Canada Modernises Asylum Process As Bill C-12 Takes Effect
Canada has enacted sweeping immigration and asylum reforms through Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which received royal assent on March 26, 2026, introducing stricter eligibility criteria that will affect Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking entry or protection.
According to a report from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website, the legislation introduces stricter eligibility requirements for asylum seekers, a revamped application process, expanded information-sharing powers, and new authorities over immigration documents.
Under the new law, “asylum claims made more than one year after someone’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, won’t be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, regardless of whether the person has since left and returned.” Additionally, “asylum claims from people who enter Canada between ports of entry along the Canada–US land border and who make a claim after 14 days won’t be referred to the IRB.”
Canadian authorities said the changes aim to reduce pressure on the asylum system, close loopholes, and discourage misuse of refugee pathways as alternatives to regular immigration routes. However, affected individuals may still apply for a pre-removal risk assessment to ensure they are not returned to countries where they could face persecution, torture, or other serious harm. The government also noted special consideration would be given to vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors.
Officials confirmed no change to the existing Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, most asylum seekers arriving at official land border crossings or within 14 days of irregular entry will continue to be returned to the U.S., unless they qualify for exemptions.
Canada said it will modernise its asylum system by simplifying online applications and eliminating duplicate documentation requirements. Under the new rule, “only complete and ‘schedule-ready’ claims will be referred for adjudication, while cases may be deemed abandoned if applicants leave Canada before a decision is made.” The changes will remove inactive cases from the system and speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective on the same day a claim is withdrawn.
The law grants immigration authorities broader powers to share applicants’ personal data within government institutions. According to IRCC, the new provisions will allow sharing of identity, status, and official documents with federal, provincial, and territorial partners under formal agreements, while maintaining safeguards to protect privacy and legal rights. Provinces and territories are barred from sharing such information with foreign governments without written consent from federal authorities.
The Canadian government also has new tools to manage immigration documents. Authorities may cancel, suspend, or modify large groups of documents, or pause application processing in situations involving fraud, public health risks, administrative errors, or national security concerns. Such decisions require approval by the Governor in Council and must be published in the Canada Gazette and reported to Parliament.
Officials said the measures are designed to improve responsiveness to emergencies while ensuring transparency and accountability. The new rules are expected to have significant implications for Nigerians and other migrants seeking to study, work, or claim asylum in Canada.