Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Asylum Reform)
Enabling Acts: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, (including new authorities included in the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act (C-12))
Description
The In-Canada Asylum System is facing challenges due to increased volumes of refugee claims. The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act includes provisions designed to improve the efficiency of In-Canada Asylum System. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will also look to further improve the efficiency of the In-Canada Asylum System through regulatory amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
The Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Asylum Reform) (the proposed Amendments) would address system-wide bottlenecks by simplifying and streamlining the claim process in support of quicker access to the asylum system, enhanced program integrity and faster processing of asylum claims. These regulatory amendments would operationalize the legislative changes introduced as part of the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act. The amendments would:
- introduce a single online application
- introduce a timeline for Minister’s Due Diligence Activities
- prescribe the requirements a person has to meet if the IRB determines that their claim has not been abandoned and prescribe the circumstances under which a withdrawn claim could be reinstated by the Minister
- set out the circumstances in which a designated representative must be designated and outline the responsibilities and requirements to be a designated representative;
- ensure that work permits may be issued to claimants when their claim is determined eligible to be referred to the IRB;
- set out exceptions to new ineligibilities introduced in the legislation; and
- repeal outdated regulatory provisions.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Canada is a signatory to and upholds its obligations under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1984 Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The proposed Amendments will not impact the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The objectives of the proposed Amendments are to address bottlenecks and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the asylum system in the face of high asylum claim volumes without compromising its fairness or compassion and to operationalize legislative changes.
The regulatory amendments would introduce a time limit for the submission of a complete application after a claim has been made. The impacts of this proposed provision on asylum claimants are mitigated by allowing the applicant to request an extension. A consistent time limit across modes of entry would help avoid claims stagnating and standardize the intake process for applicants.
This change is expected to reduce processing delays, result in hearings being scheduled sooner and improve efficiency in the system as fewer hearings will require rescheduling. This would help to improve the efficiency of the system overall and reduce backlog pressure.
The proposed regulatory amendments clarify circumstances in which a designated representative must be appointed by the Minister for persons who are unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings and for minors. These proposed changes would formalize the role and responsibilities of designated representatives, improving consistency and safeguarding vulnerable claimants. These changes ensure timely appointment and monitoring of designated representatives, reducing gaps in support during proceedings.
Amendments would also ensure that eligible claimants obtain their work permits and are able to work in Canada as soon as possible during their application process.
Consultations
IRCC held meetings with stakeholders to address specific questions about the legislative amendments included in the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act and the need for resulting regulatory amendments.
However consultations have not been completed on specific regulatory amendments. The target date for pre-publication of the final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is spring 2026.
Further information
Related information:
- LegisInfo – Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (C-12)
- Communications Material: Understanding Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, Bill C-12
Departmental contact information
Christopher Hamilton
Senior Director, Asylum Policy, Performance & Governance
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Christopher.Hamilton@cic.gc.ca
Telephone: (343) 574-7041
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: April 1, 2026