New regulations under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act came into force on November 3, 2026. They change how asylum claims are filed and processed in Canada, including a single online application for all claimants.
What changed
The regulations introduce a single online application process that applies to all asylum claims, whether made inland or at a port of entry. They also set timelines for key government reviews, specify rules for the reinstatement of withdrawn claims and claims that are not abandoned, and strengthen support for vulnerable claimants.
In addition, the regulations support individuals with eligible claims to access work permits, and provide exceptions to the new ineligibility rules. Further detail is available on the Government of Canada announcement.
Who is affected
The new rules apply to asylum claimants in Canada, including those filing inland and those making claims at a port of entry. Vulnerable claimants and individuals with eligible claims who are seeking access to a work permit are also within the scope of the regulations.
For context, from January to August 2026 asylum claims fell by 52 percent compared to the same period in 2025, and by 68 percent compared to 2024.
What this means in practice
All new asylum claims must now follow the same online application pathway, replacing the previous split between inland and port-of-entry procedures. Claimants and their representatives should expect government reviews to follow the timelines set out in the regulations.
Claimants whose files were previously withdrawn, or whose claims may be considered not abandoned, should review the reinstatement rules to understand whether their case can be brought back before the system. Those who may be caught by the new ineligibility rules should check whether a listed exception applies.
Eligible claimants can also look to the supported work permit pathway while their claim is being processed. The specific eligibility criteria and processing details for that pathway, the exact timelines for government reviews, and transitional rules for claims filed before November 3, 2026 are not set out in the government’s announcement.
Next steps
- Use the new single online application process for all asylum claims.
- Review the new timelines for key government reviews.
- If a prior claim was withdrawn, check whether the new reinstatement rules apply.
- If a work permit may be available, confirm eligibility under the new rules.
- If affected by the new ineligibility rules, check whether an exception applies.
If you have a pending claim, a previously withdrawn file, or a question about how these regulations affect your situation, our office can review your case. You can book a consultation with our office.