Angelica Gonzalez-Blanco, Immigration Practitioner in Canada
In 2025, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-2, known as the Strong Borders Act, marking one of the most significant reforms in immigration and border security in recent years. This legislation aims to restore Canadians’ trust in the immigration system, strengthen security along the U.S. border, and ensure that immigration and asylum programs are used legitimately.
As an immigration legal representative in Canada, I consider it essential to clearly explain how this legislation will impact asylum seekers, international students, temporary workers, and permanent residence applicants, and why professional legal guidance is more important than ever.
Key Objectives of the Strong Borders Act
The government has outlined four strategic goals:
- Protect the integrity of the immigration system by closing gaps for fraud and program misuse.
- Strengthen border security with the U.S., combating organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons smuggling.
- Make the asylum system fairer and more efficient, speeding up decisions and preventing abuse.
- Improve information sharing between government levels to ensure safer and more transparent processes.
Key Changes You Should Know
1. Control Over Immigration Documents
The government will have the authority to suspend, cancel, or refuse visa applications, study or work permits, and eTAs when deemed in the public interest. Public interest may include risks to immigration programs, threats to the safety or health of Canadians, misuse of government-funded programs, large-scale emergencies, and other unpredictable situations.
2. Information Sharing
A broader and more systematic data-sharing system between federal and provincial governments will be implemented to:
- Verify the identity of applicants
- Detect fraud in benefit programs
- Support security and border investigations
Privacy will remain protected under existing legislation, with data sharing with foreign governments only allowed under very specific conditions.
3. Modernization of the Asylum System
The asylum process will become faster and more streamlined, including:
- Unified application procedures
- Removal of inactive cases
- Immediate enforcement of voluntary departure orders
- Special support for vulnerable applicants, such as children or those unfamiliar with the process
4. New Ineligibility Rules for Asylum Claims
The Canadian government has proposed two key ineligibility measures to protect the asylum system from abuse and unfounded claims. Individuals will not be eligible if they:
- Submit an asylum claim more than one year after their first arrival in Canada (as of June 24, 2020). This applies to all cases, including international students and temporary residents, regardless of whether they left and returned to Canada.
- Enter irregularly from the United States across the land border outside official ports of entry and submit an asylum claim after 14 days.
These measures are designed to prevent international students and other temporary residents from misusing the asylum system by submitting claims without solid grounds solely to extend their stay in Canada. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the cancellation of visas, study permits, or work permits in cases of fraud or non-compliance.
5. Strengthening Security and Crime Prevention
The bill also proposes enhanced measures for public safety, including:
- Greater customs control at entry points
- Coast Guard patrols for security purposes
- Faster regulation of chemical precursors for illegal drugs
- Expanded powers for police and CSIS in national security investigations
- Impact and Final Considerations
It is crucial to remember that asylum in Canada is designed to protect those fleeing genuine persecution, not to serve as an alternative migration route when other legal options fail. The new rules aim to focus system resources on those who truly need protection while accelerating legitimate processes and reducing abuse.
If the Strong Borders Act comes into effect, it will mark a turning point in Canadian immigration policy. Asylum seekers will face stricter processes and shorter timelines, international students and temporary workers will need to strictly comply with the conditions of their permits, and Express Entry applicants will have to validate their credentials with greater rigor.
Ultimately, Bill C-2 seeks to balance humanitarian protection with national security. Canada remains open to those in genuine need of protection and skilled migrants, but legal pathways are becoming more demanding, requiring careful planning and professional legal guidance. Being informed, prepared, and supported by experienced immigration professionals is no longer optional—it is essential for anyone seeking to build a secure future in Canada.
