CIMM - Asylum, Border Restrictions and STCA - Mar 8, 2021

Key messages

Supplementary messages

Enhancing Canada’s asylum system

Impact of the recent Federal Court decision

On October 26, 2020, the Federal Court of Appeal granted a stay of the Federal Court’s decision until the appeal is decided. As a result, the Safe Third Country Agreement regime remains in effect. The appeal and cross-appeal were heard in the Federal Court of Appeal on February 23 and 24, 2021. The panel reserved its decision.

Order in Council application at land ports of entry (i.e. Order in Council alignment with the Safe Third Country Agreement)

Asylum policies of United States President Biden

United States assurances for individuals directed back to the United States

Ministerial discretion

Irregular migration

Accommodations for asymptomatic asylum claimants

Health screening

Supporting facts and figures

Asylum Claims - March 21, 2020 to January 31, 2021 by Mode
Mode of Entry Number of Claims
Regular Claims Airport 328
Inland 10,561
Land Border 1,985
Marine 18
Total 12,892
Irregular Claims Irregular 395
Total claims 13,287

Directed back and/or Safe Third Country Agreement exceptions

From March 21 to January 31, 2021, 304 asylum seekers were directed back to the United States after attempting to enter Canada.

Between April 22 and January 31, 2021, there were approximately 1,977 asylum claims at land border ports of entry. Of these, 1,322 claimants met an exception under the Safe Third Country Agreement and were permitted entry to Canada.

Data is under review and is subject to change without notice

Asymptomatic Asylum Claimants Accommodated in IRCC Hotels by Location and Date of Arrival (by month)

  Lacolle, Quebec Niagara Falls, Ontario Surrey, British Columbia Lethbridge, Alberta Windsor, Ontario Winnipeg, Manitoba Ottawa, Ontario Total by Month

April

(April 19-30, 2020)

10 5 -- 0 0 0 0 15

May

(May 1-31, 2020)

35 10 -- 0 -- -- 0 50

June

(June 1-30, 2020)

20 15 -- 0 -- 0 0 40

July

(July 1-31, 2020)

30 10 -- 0 0 -- 0 40

August

(August 1-31, 2020)

20 30 -- -- -- 0 0 55

September

(September 1-30, 2020)

15 30 5 0 20 0 0 70

October

(October 1-31, 2020)

20 20 5 0 5 -- 0 50

November

(November 1-20, 2020)

20 30 -- 0 0 -- 0 55

December

(December 1-31, 2020)

35 35 -- 0 10 0 -- 85

January

(January 1-31, 2021)

25 65 5 0 -- 0 -- 100
Total 230 250 30 -- 45 5 -- 560

Source: IRCC Occupancy Report Data as of January 31, 2021

Background

Implications of Quarantine / Self-Isolation Requirements

Asylum policies of United States President Biden

COVID Impacts on Immigration and Refugee Board operations

COVID Impacts on IRCC Asylum program operations

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