In June 17, 2025, the Canadian government provided more information and exactness about new reforms of immigration immersed in the Strong Borders Act.
In the beginning of this month, Canada unveiled a proposed bill, dubbed the Strong Borders Act, to tighten its regulations controlling the immigration of temporary residents who allegedly exploit the system and expedite the operations of asylum.
Should it pass, the authorities will be empowered to cancel, suspend or alter immigration documents and new rules as to ineligibility of asylum by temporary residents will also be established with laws being executed.
This article discusses the extra-information communicated by the Canadian government on the main aspects of the Strong Borders Act and the risks to which they can be exposed.
In Canada there are proposed changes to immigration laws being proposed and here is what you need to know.
What Is the Proposed Legislation?
The Canadian immigration system fuels the economy and encompasses diversity, however, illegal attempts of crossing the country, asylum backlog, and fraud caused distrust among the citizens.
The Strong Borders Act is a bill introduced on June 3, 2025, by Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree to deal with these difficulties.
Additional details on June 17, 2025, outlined four pillars:
Control Over Immigration Documents: Authority to manage visas and permits.
Domestic Information Sharing: Streamlined data exchange within Canada.
Asylum Claim Processing: Faster, fairer claim handling.
Asylum System Integrity: Ineligibility rules to deter misuse.
This bill is still awaiting approval by parliament, although once passed its asylum reforms, which would take effect on claims made on or after June 3, 2025, would seek to restore confidence in the system whilst maintaining international humanitarian obligations.
Controlling Immigration Documents
The Act would permit the government, in the public interest, to cancel, suspend or amend immigration documents, such as visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), work or study permits.
It might also make the new applications standstill. Such powers are inapplicable to the asylum claims.
What Constitutes “Public Interest”?
The legislation defines “public interest” broadly, allowing flexibility to address a range of scenarios, including:
Large-Scale Emergencies: Such as natural disasters or geopolitical crises that require rapid policy adjustments.
Risks to Immigration or Program Fairness: For instance, addressing fraudulent applications or misuse of immigration pathways.
Safety, Security, and Health Risks: This could include responding to public health crises or security threats.
Misuse of Government-Funded Programs: Preventing fraud in programs like social benefits or settlement services.
How It Would Work
The Governor in Council (the Governor General, advising on behalf of the Cabinet) will take decisions to enact such powers to provide oversight.
In every decision, such elements will be taken into consideration as the effect or possible effect to the vulnerable groups of citizens; these vulnerable groups could be the minors, refugees, or those on temporary resident status.
It is worthy to note that alteration of immigration documents will not mechanically result into deprivation of a permanent or temporary resident because status revocation processes are already covered by laws.
Potential Impacts
For Immigrants and Temporary Residents: Immigration papers may be subject to increased scrutiny which may make it easier to spot bogus applications but it may also bring confusion to people who already have filed the papers pending during such suspension period.
For Canadians: Improved regulation of immigration documents boosts the trust of the citizens in the system because only the deserving ones are allowed to benefit or receive the services.
For Policymakers: The adaptability to unpredictable obstacles (sudden intakes of the applications or security hacks) will make Canada ready to offer a stable immigration system.
Streamlining Domestic Information Sharing
The Strong Borders Act suggests legislative revisions that can be used to simplify the process of sharing information about applicants between inclusion, Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the domestic partners, such as the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
The main point of these changes is to alleviate administrative burdens as well as seal gaps in data sharing and improve the delivery of the public services.
Proposed Changes
The Strong Borders Act introduces clear legal authorities to make information sharing systematic and efficient.
Key features include:
Direct Data Sharing: Another benefit will give the IRCC the capability to share information on clients with provincial partners, federal and territorial entities without the duplication of assessment, as long as the receiving party is eligible to collect the data under the law.
Privacy Protections: Disclosures will be made in accordance with the privacy laws of Canada including the Privacy Act with the agreement of information sharing between organizations to be in written form and clearly define purpose, extent, and boundary of data use.
