04/01/2026
Canada has introduced significant changes to its asylum system through Bill C‑12 – Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. 🇨🇦
Reports indicate that immigration officials have already begun issuing Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs) to certain asylum claimants whose applications may be affected under the new rules.
Two key restrictions introduced by the legislation include:
• One-Year Rule: Asylum claims filed more than 12 months after a person’s first entry into Canada may be considered ineligible if the entry occurred after June 24, 2020.
• 14-Day Rule: Individuals who crossed the Canada–U.S. border between official ports of entry and waited more than 14 days before making a refugee claim may also face ineligibility.
These changes could impact thousands of applicants currently in the refugee system, including international students, temporary workers, and visitors who submitted asylum claims after their status expired.
Another concern is that work permits linked to certain asylum claims could be cancelled, potentially leaving many individuals without legal work authorization.
Affected individuals may still explore other legal options, including:
• Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
• Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications
• Judicial review at Federal Court
⏳ Because timelines can be extremely short, anyone who may be affected should seek professional legal advice immediately.
Contact : [email protected] to book your consultation appointment.
