Canada will switch to a new online system for asylum claims on November 3 2026. The transition occurs at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, and the effect on claimants depends on the status of their claim at that moment.
Impact on in‑Canada online claims
| Situation at cut‑over time | Impact on claimant |
|---|---|
| Claim started in the IRCC portal but not submitted | Claimant must answer new questions and review previous responses before submitting |
| Claim already submitted in the IRCC portal | No impact |
Impact on claims made at the border
| Situation at cut‑over time | Impact on claimant |
|---|---|
| Claim not linked to an IRCC portal account | Claimant must re‑enter personal and family details after linking the claim |
| Claim linked in the IRCC portal but not submitted | Claimant must answer new questions and review previous responses before submitting |
| Claim already submitted in the IRCC portal | No impact |
The government announced these changes on October 1 2026 via updates to the official pages Claiming asylum from within Canada and Claiming asylum at the border when you enter Canada.
Key points for claimants
- Submission before the cut‑over – No additional information is required unless IRCC specifically requests it.
- Eligibility criteria – A successful claim must demonstrate that the applicant meets the definition of a convention refugee (persecution based on race, religion, politics, nationality, or membership in a particular social group) or a person in need of protection (risk of torture, cruel treatment, or death).
- Referral to the IRB – If deemed eligible, the claim is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for a hearing.
Work permits for asylum seekers
- Since 2022, a public policy allows claimants referred to the IRB to apply for an open work permit while awaiting their hearing. The policy is detailed in the government’s public policy on refugee work permits.
- On June 19 2026, Canada began moving to make early‑access work permits permanent through amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
- On March 26 2026, the government expanded work‑permit eligibility to claimants awaiting a pre‑removal risk assessment (PRRA) after being found ineligible for IRB referral.
If a claim is rejected
- Claimants may apply for a PRRA, typically the final opportunity to obtain protection in Canada, after advice from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
- Successful PRRA applicants, like successful IRB claimants, become protected persons, granting indefinite stay.
Path from protected person to permanent residence and citizenship
- Protected person status – Allows the individual to remain in Canada indefinitely.
- Permanent residence – Generally available to protected persons unless they are inadmissible (e.g., for a disqualifying criminal record such as a DUI).
- Individuals with criminal convictions abroad may first need to obtain individual rehabilitation to overcome inadmissibility.
- Citizenship – After residing in Canada for at least 1,095 days (approximately three years), a permanent resident can apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Days spent in Canada on a valid temporary resident status count as half‑days toward the residency requirement, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
