Canada is proposing new regulations aimed at modernizing its asylum system and improving how refugee claims are received, processed and decided.

The proposed changes would update Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and are intended to make the asylum process more efficient, transparent and sustainable over the long term.

Among the most significant proposals are clearer application requirements, a proposed 60-day timeline for submitting a complete asylum application, more structured government reviews before hearings, additional support for vulnerable claimants and potentially earlier access to work permits for eligible asylum claimants.

However, there is an important distinction applicants need to understand:

These are proposed regulatory changes, not final rules currently in force.

The proposals may change before they are finalized and implemented.

For anyone following Canada's asylum system, understanding what is being proposed—and what has not yet become a final requirement—is essential.

What Is Canada Proposing for the Asylum System?

The Government of Canada says it is continuing efforts to improve the asylum system so that it remains fair, transparent and sustainable over the long term.

The proposed regulatory changes would address several stages of the asylum process.

The main areas include:

• Clearer requirements for asylum applications

• Timelines for submitting information and documents

• Government security and admissibility reviews

• Rules for withdrawn and potentially abandoned claims

• Support for vulnerable claimants

• Application of the Safe Third Country Agreement

• Earlier access to work permits for eligible claimants

• Exceptions to certain proposed ineligibility rules

Together, these measures are intended to make the asylum process easier to navigate while helping government authorities process claims more efficiently.

Proposed 60-Day Timeline for Complete Applications

One of the most significant proposals is the introduction of a clearer timeline for completing an asylum application.

Under the proposed regulations, claimants would have:

60 days to submit a complete application

The proposal would also allow:

One additional 30-day extension upon request

This would create a clearer framework for applicants to understand when required information and documents need to be submitted.

The goal is to establish more predictable timelines and reduce uncertainty during the application process.

However, because these are proposed regulations, applicants should not treat the 60-day requirement as a final rule unless and until the government formally implements it.

Why Would Canada Introduce a 60-Day Timeline?

A clearly defined timeline could make the asylum process easier to understand.

At present, applicants may need to navigate multiple requirements involving personal information, documents and procedural steps.

The proposed approach would establish clearer expectations around:

• What information must be submitted

• Which documents are required

• When information must be provided

• How much time claimants have to complete their applications

The government says this would help create a simpler and more predictable claimant experience, particularly as the asylum application process becomes increasingly supported by online systems.

A Possible 30-Day Extension

The proposed regulations would allow a claimant to request a one-time 30-day extension.

This means the proposed framework would not necessarily end the opportunity to complete an application after the initial 60-day period.

However, applicants should understand that the extension is part of the proposed regulatory framework and should not be treated as an automatic entitlement under current rules.

The exact implementation requirements would depend on the final regulations and applicable procedures.

Government Reviews Before an IRB Hearing

Another major area of the proposal concerns government review activities that take place before a refugee claim proceeds to a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

The proposed system would establish a time limit for the minister to complete relevant review activities.

These reviews include matters related to:

• Security

• Criminality

• Admissibility

• Program integrity

The objective is to make sure that claims referred to the IRB are ready to proceed.

Why Are Pre-Hearing Reviews Important?

Delays in government reviews can affect the timing of refugee hearings.

If important security, criminality, admissibility or program-integrity reviews have not been completed, a claim may face procedural delays.

The proposed changes aim to complete key reviews before a claim proceeds to a hearing.

According to the government, this could help:

• Reduce hearing delays

• Improve scheduling

• Make processing more efficient

• Ensure files are ready when they reach the IRB

The broader objective is to support more timely decisions.

Proposed Rules for Withdrawn and Non-Abandoned Claims

The proposed regulations would also clarify what happens to certain claims that are withdrawn or determined by the IRB not to have been abandoned.

This is important because not every claim moves through the asylum process in a straightforward manner.

Some claims may be withdrawn, while others may face questions about whether the claimant has abandoned the process.

The proposed rules would provide greater clarity around how certain claims can continue or be reinstated.

What Would Claimants Need to Do?

The proposed regulations would establish requirements for claimants whose cases are determined by the IRB not to have been abandoned.

