of cap exemptions.

Conclusion and final thoughts 

The combined effect of all ten measures over the coming months will ultimately create a different immigration system than what existed prior to April 2026. Asylum seekers face harsh statutory deadlines that they did not have before. Temporary workers have to prepare well in advance if they want to be successful with their career aspirations and their permanent residency goals. Even citizens must make sure that they are aware of fee structure changes, as many are subject to the changes or have family members who are subject to the changes. It’s important to be prepared in advance in order to create the most successful outcome. Even Provincial Nominee applicants must be prepared for provincial changes as the provinces begin to further scrutinize their applications. Being prepared will enable you to avoid being blind-sighted by the changes. Doing your homework prior to any contact with IRCC will enable you to navigate the changes with ease.

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A career plan is a document included in your study permit application. It allows the visa officer assessing your file to understand why you’d like to complete your post-secondary studies in Canada and how your studies fit with your long-term career objectives.

The career plan:

• Should not exceed one page
• Should be factual
• Should be direct (explain how studying in Canada will offer you opportunities that studying in your home country would not)
• Should be looked over by someone with strong English language or French language skills

Questions to address in your Career plan

Why do you want to study in your intended program in Canada?

Explain why you want to study in Canada. This may include the quality of education, the multicultural society, etc. Focus on Canada itself. How does Canada offer you something that is not available in your home country?

What is your overall educational/career goal?

Provide details. Are you pursuing this program in Canada to further your education? Or to continue on to your Master’s or PhD? What’s your end goal? Include information on the work area of interest to you and how your program will allow you to accomplish your career goals.

Why aren’t you pursuing a similar program in your home country?

Your reasons can vary, and can include the quality of education in Canada, the fact that this program doesn’t exist in your home country, or that the content of the program is better suited to you than other programs abroad etc.

Have you done any research on the same type of program in your home country?

Take the time to research what’s available in your home country and include your findings in your study plan. Maybe your program is available in your home country, but you can explain why you’d prefer to study in Canada and how the educational systems in Canada and your home country are different, and the benefits that the Program you wish to take will offer you.  

How will this particular program enhance your job/occupational opportunities in your country?

You can discuss the professions you’ve looked into and the requirements for these professions. You can also include why studying in Canada will increase your chances of entering your desired profession back in your home country.

What ties do you have to your home country?

Discuss your connections to your home country, including:

• • Your partner/ family
  • Your children
  • Extended family connections

Include the immigration status of your parents or guardians in your home country, as well as their financial assets (this can include a bank certificate, bank statements, properties they own, etc.).

What is your travel history?

Note the places you’ve travelled to. If you’ve never travelled, note the places your parents have gone. (This increases your chances of approval.)

Who is sponsoring your education and why?

This can be your family, your home school, etc. Also state why they’re sponsoring you.

What is your educational history?

Include all of the schools you’ve attended, along with some details (what year you started and finished, which program(s) you took, etc.).

You can also discuss your work history, including jobs and volunteering experiences that will help you meet your career goals

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Ottawa is giving new authorities to the Provinces, allowing them jurisdiction to select their own candidates for permanent residency. The new powers and authorities were transferred to the Provinces on March 30, 2026. With this transfer of authority, Provinces now have the power to decide whether a candidate is eligible to live in their province/territory, and whether or not they can economically establish themselves in the country. The new rules apply to all new and existing PNP applications that have not yet passed the eligibility stage, whether before, on, or after March 30, 2026.

Canada gives authority to the PNP programs in each Province the power to assess eligibility decisions for PR files – 

As of March 30, 2026, the Provinces have two major additional authorities transferred from IRCC, which includes the following:

1) Assess the eligibility of candidates to reside in the nominating province or territory

2) Assess the eligibility of candidates to establish themselves economically in Canada

Under the new PNP rules, PNP candidates with a provincial nomination certificate are no longer subject to substituted evaluation rules, or a change of decision by IRCC. While IRCC no longer has the authority to evaluate intent to reside or economic establishment, it has retained powers of decisions over the following areas:

1) Applicant identity and credentials

2) Confirmation that the Provincial Nomination Certificate is valid and has not expired

3) Security, medical, and financial checks for admissibility to Canada

4) Minimum entry criteria for their applications should the file go through Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)

How to prepare your PNP application to ensure you meet the criteria for the Provinces – intent to reside and economic establishment

Ensure you have a valid job offer/employment contract in a high demand occupation, as most Provinces have moved to targeted draws and will nominate candidates with in-demand skills

Make sure that your Canadian work experience is valid, and that your study experience is valid, and that you complied with all conditions on either a work permit or a study permit

Make sure you provide proof if you have a family connection to the Province or Territory that you are applying

Make sure you keep a record of time spent in the Province as a temporary resident, with status documents, including visitor records

Make sure your knowledge of the local community is strong, and fulfill any duties or obligations in liaising with community offices linked to the PNPs

Make sure that your education qualifications align with labour market needs of the Provinces

Ensure that you have sufficient settlement funds to be able to economically establish yourself in the Province of destination.

