Canada updates immigration rules and asylum application processes

The Canadian government has introduced a new, streamlined online asylum application process for individuals seeking refuge from within the country. Under the revised system, applicants must first submit information through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal. Following this, they will be invited to an in-person appointment with an immigration officer for an eligibility assessment.

For cases eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), applicants have 60 days to submit a complete application and supporting documents, with a possible one-time 30-day extension. The new regulations include stricter timelines for security, criminality, and admissibility checks to reduce hearing delays at the IRB.

Additionally, Canada has announced its 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan. The government intends to maintain a target of 370,000 new temporary residents annually, with foreign workers comprising approximately 60 percent and international students making up 40 percent. This plan aims to align immigration levels with the country’s capacity for housing, infrastructure, and essential services while addressing labor shortages.