Restrictions on Foreign Sharing: The provincial and territorial governments are not allowed to disclose IRCC information with foreign organizations except under the express authority of the IRCC and within the international requirements of Canada under the Avoiding Complicity in Mistreatment by Foreign Entities Act.
Privacy Considerations
Although this is done with a view to enhancing efficiency the government has underlined that protecting privacy is not an issue that should be given a back seat.
Any information-sharing agreements will contain rigorous procedures to avoid misuse and only the partners with relevant need of the information will be shared.
This trade-off between efficiency and privacy is the key to ensuring confidence of the public in immigration system.
Potential Impacts
For Immigrants: The quicker provision will assist in the process of integration, yet the person might be afraid of the way their information is exchanged and safeguarded.
For Canadians: Taxpayers will see smaller fraud and more effective utilization of the public resources in general and a more stable government programs.
For Governments: The increased cooperation between federal and provincial jurisdiction will help in close coordination of such issues as immigration, including settlement and enforcement.
Streamlining Asylum Claim Processing
Strong Borders Act is a major overhaul of the asylum system in terms of the processing, receiving, and judgment of asylum applications in Canada.
The changes are meant to speed up the asylum system, provide more fairness, and simplify the process without reducing commitments of Canada to ensuring the survival of the needful.
Key Reforms
Simplified Application Process: The law makes the actual procedure of applying to asylum consistent, regardless of whether it happens upon arrival at a port of entry (i.e. at a border crossing), or separately at one of the IRCC offices inside Canada. The system of application online will be improved to make the application of claimants easier.
Faster Referrals to the IRB: The wait time before a decision is reached on complete claims of asylum will be reduced because they will reach the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) faster.
Physical Presence Requirement: The IRB will only determine the merits of the Asylum claims when the claimant is physically present in Canada thus holding the point of accountability in their hands and no one can abuse the system.
Clearing Inactive Cases: The act brings about a set of tools to eliminate the backlogs by eliminating old or idle claims in the system.
Faster Voluntary Departures: Removal orders on withdrawn claims will come into effect immediately which will facilitate quick process to those who opt to quit willingly.
Support for Vulnerable Claimants: Minors and others who may struggle to navigate the process will be assigned representatives to assist them during IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) proceedings.
Backlogs have caused months and even years delays in providing asylum to claimants in Canada, and its asylum system has witnessed notable pressure over the last few years.
These backlogs cause a sense of insecurity among the asylum seekers, difficulty on government services, and also an erosion of trust towards the system.
Potential Impacts
For Asylum Seekers: The decrease in the unpredictability of the process will make it easier to give protection to real refugees faster. Those who have inactive claims or withdrawn claims however can be removed faster.
For Canadians: An improved asylum system will save on costs and backlog and strengthen the faith that the people have in the capacity of Canada to handle immigration in a fair manner.
For the IRB: Standardization of referrals and backlog will enable the IRB to concentrate on the new and active claims hence enhancing the overall system works.
New Asylum Claims’ Ineligibilities
To relieve the strain on the system and prevent the abuse of the asylum system, the Strong Borders Act proposes two new ineligibility requirements of asylum applications.
These are some of the action against the people trying to smuggle in asylum claims to avoid normal immigration policies or prolong their stay in Canada.
New Ineligibility Rules
One-Year Rule: The asylum claims submitted over the year after one arrives in Canada (after June 24, 2020) will not be referred to the IRB. This is regardless of anyone, including the students and persons staying temporarily in Canada, no matter whether they left it and returned or not.
14-Day Rule for Irregular Entries: The asylum claims submitted by persons who enter Canada irregularly (i.e.’entering the US-Canada land border between ports of entry) will not be referred to the IRB when the intending claimant claims refugee status more than 14 days after the person entered Canada.
These rules will affect all claims made on or after June 3, 2025, once Act is passed.
Key Clarifications
Not a Ban on Asylum: These provisions do not prevent individuals from claiming asylum. Instead, they restrict certain claims from being referred to the IRB for adjudication.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA): Individuals affected by these ineligibilities can still apply for a PRRA, which assesses risks such as persecution, torture, or other harms if returned to their home country. A successful PRRA can still result in refugee protection.
