Canadian authorities are enforcing a new, stricter asylum law aimed at reducing pressure on the country’s immigration system and closing existing loopholes.

New Eligibility Requirements

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the updated eligibility requirements are designed to curb sudden surges in asylum claims and discourage the use of asylum pathways as shortcuts to regular immigration.

The law, known as “Bill C-12” or the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received royal assent on March 26, 2026, and is now in force. It applies to all asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025.

One-Year Deadline Rule

Under the new rules, asylum applications submitted more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada will no longer be considered.

The IRCC stated that “asylum claims made more than one year after someone’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, won’t be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), regardless of whether the person has since left and returned.”

Irregular Border Crossings

It further explained that individuals who cross into Canada between official border points along the Canada–United States land border and file asylum claims after 14 days will also be deemed ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Four Major Areas of Reform

The legislation focuses on four major areas, including new eligibility criteria for asylum claims, a modernised asylum process, enhanced domestic information sharing, and expanded authority over immigration documents and applications.

Impact on Nigerians and Other Foreign Nationals

The move follows broader immigration reforms by Canada, particularly targeting asylum procedures, and is expected to impact Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking refuge in the country.

Data shows that in 2025, at least 13,171 Nigerians who applied for refugee protection in Canada between January 2013 and December 2024 had their claims rejected.