Bill C-12 has officially become law, introducing major changes to Canada’s immigration and refugee system. What was once a proposed reform is now a binding legal framework that reshapes how applications are processed, how decisions are made, and who is allowed to access protection. Among the most significant changes is the introduction of a one-year limit for making refugee claims, which means that individuals who delay may no longer have their case heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Instead, they could be redirected to a more limited process, fundamentally changing their chances of obtaining protection in Canada.
At the same time, the legislation expands the federal government’s authority over immigration processes, including the ability to pause or cancel applications and increase information-sharing between agencies. These changes signal a shift toward a more controlled and enforcement-driven system, where timing, compliance, and strategy play a much bigger role than before. For many individuals—especially those already in Canada on temporary status—these reforms could have immediate and lasting consequences. Here’s what you need to know.
