New Canada Immigration Bill Just Passed And Here’s What Changes Now

Last Updated On 13 March 2026, 2:22 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Bill C-12, officially titled the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, has officially passed third reading in the Senate on March 12, 2026.

The legislation is now under consideration in the House of Commons of amendments made by the Senate Royal Assent, the final step before it becomes law.

This marks the end of a contentious legislative journey that saw advocacy groups call for the removal of several immigration-related provisions.

The Senate National Security Committee reported the bill without amendments on February 25, 2026, despite recommendations from the Social Affairs Committee to gut key sections.

Once the bill receives Royal Assent, it will bring sweeping changes to Canada’s immigration system, asylum processing, and border security.

Here is everything you need to know about how Bill C-12 works and what it means for immigration applicants across the country.

A correction has been made to this article regarding the current status of Bill C-12. It is now under consideration in the House of Commons of amendments made by the Senate.

Timeline of Bill C-12’s Passage

Bill C-12 moved through Parliament at a rapid pace compared to most immigration legislation.

The bill was introduced and received its first reading in the House of Commons on October 8, 2025.

Second reading was completed on October 23, 2025, and the bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

The committee held five meetings between November 4 and November 25, 2025, before presenting its report with amendments on November 28, 2025.

The House of Commons passed the bill at third reading on December 11, 2025.

The Senate received the bill the same day and completed second reading on February 5, 2026.

The Senate National Security Committee reported the bill without amendments on February 25, 2026.

Third reading in the Senate was completed and the message was sent to the House of Commons on Thursday, March 12, 2026 by the Senate and is now under consideration in the House of Commons of amendments made by the Senate.

Stage	Date	Outcome
House First Reading	October 8, 2025	Introduced
House Second Reading	October 23, 2025	Passed
House Committee Report	November 28, 2025	Amendments Added
House Third Reading	December 11, 2025	Passed
Senate First Reading	December 11, 2025	Introduced
Senate Second Reading	February 5, 2026	Passed
Senate Committee Report	February 25, 2026	No Amendments
Senate Third Reading	March 12, 2026	Passed
At consideration in the House of Commons of amendments made by the Senate	March 12, 2026	Pending
Royal Assent	Pending	Awaiting

The 11 Parts of Bill C-12 Explained

Bill C-12 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers far more than just immigration.

The bill is divided into 11 distinct parts, each addressing different aspects of border security and immigration enforcement.

Part 1: Customs Act Amendments

This section requires owners and operators of international bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, and wharves to provide facilities free of charge to the Canada Border Services Agency.

It also gives CBSA officers access to goods destined for export at transportation facilities.

Part 2: Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

This part creates a new temporary accelerated scheduling pathway allowing the Minister of Health to add precursor chemicals to Schedule V.

This is designed to help combat the fentanyl crisis by quickly controlling substances used in drug manufacturing.

Part 3: Police Enforcement Regulations

This section confirms the Governor in Council’s authority to exempt law enforcement members from certain Criminal Code provisions when undertaking drug related investigations.

Part 4: Oceans Act Amendments

Responsibility for coast guard services is transferred from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to the Minister of National Defence.

The coast guard is now authorized to collect, analyze, and disclose information and intelligence related to security activities.

This part amends the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act to authorize the disclosure of personal information within the department and to other federal and provincial government entities.

This is one of the provisions that drew criticism from privacy advocates during Senate hearings.

Part 6: In-Canada Asylum System

This section eliminates the designated countries of origin regime and makes significant changes to how refugee claims are processed.

It gives the Minister power to determine that claims have been withdrawn and prevents the Refugee Protection Division from considering claims when the claimant is not present in Canada.

Part 7: Document Cancellation Powers

This is the most controversial part of the bill.

It authorizes the Governor in Council to cancel, suspend, or vary immigration documents including permanent resident visas, work permits, and study permits when deemed in the public interest.

The bill defines public interest as addressing administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety, or national security.

Part 8: New Ineligibility Rules

This part adds two new grounds that make refugee claims ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Claims are ineligible if filed more than one year after the claimant’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020.

Claims are also ineligible if the claimant entered Canada at the land border outside a port of entry and made their claim after 14 days.

