Canada makes major changes to immigration and asylum laws

Ottawa: Canada has approved major changes to its immigration and border security laws under Bill C-12, according to information issued by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment of Pakistan.

The legislation, titled the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, introduces changes to refugee claims, asylum applications, information sharing between government departments and the powers of immigration authorities.

The Key changes under Bill C-12 are in four major areas of reform that could affect people seeking to travel to Canada, including refugees, permanent residency applicants, workers and international students.

Under the new legislation, the Canadian government can temporarily suspend the acceptance or processing of new applications for work permits, study permits, temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and permanent residency (PR) on public interest grounds.

Immigration officers have also been granted formal legal authority to suspend or cancel previously issued visas and immigration documents where there are concerns involving national security, fraud, or the integrity of the immigration system.

The legislation introduces significant changes to Canada’s asylum system, including new eligibility requirements and stricter deadlines for submitting refugee claims.

Under the new rules, individuals who entered Canada after 24 June 2020 must submit their asylum claims within one year of their arrival.

Claims submitted after this deadline may be deemed ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Individuals entering Canada from the United States through unofficial land border crossings must submit an asylum claim within 14 days of entering the country.

Those who fail to meet this deadline may not have their cases referred to the IRB for consideration.

The legislation also introduces provisions under which asylum claims may be considered abandoned or withdrawn in certain circumstances.

These include situations where applicants leave Canada and return to their country of origin, or fail to attend required immigration interviews or submit requested documents.

The new law also allows greater information sharing between Canadian government departments and agencies.

Authorities may exchange applicants’ personal information, including details relating to immigration status and passports, to identify suspected fraud, misrepresentation and potential misuse of the immigration system.

The changes represent a significant tightening of Canada’s immigration and refugee framework, expanding government oversight and introducing stricter conditions for individuals seeking protection in the country.