Canada Proposes New Asylum Rules to Speed Up Decisions and Support Vulnerable Claimants

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 24, 2026

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According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the proposed rules would set clearer requirements and timelines for asylum claimants, including what information and documents must be submitted and when. One key proposal would give claimants 60 days to submit a complete application, with one possible 30-day extension upon request.

The proposed regulations would also establish timelines for key government reviews before a refugee claim proceeds to a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. These reviews include security, criminality, admissibility and program integrity checks, with the goal of reducing delays and making sure only hearing-ready files move forward.

The changes would also support faster access to work permits for eligible asylum claimants after they submit a complete claim, allowing them to enter the labour market sooner while waiting for a decision. The proposal also includes clearer support for vulnerable claimants, including minors and people who cannot fully understand the proceedings, through designated representatives.

The announcement follows the passage of Bill C-12 in March 2026, which introduced broader immigration and asylum reforms. New eligibility rules apply to asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025, including restrictions on some claims made more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada, and some claims made after irregular entry between Canada–U.S. land ports of entry if not filed within 14 days.

The federal government says asylum claim volumes have already dropped. From January to April 2026, Canada received 42% fewer asylum claimants compared with the same period in 2025, and 63% fewer compared with the same period in 2024. Ottawa says the proposed regulations are part of a broader effort to reduce pressure on the system while giving timely protection to those who qualify.