Canada's New Asylum Rules Are Now in Force — Who Is at Risk and What You Can Do
Source: Immigration News Canada · April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- Bill C-12 introduced sweeping restrictions on asylum claims from designated "safe" countries — many previously eligible claimants no longer qualify
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is accelerating removals for claimants whose cases are rejected under the new rules
- Claimants from certain countries who entered via the US-Canada border face additional restrictions under the expanded Safe Third Country Agreement
- Approved refugee claimants and protected persons are not affected — only those with pending or rejected claims
- Legal aid services across Canada are reporting a surge in clients seeking urgent counsel
What This Means For You
If you have a pending refugee claim: Get legal representation immediately. Do not miss any IRB hearing dates. If your claim was rejected and you have not yet received a removal order, you may still have appeal options including a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). Time is critical — contact a refugee lawyer or legal aid today.
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