Canada To Introduce A New Asylum Claim Process
Canada is set to introduce a new online process for asylum claims starting November 3, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that the new system will take effect after the current process closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 2, 2026.
The effect on claimants will depend on where their application stands when the new process begins.
In-Canada Online Claims
| Situation at cut-over time | Impact on claimant |
| Claim started in IRCC Portal but not submitted. | Will need to answer new questions and review old responses before submitting. |
| Claim submitted in IRCC Portal. | No impact. |
Claims Made At The Border
| Situation at cut-over time | Impact on claimant |
| Claim not linked to IRCC Portal account | Will need to re-enter details about themself and their family after linking their claim. |
| Claim linked in IRCC Portal but not submitted | Will need to answer new questions and review old responses before submitting. |
| Claim submitted in IRCC Portal | No impact. |
The government announced the upcoming change on October 1, 2026, through updates to its online guidance for people claiming asylum from within Canada and at the border.
Claimants who submit their current claims before the new process begins will not have to provide extra information unless the immigration department specifically asks them to do so.
Requirements For A Successful Asylum Claim
To succeed with an asylum claim, an individual must show that they meet the definition of a convention refugee or a person in need of protection based on the risks they could face if they return to their home country.
Convention refugees are people who face persecution because of their race, religion, political views, nationality, or membership in a particular social group.
People in need of protection are those who could face torture, cruel treatment, or a serious risk to their life.
If a claimant is found eligible, the case is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board for a decision.
Work Permits For Asylum Claimants
Since 2022, a federal policy has allowed eligible asylum claimants whose cases have been referred to apply for an open work permit while they wait for a hearing.
In June 2026, Canada began taking steps to make early access to work permits permanent through changes to the Immigration & Refugee Protection Regulations.
If an asylum claim is refused, or an individual is found ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board, the person may be able to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment after receiving advice from the Canada Border Services Agency.
A pre-removal risk assessment is generally the final opportunity for an individual to seek protection in Canada.
In March 2026, the federal government expanded access to work permits for certain asylum claimants waiting for the pre-removal risk assessment process after being found ineligible for referral to the Immigration & Refugee Board.
Protection And Permanent Residence
If an asylum claim succeeds before the Immigration and Refugee Board or through the pre-removal risk assessment process, the individual is generally recognized as a protected person.
Protected persons can remain in Canada indefinitely and may apply for Canadian permanent residence unless they are prevented by an inadmissibility issue.
A criminal record, including certain impaired-driving convictions, can affect eligibility for permanent residence.
Protected persons with criminal records for offences committed outside Canada may first seek individual rehabilitation to overcome criminal inadmissibility before applying for permanent residence.
After living in Canada for at least 1,095 days, permanent residents may apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet the other requirements.
For the physical presence requirement, permanent residents may receive credit for half of each day they spent in Canada as a temporary resident, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.
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