Our Quick Summary on Bill C-12
Updated: Aug 19
On March 26, 2026, Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received Royal Assent and became law (“Bill C-12”). The legislation introduces significant changes to Canada's immigration framework, including reforms to the refugee claims system, expanded government authority over immigration documents, and broader powers to collect and share personal information.
Who May Be Most Affected by Bill C-12?
The changes introduced by Bill C-12 may have the greatest impact on:
Individuals who first entered Canada on or after June 24, 2020, and wait more than one year before making a refugee claim.
Individuals seeking protection after arriving from the United States, particularly those who may lose temporary immigration status or other lawful protection in the U.S.
Individuals from countries subject to an Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) or Temporary Suspension of Removal (TSR), who may be unable to access a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) and remain in prolonged immigration uncertain
Bill C-12’s Key Changes Include:
Expanding the IRCC’s authority to share personal information, including an individual’s identity, immigration status, and immigration documents, with federal, provincial, and territorial partners and across IRCC programs. For example, information collected through a permanent residence application may be used to support citizenship processing. According to the Government of Canada, these changes are intended to break down information-sharing silos and strengthen the collective ability of government institutions to detect fraud.
Granting the Government of Canada broader authority, through an Order in Council, to pause the intake or processing of immigration applications and to cancel, suspend, or vary certain immigration documents, including permanent resident visas and cards, visitor visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), and work and study permits. These powers may apply to applications already in process, valid immigration documents, or entire classes of applicants. According to the Government of Canada, these measures are intended to provide flexible tools to protect Canada's public interest during emergencies.
Introducing new eligibility rules that prevent certain refugee claims from being referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), the independent tribunal responsible for deciding refugee claims. A claim may now be ineligible for referral if it is made:
More than one year after the claimant's first entry into Canada on or after June 24, 2020; or
More than 14 days after entering Canada between ports of entry along the Canada–U.S. land border.
These provisions apply retroactively to claims made on or after June 3, 2025. According to the Government of Canada, the changes are intended to reduce pressure on the asylum system and discourage the use of refugee claims to bypass regular immigration processes.
Increasing Reliance on Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRAs). Individuals whose refugee claims are ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) may instead be considered through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). Unlike an IRB hearing, a PRRA cannot be requested directly by the applicant and may only be initiated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). PRRAs are decided by IRCC officials rather than by independent decision-makers at the IRB. According to the Government of Canada, these changes are intended to reduce IRB backlogs while providing an alternative process to assess risk before an individual is removed from Canada.
Our Summarized Comments on the Impact of Bill-C 12
While the full impact of Bill C-12 remains uncertain, our team has identified several areas that warrant close attention as the legislation is implemented:
The impacts of Bill C-12 were felt immediately by the most vulnerable individuals. Approximately 30,000 refugee claims made on or after June 3, 2025, are expected to be reassessed under the new eligibility rules. Some affected individuals, including our clients, have received notices that they may face removal from Canada. However, this situation has created an issue as some of our clients' home country are on the ADR list and they cannot currently be removed from Canada. Therefore, the immediate effects may be particularly significant for individuals from countries experiencing ongoing conflict, political instability, or serious public safety concerns.
The changes shift, rather than reduce, processing pressures within Canada’s immigration system. For example, individuals who are no longer eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board may instead require other processes, such as Pre-Removal Risk Assessments, which could place additional demands on those systems.
Bill C-12’s retroactive application may affect procedural fairness. Applying new eligibility rules to claims already in the system may have significant implications for individuals who relied on the legal framework in place when they made their claims.
Bill C-12 may give rise to legal and constitutional challenges. The extent to which the new provisions are consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other legal protections will ultimately be determined through the courts.
Conclusion
Bill C-12 introduces significant changes to Canada's immigration and refugee system that may affect how certain applications are assessed and processed. As the legislation continues to be implemented, understanding how these changes apply to your individual circumstances is more important than ever. It is also essential to respond to any requests or deadlines from Canadian immigration authorities within the required timelines.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Unique Circumstances
Every immigration case is unique, and your options or response to Canadian immigration authorities may differ from those of your family members. If you have questions about how Bill C-12 may affect you or your family, contact the team at Dejavu Visa Inc. We're here to help you understand your options and navigate the process with confidence.
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