Bill C-12 Is Now Law: What It Means for Ongoing Refugee Claims, New Cases, and Asylum Seekers in Canada

Canada’s immigration and asylum system has changed significantly, and for refugee claimants, the impact could be serious.

The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act received royal assent on March 26, 2026. It introduces significant changes to Canada’s asylum system, including new rules that may prevent some refugee claims from being referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. In certain cases, a claim may now be found ineligible and its processing terminated.

For many people, the concern is not limited to future claims. Some claims that were already filed may also be affected because the new rules apply to claims made from June 3, 2025, onward, subject to the transitional provisions in the legislation.

At Salvera Immigration, we understand how stressful and unclear these changes can feel for individuals and families already dealing with uncertainty. If you already have a refugee claim in process, or if you are considering making a claim, this is the time to get clear legal guidance on your options.

What Has Changed?

The new law makes changes in areas, including:

• asylum eligibility rules

• asylum processing procedures

• information sharing between government bodies.

• powers related to immigration documents and applications.

For refugee claimants, the most major changes are the new rules that can make claims ineligible before they ever reach a full hearing.

The Two Main Ineligibility Rules

1. The One-Year Rule

A claim may be ineligible if the person entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and made their refugee claim more than one year after their first entry into Canada after that date. Even if the person later left and returned, the calculation is tied to the first entry.

2. The 14-Day Irregular Border Rule

A claim may also be ineligible if the person entered Canada between ports of entry from the United States land border and then made the claim more than 14 days after entry.

Does This Mean Every Refugee Claim Will Be Rejected?

No.

These changes do not mean that every refugee claim will be refused. They also do not mean that every person with an ongoing case automatically loses their claim.

What the law does is create new situations where a claim may be found ineligible for referral to the Refugee Protection Division. If that happens, the legislation requires the officer to terminate the processing of that claim.

That is why this change is so important. In many cases, the real issue is that the claimant may lose access to a full hearing before the IRB.

Why Are People with Ongoing Cases Concerned?

A major reason is the law’s transitional effect.

The new eligibility rules do not only affect future claims. They may also affect certain claims already filed during the period that began on June 3, 2025, and continued until just before royal assent.

This is why claimants with pending refugee claims are now asking urgent questions:

• Is my claim still eligible?

• Will my file continue at the IRB?

• Could my claim be terminated?

• Do I still have another protection option?

These are critical questions because they can affect legal status, work authorization, family planning, and overall case strategy.

What About PRRA and Work Permits?

This remains one of the most important practical issues.

According to IRCC, people affected by the new ineligibility rules may still have access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). This process is meant to assess whether a person would face persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if removed from Canada.

IRCC has also introduced a temporary public policy to help certain affected individuals obtain an open work permit while they move through this process.

That said, a PRRA is not the same as a refugee hearing before the IRB. The legal strategy, evidence, and timing considerations are different, which is why case-specific advice is so important.

What This Means for New Cases

For people who have not yet filed a refugee claim, timing and legal assessment now matter even more.

A person may still have a genuine fear of return, but under the new law, that alone is not the only practical issue. It is now essential to review:

• when the person first entered Canada

• whether more than one year has passed

• whether there was any irregular U.S. land-border entry

• whether any exception may apply

• whether another immigration pathway should be explored alongside or instead of a refugee claim

Filing without a proper assessment can create serious risks.

What This Means for Existing Claimants

If you already have a refugee claim in process, this is the time to review your file carefully.

Depending on your situation, it may be necessary to assess:

• whether your filing date falls within the affected period

• whether your claim may now be screened for ineligibility

• whether your work permit situation may change

• whether PRRA may become relevant

• whether other immigration options should also be reviewed

Every case is different. Two people may both have pending claims, but only one may be affected depending on entry history, filing date, and the way the claim was made.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

This change is not just a policy update. It can directly affect whether a person keeps access to a refugee hearing in Canada.

In times like this, many people delay because they are confused or afraid. Unfortunately, waiting too long can make the situation harder.

A proper legal review can help clarify:

• whether your claim may still proceed

• whether there is a risk of termination

• whether PRRA may become part of your strategy

• whether you may still qualify for a work permit

• whether another pathway should be considered

How Salvera Immigration Can Help

At Salvera Immigration, we understand that refugee and humanitarian matters are urgent, sensitive, and deeply personal.

If you already have a claim in process, we can review your file and help you understand how these legal changes may affect your case.

If you are considering making a new claim, we can assess whether refugee protection remains the right option, whether timing issues exist, and whether alternative pathways should also be explored.

Our approach is careful, practical, and focused on protecting your position as early as possible.

Book a confidential consultation with Salvera Immigration today to discuss your ongoing refugee claim, a possible new application, or alternative protection options in Canada.