Canada's Major Immigration Reform

Bill C-12 represents one of the most significant overhauls of Canada's immigration and asylum system in a generation. The bill restructures how asylum claims are processed, expands the powers of the federal Cabinet to issue immigration-related orders without full parliamentary debate in urgent situations, and updates Canada's refugee protection framework.

All Canadians are affected by this bill. it shapes who can come to Canada, under what conditions, and how fast. Asylum seekers and refugees are most directly impacted. Immigration lawyers, employers hiring foreign workers, and communities hosting newcomers will all feel the effects.

Key changes include: new timelines for asylum claim decisions (reduced to 45 days for most claims), expanded Safe Third Country Agreement provisions, new criteria for expedited processing of claims from designated safe countries, and new Cabinet order powers for emergency immigration situations.

Bill C-12 received Royal Assent in March 2026 and is now fully in effect. The new processing rules apply to all asylum claims filed on or after the date of Royal Assent.