They would also establish circumstances under which a withdrawn claim could be reinstated by the minister.

The government expects these changes to provide:

• Greater consistency

• Clearer procedures

• Better understanding of claimant responsibilities

• More efficient management of cases that are no longer actively progressing

The broader objective is to help clear cases from the asylum system when they are no longer being actively pursued while providing clearer rules for cases that should continue.

Stronger Support for Vulnerable Asylum Claimants

Another important part of the proposal focuses on vulnerable claimants.

Some people may have difficulty fully understanding or participating in asylum proceedings.

This can include certain:

• Minors

• Individuals who cannot fully understand the proceedings

• Other people who require additional procedural support

The proposed regulations would clarify when a designated representative must be appointed.

What Is a Designated Representative?

A designated representative can provide important support to a person who may not be able to fully understand or participate in the asylum process independently.

The proposed regulations would clarify:

• When a designated representative must be appointed

• Responsibilities of designated representatives

• Requirements for people acting as designated representatives

• When a representative's appointment ends

The government says this would strengthen support for vulnerable claimants and could help prevent procedural delays.

Why Support for Vulnerable Claimants Matters

The asylum process can involve complicated legal and procedural requirements.

For people who cannot fully understand the proceedings, navigating these requirements may be particularly difficult.

Clearer rules around designated representatives could help ensure that vulnerable claimants receive appropriate procedural support.

The proposed changes are intended to make the system more consistent while reducing unnecessary delays.

Safe Third Country Agreement: Proposed Clarifications

The proposed regulations would also clarify how eligibility under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and its Additional Protocol should be determined following modernization of the asylum system.

The government says the objective is to maintain the current approach while avoiding unintended delays.

Two important changes are proposed.

Online Application Timing

For online applications, the 14-day period established under the Additional Protocol would begin when an individual submits their information online with the intention of making an asylum claim.

This would clarify how the timeline applies to online submissions.

Family Member With a Pending Claim

The proposal would also change the requirement relating to an in-Canada family member with a pending claim.

The relevant point would shift from the claim being referred to the IRB to the claim being found eligible for referral to the IRB.

The government describes this as maintaining the status quo in how the STCA and its Additional Protocol are applied while adapting the rules to the modernized asylum application process.

Earlier Work Permit Access for Eligible Claimants

Another significant proposal concerns work permits.

The proposed regulations would support faster access to work permits for eligible asylum claimants.

Under the proposed changes, eligible claimants could receive work permits sooner after submitting a complete asylum claim.

This could allow eligible individuals to enter Canada's labour market earlier while waiting for a decision on their refugee claim.

Why Earlier Work Permit Access Matters

Waiting for an asylum decision can take time.

During this period, eligible claimants may need to support themselves and meet their basic needs.

Earlier access to a work permit could allow eligible claimants to:

• Look for employment sooner

• Participate in Canada's labour market

• Earn income

• Support themselves while waiting for a decision

The government says the proposed measure would help eligible claimants enter the workforce sooner and provide for themselves.

However, this is a proposed change and should not be interpreted as an immediate change to current work permit eligibility or processing rules.

Proposed Exceptions to New Ineligibility Rules

The proposed regulations would also create exceptions to certain new ineligibility rules.

Two groups are specifically identified in the proposal.

Unaccompanied Minors

The proposed regulations would create exceptions for certain unaccompanied minors.

This recognizes that children and youth who arrive without an accompanying adult may require additional consideration within the asylum system.

One-Year Eligibility Requirement

Another proposed exception concerns claimants subject to a one-year eligibility requirement for asylum claims.

The proposal would ensure that individuals who register through the online portal and indicate an early intention to seek asylum remain eligible to make a claim.

The intended outcome is a more consistent application of the proposed ineligibility rules.

What Could These Changes Mean for Asylum Claimants?

If implemented, the proposed regulations could affect several stages of the asylum process.

More predictable application timelines

The proposed 60-day application period could make it clearer when claimants need to provide required information and documents.

More organized government reviews

Time limits for key government review activities could help reduce delays before hearings.

Clearer rules for inactive claims

Rules concerning withdrawn and non-abandoned claims could make the process easier to understand.

