Law360 Canada (June 22, 2026, 2:54 PM EDT) -- The federal government has published proposed regulations to implement recent asylum reforms introduced through the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12).

“Building on recent measures to strengthen Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, and recent decreases in asylum claim volumes, the Government of Canada is taking further action to maintain a fair, orderly and well-managed asylum system,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a June 19 statement.

The changes are intended to establish clear requirements and timelines to improve how asylum claims are received, processed and decided, and to make the process faster and more effective.

The proposed regulations aim to simplify and streamline the claim process by clarifying the asylum application process, establishing timelines for key government review and specifying rules for reinstatement claims that were withdrawn and claims that are not abandoned.

They also aim to strengthen support for vulnerable claimants, help eligible claimants get access to work permits sooner and create exceptions to new ineligibility rules.

The Refugee Protection Division Rules in the bill set out procedural requirements for parties and their counsel appearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), for decision-makers (members) who decide cases, and for IRCC employees who support the decision-making process.

“These changes build on recent measures to reduce pressures on the asylum system, improve efficiency and strengthen system integrity, while continuing to provide timely protection to people who need it most,” the department said.

On March 26, Bill C-12 received royal assent and became law, focusing on four areas of immigration and asylum systems including new eligibility requirements for asylum claims, a modernized asylum process, better domestic information sharing, and expanded immigration document and application authorities.

A regulatory impact statement said if these rules are not updated when the new legislative framework is enforced, the Immigration and Refugee Board would not be able to effectively implement and operationalize the amendment, undermining the effective functioning of the asylum system.

“The proposed Rules Amending the RPD Rules (the proposed Amendments) would align the rules with legislative changes to the asylum system,” it said.

“The proposed Amendments would amend rules regarding the submission of basis of claim information to support the new single online application process, new abandonment of claims before referral, the time limit for the disclosure of information and documents, and the method of communication with the RPD.”

IRCC said it identified opportunities to simplify asylum processes and improve the efficiency and integrity of the overall system as part of the IRCC Red Tape Review.

It noted that from January to April this year, 42 per cent fewer people submitted an asylum claim in Canada compared to the same period in 2025, and 63 per cent fewer claimants compared to the same period in 2024.

“A well-managed asylum system benefits everyone. These reforms help people who need protection receive it sooner, provide greater certainty, and give them the opportunity to build their lives and contribute to communities across Canada,” said Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

“They also support a fair, efficient and sustainable asylum system by facilitating faster decisions for people who don’t qualify for protection.”

Canadians, stakeholders and interested organizations can review the proposed regulations and provide feedback during a 30-day consultation period.

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