New Bill C-12 Brings Stricter Canada Visa Rules For All

Canada stands on the edge of a major change to how it manages immigration and borders. Parliament has advanced Bill C-12, a wide-ranging law that reshapes how officials handle asylum claims, visas, removals, and information sharing. Lawmakers designed the bill to respond to growing pressure on the immigration system after years of rising arrivals and long delays.

The Senate gave the bill its first reading on December 11, 2025, after approval in the House of Commons. Senators will resume debate in February 2026. The bill will become law once it clears a final vote and receives royal assent.

Why the Government Introduced the Bill

Officials say the immigration system has struggled since 2020. Temporary residents reached record levels, asylum claims increased inside the country, and processing delays grew across federal agencies. Governments relied on temporary fixes for years. Bill C-12 replaces those short-term tools with permanent legal powers.

The bill gives the federal cabinet and the immigration minister more control. It also sets firm timelines and allows faster action when officials believe the system faces abuse or strain.

Stronger Border and Export Controls

One part of the bill strengthens border enforcement. Border officers will gain clear authority to access airports, ports, warehouses, and export sites without delay. Private operators must provide space and facilities at no cost.

Supporters say this will reduce delays and help stop illegal goods from leaving Canada. Critics warn that the changes expand inspections and could affect privacy, especially for small exporters.

Wider Sharing of Immigration Information

The bill also formalizes how immigration data moves between governments. Federal officials will share identity and status details with provinces through written agreements. Provinces will not share that data with foreign governments without federal approval.

The change aims to speed up services and checks. At the same time, it means different government offices will spot mistakes or violations much faster than before.

Faster and Tighter Asylum Processing

The bill rewrites how in-Canada asylum claims move through the system. Claimants must submit documents on time and remain physically in Canada. Missed deadlines can lead to abandoned claims and quick removal orders.

The government says faster decisions will reduce backlogs. Refugee advocates worry that people fleeing danger may struggle to meet strict timelines, especially when trauma or missing documents delay them.

New Powers Over Visas and Applications

Officials will gain authority to suspend or cancel applications and documents in situations tied to fraud, health risks, or public safety. Cabinet orders could pause entire categories of applications during crises. Fees may not return in all cases.

Supporters call this a fast response tool. Critics fear sudden decisions could harm genuine applicants with little warning.

Clear Limits on Refugee Eligibility

The bill sets firm limits on when people can claim refugee protection. Many claims filed more than one year after entry will no longer qualify for a full hearing. Late claims will move to a paper-based review instead.

The government says this will encourage timely claims. Advocacy groups say some people only realize danger after time in safety.

What This Means for Applicants

Bill C-12 sends a clear message. Applicants must follow rules closely, act quickly, and provide accurate information. Once the law takes effect, the system will move faster and leave less room for delay.