More support for vulnerable people

Clearer designated-representative rules could provide better procedural support.

Potentially faster work permits

Eligible claimants could potentially access work permits sooner after submitting complete claims.

Clearer eligibility exceptions

Special exceptions could help ensure that certain vulnerable or affected claimants are treated appropriately.

Are These Changes Already in Effect?

This is one of the most important questions.

No—not based on the proposal provided.

The government describes these measures as proposed regulations.

That means applicants should distinguish between:

Current rules
Rules that are already legally in force and applicable.

Proposed rules
Changes the government is considering that may be finalized and implemented later.

This distinction is particularly important when discussing the proposed 60-day application timeline, proposed work-permit changes and proposed ineligibility exceptions.

Applicants should not assume that a proposal automatically changes the law.

What Should Asylum Claimants Do Now?

People involved in the Canadian asylum process should continue following the current official requirements that apply to their situation.

They should also monitor official IRCC communications for updates about the proposed regulatory changes.

If the regulations are finalized, applicants may need to adjust how they prepare and submit their claims.

Keep Your Information Organized

Maintain organized records of relevant documents and information.

Follow Current Instructions

Until proposed changes become final and applicable, follow the requirements currently provided by the appropriate Canadian authorities.

Watch for Official Updates

Immigration rules can change, and applicants should rely on official government information rather than social media summaries or unofficial interpretations.

Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

Asylum cases can involve complex legal and factual issues.

If you are unsure about eligibility, application requirements or procedural steps, consider obtaining qualified immigration or legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canada's proposed 60-day asylum rule?

Canada is proposing regulations that would give asylum claimants 60 days to submit a complete application, with a proposed one-time 30-day extension upon request.

This is a proposed regulatory change and should not be treated as a final current requirement unless implemented.

Would the 60-day period apply immediately?

No. The information provided describes it as a proposed regulation. Applicants should wait for official confirmation of final implementation before treating it as a current requirement.

Will asylum claimants get work permits faster?

The proposed regulations would support earlier work permits for eligible asylum claimants after they submit a complete claim.

However, this is also a proposed change and is not automatically a new current entitlement.

What happens to withdrawn asylum claims?

The proposed regulations would establish circumstances under which a withdrawn claim could be reinstated by the minister.

They would also clarify what claimants need to do when the IRB determines that a claim was not abandoned.

Who may receive support from a designated representative?

The proposed rules would clarify when designated representatives must be appointed, including situations involving certain vulnerable claimants such as minors and individuals who cannot fully understand the proceedings.

Are there proposed exceptions for unaccompanied minors?

Yes. The proposed regulations would create exceptions to certain new ineligibility rules for unaccompanied minors.

What is changing regarding the Safe Third Country Agreement?

The proposal would clarify how certain eligibility requirements under the STCA and its Additional Protocol apply after the asylum system is modernized.

The government states that the objective is to maintain the status quo in practice and prevent unintended delays.

Final Takeaway

Canada is proposing a series of regulatory changes designed to modernize its asylum system and support more timely decisions.

The proposals cover several important areas:

60-day application timeline
Claimants would have a proposed 60 days to submit a complete application, with a possible one-time 30-day extension.

Government review timelines
Security, criminality, admissibility and program-integrity reviews would be structured to help ensure files are ready before IRB hearings.

Clearer claim procedures
Rules for withdrawn and non-abandoned claims would be clarified.

Support for vulnerable claimants
Designated-representative requirements and responsibilities would be more clearly defined.

Earlier work permits
Eligible asylum claimants could potentially receive work permits sooner after submitting complete claims.

Ineligibility exceptions
Proposed exceptions would address certain unaccompanied minors and claimants affected by the one-year eligibility requirement.

However, the most important point for applicants is that these measures are proposals.

They should not automatically be treated as final immigration rules.

Anyone making or considering an asylum claim should continue following the current official requirements and monitor IRCC announcements for confirmation of any regulatory changes.

For complex cases, obtaining qualified immigration or legal guidance can help applicants understand the rules that actually apply to their circumstances.

Skylam Immigration Services — helping you stay informed and prepared throughout your Canadian immigration journey.