Canada: Immigration and Border Security Bill Expands Government Oversight Powers
March 27, 2026
Canada has enacted Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which is aimed at safeguarding border security and reinforcing the integrity of the immigration system. The legislation grants broad discretionary powers to the government to intervene in immigration processing where deemed in the public interest, including in cases involving fraud, administrative error, public health, public safety, or national security. These powers include the ability to suspend or terminate the processing of applications, halt the intake of new applications, and cancel, vary, or impose conditions on immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, and visas. While expansive, these powers are subject to enhanced oversight, including mandatory reporting to Parliament by the immigration minister.
Bill C-12 also introduces notable reforms to Canada’s asylum framework. New ineligibility criteria prevent certain claims from being referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board, including claims filed more than one year after entry and claims from individuals who entered Canada irregularly from the United States. These measures apply retroactively to claims made on or after June 3, 2025. Although ineligible claimants retain access to pre-removal risk assessments, the changes are expected to reduce the volume of claims entering the formal refugee determination system and accelerate processing timelines.
Additionally, the law expands the government’s authority to share immigration-related personal information across federal, provincial, and territorial bodies, as well as with foreign entities (subject to ministerial approval).
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.
Blog post
In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.
Blog post
In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.
Media mentions
Blog post
In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.
Blog post
In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.
Blog post
In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.
Media mentions
