Ottawa, March 28: The Canadian government has enacted sweeping changes to its immigration system with the passage of Bill C-12, aiming to curb the misuse of asylum protocols and bolster border security. Known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, the legislation received royal assent on March 26, 2026, and introduces rigorous new timelines for those seeking refugee status.
Under the updated mandates, individuals who fail to submit an asylum claim within one year of their initial entry into the country will generally be barred from receiving a full hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Federal officials affirmed that this one-year window remains fixed from the date of first arrival, regardless of whether a claimant later departed and returned to Canada. Furthermore, the law targets irregular crossings at the U.S. border, requiring individuals to file claims within 14 days of entry to remain eligible for a comprehensive IRB review.
The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated that the law is designed to manage sudden surges in applications while maintaining protections for those in genuine danger. Public Safety Canada noted that the act provides enhanced tools for law enforcement to combat organized crime and cross-border smuggling.
Indian nationals currently represent the largest demographic of asylum seekers in the country, with nearly 9,770 claims filed in the first half of 2025 alone. Records from the IRB show that over 45,000 claims have been lodged by Indian citizens since late 2012, with a significant portion of applicants originating from Punjab.
Advocacy groups have expressed deep reservations regarding the shortened windows for filing. The Canadian Council for Refugees asserted that the law weakens essential protections and may conflict with international obligations. Critics maintained that replacing independent hearings with rapid risk assessments could leave vulnerable individuals exposed to violence upon removal.
