Asylum and immigration: Separate Processes

Asylum claims made at the border are not delaying immigration applications. Two separate processes are followed.

Immigration applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes immigration applications, including:

• Spouses and dependent children: Majority processed in 12 months or less
• Economic immigrants: Majority processed in 6 months or less
• Refugees resettled from abroad: 3 times more resettled in 2020 than in 2014

Following a decision:

• accepted applicants arrive in Canada as permanent residents
• refused applicants are denied permission to enter Canada

Asylum claimants

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada processes asylum claims, including:

• claims made at the border
• claims made at an IRCC or CBSA office
• claims made after entry between official crossings

Following a decision:

• accepted claimants can apply for permanent resident status in Canada
• refused claimants leave Canada or are removed

Asylum claimants are not placed ahead of immigrants who already have applications in progress.