Canada’s immigration and asylum system has undergone a major shift. With the recent passage of Bill C-12 — the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act — new rules are now in force that directly affect many individuals who have already applied for refugee protection or were planning to do so.
At Titan Law, we understand that these sudden changes can be confusing, stressful, and even overwhelming. This update explains what the new law means, who is affected, and what steps you can take right now.
What Has Changed?
As of now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are applying two new eligibility rules to refugee claims:
1. One-Year Rule After Entry
A refugee claim will not be accepted if:
- It is made more than one year after your first entry into Canada,
- And your entry occurred on or after June 24, 2020,
- Even if you left Canada and later returned.
2. 14-Day Rule for Irregular Border Crossings
A claim will also be ineligible if:
- It is made more than 14 days after entering Canada between official ports of entry along the Canada–U.S. land border.
Retroactive Impact: Why This Matters Now
One of the most important — and concerning — aspects of this law is that it applies retroactively.
This means:
- Claims made on or after June 3, 2025 are now being reassessed under the new rules.
- Even if your claim was already submitted, it may now be found ineligible and removed from the refugee process.
If your claim becomes ineligible:
- It will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
- You may instead be placed into removal (deportation) proceedings.
Who Is Most Affected?
You may be directly impacted if:
- You have been in Canada for more than one year and applied for refugee protection after June 3, 2025
- You were planning to apply but have now passed the one-year deadline
- You entered Canada between ports of entry and did not apply within 14 days
For many individuals in these categories, refugee protection is no longer available through the standard process.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Ineligible?
If your claim is deemed ineligible:
1. You May Face Removal Proceedings
The CBSA may begin the process to remove you from Canada.
2. You May Be Eligible for PRRA
Before removal, you may be allowed to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).
This process evaluates whether you would face:
- Persecution
- Torture
- Risk to life
in your home country.
However, PRRA is not the same as a refugee claim and has a different process and threshold.
3. You Still Have Health Coverage
Even if your claim is ineligible, you remain eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
Will PRRA Be Offered to Everyone?
A common question we are receiving is whether everyone who becomes ineligible under the new law will have access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). The answer is no — PRRA is not automatically available to everyone.
PRRA is a separate process that is typically only considered when removal from Canada is being actively enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency.
When PRRA May Be Available
You may be given the opportunity to apply for PRRA:
- When CBSA is preparing to remove you from Canada
- During your removal interview, where officers will inform you if you are eligible
Important Limitations
Not everyone will qualify for PRRA. Eligibility depends on several factors, including:
- Whether you have had a previous PRRA decision
- Whether you previously had a refugee claim assessed on its merits
- Specific timing rules and waiting periods under immigration law
PRRA is also not something you can apply for at any time — it is only made available at a specific stage of the removal process.
Why This Matters
Many individuals assume PRRA is a guaranteed “backup” if their refugee claim is refused or deemed ineligible. This is not the case. Waiting for PRRA without understanding your options can put you at serious risk of removal without adequate preparation.
Important: Keep Your Contact Information Updated
If you have already submitted a claim:
- IRCC or CBSA will contact you regarding your case
- It is critical to keep your contact information up to date through the IRCC web form
Missing communication could affect your ability to respond or take action.
What Should You Do Now?
These changes are complex and can significantly impact your future in Canada. Every case is different, and there may still be legal options available to you, depending on your situation.
You should act as soon as possible if:
- You already submitted a claim after June 3, 2025
- You have been in Canada over one year and have not yet applied
- You are unsure whether the new law affects you
Speak With Titan Law Today
At Titan Law, we help individuals navigate difficult immigration changes with clarity and strategy.
Book a consultation today to:
- Confirm whether the new law affects your application
- Understand if you are still eligible for refugee protection
- Explore alternative legal pathways if your claim is no longer eligible
- Prepare for next steps, including PRRA or other immigration options
Do not wait until it is too late. Early legal advice can make a critical difference in your case.
👉 Contact Titan Law today to schedule your consultation and protect your future in Canada.
Bill C-12 is a new Canadian law that changes how refugee claims are assessed. It introduces stricter eligibility rules that can prevent certain claims from being heard by the refugee board.
You may be affected if:
- You applied for refugee protection after June 3, 2025, or
- You have been in Canada for more than one year before applying, or
- You entered between ports of entry and applied after 14 days
Yes. The law applies retroactively to claims made on or after June 3, 2025. This means your existing claim could now be reassessed and found ineligible.
If you entered Canada on or after June 24, 2020, you must apply for refugee protection within one year of your first entry. If you apply after that, your claim may be rejected as ineligible.
If you entered Canada between official border crossings from the United States, you must apply for refugee protection within 14 days. After that, you may no longer be eligible.
