Canada Proposes New Regulations to Modernize Asylum Process
The Government of Canada has published proposed regulations to modernize the asylum process, implementing reforms from Bill C-12. The changes aim to clarify application requirements, establish review timelines, and provide faster access to work permits, with a 30-day consultation period currently open.
On June 19, 2026, the Government of Canada published proposed regulations designed to modernize the asylum process and support timely decisions. These regulatory changes implement reforms outlined in the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12), which received royal assent on March 26, 2026.
The proposed regulations introduce several key measures to streamline the system. Claimants will be given 60 days to submit a complete asylum application, with a one-time extension of 30 days available upon request. Additionally, the regulations will establish time limits for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) security partners to complete reviews related to security, criminality, admissibility, and program integrity before a claim proceeds to an Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) hearing.
To support eligible claimants, the new rules allow for faster access to work permits after submitting a complete claim. The regulations also specify rules for reinstating withdrawn claims and strengthen support for vulnerable claimants by clarifying designated representative roles. Exceptions to new ineligibility rules have been created for unaccompanied minors and for claimants who register through the online portal indicating an early intention to seek asylum.
Regarding the Safe Third Country Agreement, the proposed regulations clarify that for online applications under the Additional Protocol, the 14-day period begins when the individual submits their information online.
A 30-day consultation period is currently open for public feedback, with implementation anticipated later in 2026. Recent data indicates a shift in asylum trends: from January to April 2026, there were 42% fewer asylum claims submitted in Canada compared to the same period in 2025, and 63% fewer asylum claimants compared to the same period in 2024.