Safe Third Country Agreement: The 14-day rule targets irregular border crossings, reinforcing the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US, which requires asylum seekers to claim protection in the first safe country they enter.
Potential Impacts
For Asylum Seekers: The one-year and 14-day rules may discourage delayed or opportunistic claims, but they could also limit access for individuals who face genuine risks but are unaware of the deadlines.
For Canadians: By reducing system misuse, these measures will alleviate pressure on the IRB, allowing it to focus on legitimate claims and reduce processing times.
For Border Security: The 14-day rule reinforces efforts to manage irregular migration, potentially reducing unauthorized crossings from the US.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?
The Strong Borders Act is a significant step toward modernizing Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, but it’s not the final chapter.
The government has indicated intentions to perform an oversight on the effects of the legislation and adjust it where necessary.
Key areas to watch include:
Implementation Timeline: The new ineligibilities are scheduled to begin June 3, 2025, and allow IRCC and the IRB to prepare after the bill passes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work with provinces, territories and advocacy groups will be used to define the manner of the implementation and perception of the legislation.
Global Implications: The Strong Borders Act may affect the policies of other nations in the processing of asylum and border security, as others look at how Canada is undertaking such efforts.
The Strong Borders Act introduced on June 3, 2025, and explained June 17, 2025, has a clear vision of Canada in immigration.
With its implementation, its provisions, which would become effective asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025, would enhance document control, streamline the flow of information, and enhance the speed of asylum adjudication and safeguarding of system integrity.
Obstacles are still present but the precautions and orientation on fairness in the bill make Canada capable of preserving its humane tradition yet meet challenges of contemporary immigration.
During the passage of the bill to enactment with public participation and proper communication will become instrumental in the process.
Through knowledge, Canadians and newcomers will help make the immigration an even stronger, more equitable process that continues to promote the values of Canada, a global leader in opportunity and compassion.
4 New Canada Immigration Reforms Coming For Temporary Residents
In June 17, 2025, the Canadian government provided more information and exactness about new reforms of immigration immersed in the Strong Borders Act.
In the beginning of this month, Canada unveiled a proposed bill, dubbed the Strong Borders Act, to tighten its regulations controlling the immigration of temporary residents who allegedly exploit the system and expedite the operations of asylum.
Should it pass, the authorities will be empowered to cancel, suspend or alter immigration documents and new rules as to ineligibility of asylum by temporary residents will also be established with laws being executed.
This article discusses the extra-information communicated by the Canadian government on the main aspects of the Strong Borders Act and the risks to which they can be exposed.
In Canada there are proposed changes to immigration laws being proposed and here is what you need to know.
What Is the Proposed Legislation?
The Canadian immigration system fuels the economy and encompasses diversity, however, illegal attempts of crossing the country, asylum backlog, and fraud caused distrust among the citizens.
The Strong Borders Act is a bill introduced on June 3, 2025, by Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree to deal with these difficulties.
Additional details on June 17, 2025, outlined four pillars:
Control Over Immigration Documents: Authority to manage visas and permits.
Domestic Information Sharing: Streamlined data exchange within Canada.
Asylum Claim Processing: Faster, fairer claim handling.
Asylum System Integrity: Ineligibility rules to deter misuse.
This bill is still awaiting approval by parliament, although once passed its asylum reforms, which would take effect on claims made on or after June 3, 2025, would seek to restore confidence in the system whilst maintaining international humanitarian obligations.
Controlling Immigration Documents
The Act would permit the government, in the public interest, to cancel, suspend or amend immigration documents, such as visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), work or study permits.
It might also make the new applications standstill. Such powers are inapplicable to the asylum claims.
What Constitutes “Public Interest”?
The legislation defines “public interest” broadly, allowing flexibility to address a range of scenarios, including:
Large-Scale Emergencies: Such as natural disasters or geopolitical crises that require rapid policy adjustments.