How will the new Provincial Authority transfer impact PNP candidates going forward? 

PNP candidates will be affected in the following ways –

1) PNP eligibility assessments will be fully complete once the candidate receives their Provincial Nomination Certificate

2) The Provinces will be scrutinizing intent to reside and economic establishment, so candidates need to ensure they meet this criteria early and keep up with PNP changes in their province

3) IRCC can no longer revoke a valid Nomination Certificate based on the two major eligibility criteria.

4) Candidates can avail of reduced risk of federal refusals because the PNPs have more authority

5) The Nomination Certificate from the province is “proof” that the eligibility assessment is complete

6) PNP candidates must thoroughly prepare their documents to meet both criteria and to pass the tests

Applicants should carefully review their province’s PNP stream requirements, as each jurisdiction may weigh factors differently. If IRCC has a concern, they have 60-90 days to liaise with the province or territory office and ask for their concerns to be addressed. However, the Province will ultimately make the final decision on eligibility regardless of a concern that could be raised.

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PAL stands for Provincial Attestation Letter, which is a document that confirms your “spot” in the provincial allocation for study permits and is included in the yearly federal cap to submit a study permit application. There are certain exempted groups that do not need a PAL such as the following groups –

PAL exempt groups

• Preschool
• Primary school (including kindergarten)
• Secondary school (up to grade 12)
• Degree-granting graduate programs at the master’s or doctoral level at a public DLI
• Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMSCP Schools)
• Federally designated military college or school in Quebec in a vocational training program that leads to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS), an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS) or a skills training certificate (STC)
• Exchange students studying under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and a DLI in Canada coming through Go Global programs
• You received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada
• You’re in Canada or entering Canada at a port of entry and eligible for an exemption from certain study permit requirements based on a public policy as a response to a migration crisis
• You’re exempt from certain study permit requirements under the temporary measures to reunite families of indigenous people separated by Canada’s border
• You’ve entered Canada and one of the following situations applies to you:

1) You’re applying for a study permit extension at the same DLI and level of study as your current study permit

2) You’re under a removal order, but can’t be removed from Canada at this time

3) You have a Temporary Resident Permit valid for at least 6 months

4) You’re a protected person

5) You’re eligible for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, a current public policy or a spouse or common-law partner in Canada class application

Who does need a PAL

• Most undergraduate international students both inside and outside of Canada
• Students changing institutions (ie. from high school to university)
• Students who have a parent holding a study permit or a work permit
• Students who are diplomats or who are a dependent of a diplomat
• Visiting students, including visiting international research students
• Work permit holders
• Students whose study permit applications were refused
• Students who are applying to restore their study permit

Who may need a PAL in the future?

The following groups can begin their program without applying for a study permit and needing a PAL, but may require a PAL in their study permit application in the future –

Changing levels of studies – If you applied for your study permit with a Letter of Admission (from a DLI), you could begin your next program at a different level of study with the same study permit, so long as it is still valid. For example, you are an undergraduate student who will begin a Master’s degree within 150 days of completing your first program. If you are a Master’s Degree or Doctoral degree student changing to undergraduate studies, you will require a PAL. If you took time away from studies and/or studied at another institution (other than an exchange program), contact us for support.

Work permit holders without a study permit – If you are a work permit holder who is eligible to study without a study permit under the temporary policy for workers, you do not need a PAL at this time to continue your studies with your work permit. Otherwise, you will need a PAL if you do not qualify or if your program is beyond your eligibility for the temporary policy, then you will need to apply for a study permit as soon as possible. Master’s or Doctoral students in this case would be PAL exempt.

If you need a PAL

Contact your university or college and ensure that they have your correct name, date of birth and address as this information is included in the PAL. It is important that the PAL information matches the Admission Letter of your school. Once issued, the details on your PAL cannot be changed and the PAL cannot be reissued. If the details of your PAL are not correct, you will need to address this in a letter of explanation as part of your study permit application.

PAL Validity 

Your PAL only needs to be valid at the time you submit your study permit application and does not need to be valid when you travel to Canada or when you begin your program. PALS issued in 2026 will usually expire at the end of the year Eastern Standard time (ET). Study permit applications are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not local time zones, so be sure to apply at least one day before your PAL expires.

If you applied to multiple programs at a university or College that has multiple campuses. and then you decide to change programs or campuses after you accept your admission offer, you do not need a new PAL, since most colleges and universities use the same DLI number for all of their campuses. Your PAL remains valid and can be used.

How and when to get your PAL

Most colleges and universities will issue PALs to most newly admitted undergraduate level students automatically via email within about 3-5 business days after accepting your admission offer. Contact your college or university directly or review all policies in relation to PALs on their websites.