Part 9: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

This section increases maximum penalties for violations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and introduces mandatory compliance agreements.

It also requires certain businesses to enroll with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

Part 10: Financial Institutions Oversight

The Director of FINTRAC is added to the supervisory committee established under the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act.

Part 11: Sex Offender Registration

This part makes changes to reporting obligations for sex offenders and authorizes CBSA to disclose information about sex offenders’ travel to law enforcement agencies.

How the New Asylum Rules Work

The asylum system changes in Bill C-12 represent some of the most significant reforms to refugee processing in Canada’s recent history.

The One Year Rule

Under Part 8 of Bill C-12, anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and makes a refugee claim more than one year after their first entry will be ineligible for a full Immigration and Refugee Board hearing.

This provision applies retroactively.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab told the Senate committee that 37 percent of asylum claims filed between June 3 and October 2025 are expected to be affected.

That represents approximately 19,000 of 50,000 applications.

The 14 Day Rule

The bill also makes claims ineligible if the person entered Canada at the land border outside a port of entry and waited more than 14 days to file their claim.

This closes a loophole under the Safe Third Country Agreement that previously allowed irregular border crossers to claim asylum after the 14 day waiting period.

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Pathway

Those who are ineligible for a full IRB hearing can still pursue protection through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.

The PRRA evaluates whether the person faces risk of persecution, torture, or threats to their life if removed from Canada.

A positive PRRA can result in protected person status.

However, advocacy groups have argued that the PRRA process does not guarantee in-person hearings for vulnerable claimants.

Abandonment and Withdrawal Provisions

The bill gives the Minister power to determine that claims have been withdrawn if the claimant provides written notice.

It also allows the Refugee Protection Division to determine that claims have been abandoned if the claimant fails to provide required documents or appear for examination.

Mass Document Cancellation Powers

Part 7 of Bill C-12 grants the federal cabinet unprecedented authority over immigration documents.

What Documents Can Be Affected

The Governor in Council can cancel, suspend, or vary the following documents through an order:

Permanent resident visas
Permanent resident cards
Temporary resident visas
Electronic travel authorizations
Temporary resident permits
Work permits
Study permits

When These Powers Can Be Used

The bill defines public interest to include matters such as administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety, or national security.

Any order affecting persons inside Canada must be made on the Immigration Minister’s recommendation with the concurrence of the Public Safety Minister.

Application Processing Powers

The cabinet can also order that certain applications not be accepted for processing.

It can suspend or terminate the processing of pending applications.

It can impose or vary conditions on temporary residents.

Accountability Measures

Within seven sitting days after making an order, the Immigration Minister must table a report in Parliament.

The report must explain why the order was made, the number of applications or documents affected, and a description of the persons or groups affected.

The report is automatically referred to the appropriate parliamentary committee.

The Minister must appear before the committee if requested to explain the reasons and plans to prevent systemic fraud.

Publication Requirements

All orders must be published in the Canada Gazette within 23 days after being made.

Part 5 of Bill C-12 expands the government’s ability to share personal information about immigration applicants.

What Information Can Be Shared

The Immigration Minister can disclose information about a person’s identity, their immigration status, and the contents or status of any document issued to them.

This includes information about the issuance, renewal, validity, cancellation, or revocation of immigration documents.

Who Can Receive This Information

Information can be shared with federal departments and agencies.

It can be shared with provincial government ministries, bodies, and agencies.

It can be shared with federal and provincial Crown corporations.

Written Agreements Required

Disclosure outside the department requires a written agreement that specifies what information can be shared, the purpose of disclosure, and limits on how the information can be used.

Provincial entities that receive information from IRCC cannot disclose it to foreign entities without the Immigration Minister’s written consent.

Any disclosure to foreign entities must respect Canada’s international obligations regarding mistreatment.

What This Means for Work Permit and Study Permit Holders

If you currently hold a valid work permit or study permit, Bill C-12 does not automatically affect your status.

Your permit remains valid as long as you obtained it legitimately and there are no issues with your documentation.

The mass cancellation powers require a specific Governor in Council order for defined circumstances.

These powers are designed to address systemic issues like organized fraud rather than targeting individual applicants.