Risks to Immigration or Program Fairness: For instance, addressing fraudulent applications or misuse of immigration pathways.
Safety, Security, and Health Risks: This could include responding to public health crises or security threats.
Misuse of Government-Funded Programs: Preventing fraud in programs like social benefits or settlement services.
How It Would Work
The Governor in Council (the Governor General, advising on behalf of the Cabinet) will take decisions to enact such powers to provide oversight.
In every decision, such elements will be taken into consideration as the effect or possible effect to the vulnerable groups of citizens; these vulnerable groups could be the minors, refugees, or those on temporary resident status.
It is worthy to note that alteration of immigration documents will not mechanically result into deprivation of a permanent or temporary resident because status revocation processes are already covered by laws.
Potential Impacts
For Immigrants and Temporary Residents: Immigration papers may be subject to increased scrutiny which may make it easier to spot bogus applications but it may also bring confusion to people who already have filed the papers pending during such suspension period.
For Canadians: Improved regulation of immigration documents boosts the trust of the citizens in the system because only the deserving ones are allowed to benefit or receive the services.
For Policymakers: The adaptability to unpredictable obstacles (sudden intakes of the applications or security hacks) will make Canada ready to offer a stable immigration system.
Streamlining Domestic Information Sharing
The Strong Borders Act suggests legislative revisions that can be used to simplify the process of sharing information about applicants between inclusion, Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the domestic partners, such as the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
The main point of these changes is to alleviate administrative burdens as well as seal gaps in data sharing and improve the delivery of the public services.
Proposed Changes
The Strong Borders Act introduces clear legal authorities to make information sharing systematic and efficient.
Key features include:
Direct Data Sharing: Another benefit will give the IRCC the capability to share information on clients with provincial partners, federal and territorial entities without the duplication of assessment, as long as the receiving party is eligible to collect the data under the law.
Privacy Protections: Disclosures will be made in accordance with the privacy laws of Canada including the Privacy Act with the agreement of information sharing between organizations to be in written form and clearly define purpose, extent, and boundary of data use.
Restrictions on Foreign Sharing: The provincial and territorial governments are not allowed to disclose IRCC information with foreign organizations except under the express authority of the IRCC and within the international requirements of Canada under the Avoiding Complicity in Mistreatment by Foreign Entities Act.
Privacy Considerations
Although this is done with a view to enhancing efficiency the government has underlined that protecting privacy is not an issue that should be given a back seat.
Any information-sharing agreements will contain rigorous procedures to avoid misuse and only the partners with relevant need of the information will be shared.
This trade-off between efficiency and privacy is the key to ensuring confidence of the public in immigration system.
Potential Impacts
For Immigrants: The quicker provision will assist in the process of integration, yet the person might be afraid of the way their information is exchanged and safeguarded.
For Canadians: Taxpayers will see smaller fraud and more effective utilization of the public resources in general and a more stable government programs.
For Governments: The increased cooperation between federal and provincial jurisdiction will help in close coordination of such issues as immigration, including settlement and enforcement.
Streamlining Asylum Claim Processing
Strong Borders Act is a major overhaul of the asylum system in terms of the processing, receiving, and judgment of asylum applications in Canada.
The changes are meant to speed up the asylum system, provide more fairness, and simplify the process without reducing commitments of Canada to ensuring the survival of the needful.
Key Reforms
Simplified Application Process: The law makes the actual procedure of applying to asylum consistent, regardless of whether it happens upon arrival at a port of entry (i.e. at a border crossing), or separately at one of the IRCC offices inside Canada. The system of application online will be improved to make the application of claimants easier.
Faster Referrals to the IRB: The wait time before a decision is reached on complete claims of asylum will be reduced because they will reach the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) faster.
Physical Presence Requirement: The IRB will only determine the merits of the Asylum claims when the claimant is physically present in Canada thus holding the point of accountability in their hands and no one can abuse the system.
Clearing Inactive Cases: The act brings about a set of tools to eliminate the backlogs by eliminating old or idle claims in the system.
Faster Voluntary Departures: Removal orders on withdrawn claims will come into effect immediately which will facilitate quick process to those who opt to quit willingly.