If you are outside Canada 

You must apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Admission and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You cannot travel to Canada until your study permit application is approved and you receive your Letter of Introduction (study permit approval letter) and visa (if required).

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In March 2025, IRCC removed the points for job offers in the Comprehensive Ranking System of Express Entry citing concerns with fraud.

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The Government of Canada is taking back control of the immigration numbers, and working towards reducing numbers overall. It is no wonder that competition for spots in Express Entry is at an all-time high and points remain very high as the Government works towards both permanent residency and temporary residency reductions. Only a certain select few will make it through the gates, and others who hold temporary residency may need to leave Canada. Express Entry is currently doing controlled intakes for the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program, has increased occupation-category specific draws (categories such as – healthcare and social services, senior managers, and the trades remain priorities), and is only aggressively pursuing the francophone category (French speakers). In an effort to increase national cultural diversity, it appears that Canada is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining its bilingualism on the world stage, as reiterated by the Minister in her speech about Express Entry and the new levels plan on February 18, 2026. The Government intends to work with international partners to encourage francophone immigration globally and that this trend will continue and grow exponentially. Applicants who wish to stay may wish to consider undertaking French language studies or brush up on their French language skills in order to be able to stay in Canada and pursue permanent residency.

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Canada has made some changes to the way it calculates the minimum income requirement in the supervisa program. For many years, the supervisa has allowed Canadians and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents through a supervisa that is usually good for ten years. But with increasing cost of living, meeting the income threshold requirements has been difficult for some families that could benefit from the support of having family come and visit them.

Starting on March 31, 2026, hosts will have a lot more flexibility about how to meet the financial obligations for the supervisa, as announced by Canada. Traditionally, hosts had to meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family size based on submission of a Notice of Assessment for the previous taxation year prior to submission of any application. Under the new rules, there will be two additional ways to meet the income requirements.

Two additional ways to meet income threshold 

1. Income assessment period has been extended – Under this new more flexible option, Notices of Assessment (CRA) can be submitted for the last two years, and the Government of Canada will take the higher income threshold of the two years. Under this new approach, the host and their co-signer (if applicable), may qualify for the program whereas in the past, they would have been rejected or refused based on income for the previous year prior to submission of the application.

2. Allowing the income of the visiting parent to be added – Under this new more flexible option, so long as the host meets the required percentage of minimum income (TBA), income of the parent/grandparent can then be added to the application to help with qualifying and meeting the income requirement. Previously, parents and grandparents were not permitted to help with meeting the income threshold requirements. At the time of writing, IRCC has not clarified what the required percentage of minimum income will be. We will endeavor to update our clients as information becomes available.

What this means for you

Please note that as of March 31, 2026, all applications already submitted as well as new applications will be submitted under the new income rule calculations. However please note that families who were under the previous income calculations will remain eligible in the new system. If you would like to avail of the new income calculation rules, you will need to submit new documents to prove that you meet the new rules. For example, you could submit your Notice of Assessments from previous years should that income threshold be higher than the NOA submitted in the application.

Contact us today to book a consultation and prepare for new visa pathways coming into force!

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Canada has overhauled its Citizenship Act and added new rules effective now through Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act. This bill permanently ends the first-generation rule that led to “lost Canadians”. The amendments are effective immediately and retroactive. The new laws restore Canadian citizenship to many who were excluded because their parents born to a Canadian was also born or adopted outside Canada. People who qualify as Canadian citizens under the new rules are able to apply directly for proof of citizenship rather than having to go through the process of naturalization. If you apply for proof of citizenship and it is granted, you will simply need to apply for your Canadian passport.

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Auditor General Karen Hogan said in a statement made today that high risk cases received no follow up, and that weakens the integrity of the international student program. Minister Diab accepted the Auditor General’s concerns and said that they would work diligently to improve the process, including follow up with cases of grave concern where study permit conditions are clearly not being met. The audit also found that 800 international students were found to have used fraudulent documents in their original study permit application, which constitutes fraud and misrepresentation and yet IRCC did not follow up or hold anyone to account, said the Auditor General. The report found that most of these people went on to apply for other immigration processes unchecked. Some had claimed that they had attended education overseas and earned credentials that are fake or false. Many have gone on to become permanent residents and have successfully received extensions either to work or study in Canada.

The Auditor also looked at the number of international students in the country and found that most were allowed to stay in Canada. Out of those that were asked to leave Canada, only a fraction have actually left, with many choosing to stay without status.

The report highlights the woefully inadequate amount of checks and balances to combat fraud. As March 2026 is fraud prevention month, we urge others to follow the rules and ensure they comply with all study permit conditions and apply for study permit extensions well within the timelines to avoid unnecessary issues with IRCC.

To book a consultation, please contact us! We’re here to help.

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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.

Please feel free to contact us any time or to book a consultation. We’re here to help!

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