However, you should ensure that all your documents are authentic.

If you used an immigration consultant or agent, verify that any acceptance letters or job offers were legitimate.

If you are considering filing a refugee claim, be aware that the on-yearr timeline will apply once the bill receives Royal Assent.

Review when you first entered Canada after June 24, 2020, as this date determines your eligibility for a full IRB hearing.

International students who have been in Canada for more than a year and are thinking about claiming asylum should seek legal advice immediately.

What This Means for Permanent Residents

Permanent residents are included in the scope of documents that can be affected by cabinet orders.

However, the powers are limited to specific public interest circumstances.

Permanent residents who obtained their status legitimately should not expect any impact on their documentation.

The Senate Social Affairs Committee recommended exempting permanent residents from information sharing provisions, but this recommendation was not adopted.

Permanent residents should continue maintaining their status according to current rules.

If you are concerned about how the legislation might affect you, consult with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

What This Means for Refugee Claimants

The bill has the most significant impact on those seeking refugee protection in Canada.

If You Have Already Filed a Claim

Claims filed before Bill C-2 was introduced (the predecessor bill) are not affected by the new ineligibility rules.
Claims filed between the introduction of Bill C-2 and the day before Royal Assent are subject to the new rules.

If You Are Considering Filing a Claim

If you entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and have been here for more than one year, your claim will be directed to the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment process rather than the Immigration and Refugee Board.

You should seek legal advice immediately to understand your options.

Filing a claim has legal implications regardless of Bill C-12.

If You Entered at the Land Border

If you crossed into Canada from the United States at a location other than a port of entry, you must file your claim within 14 days to be eligible for a full IRB hearing.

After 14 days, your claim would be ineligible under the new rules.

Bill C-12 Key Dates to Remember

Event	Date	Significance
Retroactive Start Date	June 24, 2020	One year rule applies to entries after this date
Senate Third Reading	March 12, 2026	Bill passed final legislative hurdle and now at consideration in the House of Commons of amendments made by the Senate
Royal Assent	Pending	Bill becomes law
Implementation	TBD by IRCC	Regulations and guidance issued

Once the bill receives Royal Assent, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will provide detailed guidance on transition provisions and implementation timelines.

Some provisions may take effect immediately, while others may require regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bill C-12 in Canada and who could be affected?

Bill C-12 is Canada’s proposed Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. As of March 12, 2026, it has passed Parliament’s final legislative hurdle in the Senate, is now at the consideration in the House of Commons of amendments (made by the Senate), and then will await Royal Assent before becoming law. The bill would introduce major changes affecting refugee claimants, immigration applicants, and some holders of work permits, study permits, visas, and other immigration documents. Key measures include new asylum ineligibility rules, broader government information-sharing powers, and authority to cancel, suspend, or vary certain immigration documents in defined public-interest situations.

What happens to my immigration application if it was submitted before Royal Assent?

Applications submitted before the bill becomes law will generally be processed under existing rules. However, transition provisions will be detailed by IRCC once the bill receives Royal Assent. Monitor official government announcements for specific guidance on pending applications.

Can the government cancel my work permit without notifying me first?

Any order affecting documents or a specific cohort must be published in the Canada Gazette, and the Minister must report to Parliament within seven sitting days. You will be informed through official publications, and individual notifications are expected to be sent once the order is implemented.

If I disagree with a decision made under Bill C-12, what legal options do I have?

Individuals affected by decisions under the legislation can seek judicial review at the Federal Court. Advocacy groups may also pursue Charter challenges if specific provisions are believed to violate constitutional rights. Legal counsel can advise on the appropriate avenue based on your circumstances.

Does Bill C-12 affect my ability to sponsor family members?

The bill does not directly change family sponsorship rules. However, the information sharing provisions allow IRCC to share details about sponsors and sponsored persons with other government entities. If document cancellation powers are used, sponsors affected by orders could see implications for pending sponsorship applications.

Will there be a grace period for people affected by the one-year asylum rule?

The bill does not include a specific grace period. The provisions apply retroactively to claims made after Bill C-2 was introduced. If you believe you may be affected, seek legal advice before the bill receives Royal Assent to understand your options under current rules.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.