Support for Vulnerable Claimants: Minors and others who may struggle to navigate the process will be assigned representatives to assist them during IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) proceedings.
Backlogs have caused months and even years delays in providing asylum to claimants in Canada, and its asylum system has witnessed notable pressure over the last few years.
These backlogs cause a sense of insecurity among the asylum seekers, difficulty on government services, and also an erosion of trust towards the system.
Potential Impacts
For Asylum Seekers: The decrease in the unpredictability of the process will make it easier to give protection to real refugees faster. Those who have inactive claims or withdrawn claims however can be removed faster.
For Canadians: An improved asylum system will save on costs and backlog and strengthen the faith that the people have in the capacity of Canada to handle immigration in a fair manner.
For the IRB: Standardization of referrals and backlog will enable the IRB to concentrate on the new and active claims hence enhancing the overall system works.
New Asylum Claims’ Ineligibilities
To relieve the strain on the system and prevent the abuse of the asylum system, the Strong Borders Act proposes two new ineligibility requirements of asylum applications.
These are some of the action against the people trying to smuggle in asylum claims to avoid normal immigration policies or prolong their stay in Canada.
New Ineligibility Rules
One-Year Rule: The asylum claims submitted over the year after one arrives in Canada (after June 24, 2020) will not be referred to the IRB. This is regardless of anyone, including the students and persons staying temporarily in Canada, no matter whether they left it and returned or not.
14-Day Rule for Irregular Entries: The asylum claims submitted by persons who enter Canada irregularly (i.e.’entering the US-Canada land border between ports of entry) will not be referred to the IRB when the intending claimant claims refugee status more than 14 days after the person entered Canada.
These rules will affect all claims made on or after June 3, 2025, once Act is passed.
Key Clarifications
Not a Ban on Asylum: These provisions do not prevent individuals from claiming asylum. Instead, they restrict certain claims from being referred to the IRB for adjudication.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA): Individuals affected by these ineligibilities can still apply for a PRRA, which assesses risks such as persecution, torture, or other harms if returned to their home country. A successful PRRA can still result in refugee protection.
Safe Third Country Agreement: The 14-day rule targets irregular border crossings, reinforcing the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US, which requires asylum seekers to claim protection in the first safe country they enter.
Potential Impacts
For Asylum Seekers: The one-year and 14-day rules may discourage delayed or opportunistic claims, but they could also limit access for individuals who face genuine risks but are unaware of the deadlines.
For Canadians: By reducing system misuse, these measures will alleviate pressure on the IRB, allowing it to focus on legitimate claims and reduce processing times.
For Border Security: The 14-day rule reinforces efforts to manage irregular migration, potentially reducing unauthorized crossings from the US.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?
The Strong Borders Act is a significant step toward modernizing Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, but it’s not the final chapter.
The government has indicated intentions to perform an oversight on the effects of the legislation and adjust it where necessary.
Key areas to watch include:
Implementation Timeline: The new ineligibilities are scheduled to begin June 3, 2025, and allow IRCC and the IRB to prepare after the bill passes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work with provinces, territories and advocacy groups will be used to define the manner of the implementation and perception of the legislation.
Global Implications: The Strong Borders Act may affect the policies of other nations in the processing of asylum and border security, as others look at how Canada is undertaking such efforts.
The Strong Borders Act introduced on June 3, 2025, and explained June 17, 2025, has a clear vision of Canada in immigration.
With its implementation, its provisions, which would become effective asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025, would enhance document control, streamline the flow of information, and enhance the speed of asylum adjudication and safeguarding of system integrity.
Obstacles are still present but the precautions and orientation on fairness in the bill make Canada capable of preserving its humane tradition yet meet challenges of contemporary immigration.
During the passage of the bill to enactment with public participation and proper communication will become instrumental in the process.
Through knowledge, Canadians and newcomers will help make the immigration an even stronger, more equitable process that continues to promote the values of Canada, a global leader in opportunity and compassion.
Author: Shubham
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