Canada has rolled out new immigration and asylum regulations that will impact Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The changes follow the enactment of Bill C-12, also called the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which received royal assent on March 26, 2026.
Key provisions include stricter eligibility rules for asylum seekers, a modernised application process, expanded data-sharing powers, and new authorities over immigration documents.
Under the new law, “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, regardless of whether the person has since left and returned.” Claims from those entering between official ports of entry and making a claim after 14 days are also excluded.
While the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. remains unchanged, Canada will simplify online applications, remove inactive cases, and expedite voluntary departures. Vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors, will receive special consideration.
The law grants authorities broader powers to share applicants’ personal data across government institutions, while provinces cannot share such data with foreign governments without federal consent.
Additionally, immigration officials can now suspend, cancel, or modify visas, work permits, and study permits in cases involving fraud, public health risks, administrative errors, or national security concerns, with all decisions subject to transparency and reporting requirements.
These new measures are expected to have major implications for Nigerians and other migrants seeking to study, work, or claim asylum in Canada.