Canada to Introduce New Online Asylum Claim Process on November 3, 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a new online process for asylum claims that will take effect on November 3, 2026.

The impact of this change will depend on where a claimant is in the application process immediately before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 2, 2026.

Applicants who have already submitted their claims before the change takes effect will generally not need to provide additional information unless IRCC specifically asks for it.

Changes for Asylum Claims Made from Inside Canada

For people making an asylum claim from within Canada, the impact will depend on whether the claim has been submitted.

If a claimant has started an application in the IRCC Portal but has not submitted it before the cutover, they will need to answer new questions and review their previous answers before submitting the claim.

If the claim has already been submitted through the IRCC Portal, there will be no impact.

Changes for Asylum Claims Made at the Border

The transition will also affect people who make asylum claims at a Canadian port of entry.

If a border claim has not yet been linked to an IRCC Portal account, the claimant will need to enter information about themselves and their family again after linking the claim.

If the claim has already been linked to the IRCC Portal but has not yet been submitted, the claimant will need to answer new questions and review previous responses.

Claims that have already been submitted through the portal will not be affected by the transition.

When Will the New Asylum Process Start?

The new online process will officially begin on November 3, 2026.

IRCC announced the change through updates to its official information pages for asylum claims made from within Canada and at the border.

Applicants who submit their current claims before the cutover will generally continue under the existing process and will not be required to provide new information unless requested by IRCC.

Who Can Qualify for Refugee Protection in Canada?

A person making an asylum claim must show that they meet the legal definition of either a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

A Convention refugee is generally someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution because of factors such as:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Membership in a particular social group
  
  

A person in need of protection may be someone who would face risks such as torture, cruel treatment or a serious threat to life if returned to their home country.

What Happens After an Asylum Claim Is Submitted?

If IRCC determines that the asylum claim is eligible, the claim is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

The IRB is responsible for deciding whether the claimant qualifies for refugee protection.

While waiting for a hearing, eligible claimants may also be able to apply for an open work permit.

Open Work Permits for Asylum Claimants

Since 2022, the federal government has had a public policy allowing referred asylum claimants to apply for an open work permit while they wait for their hearing before the IRB.

On June 19, 2026, the federal government also took steps toward making earlier access to work permits a permanent part of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

This can allow eligible asylum claimants to work legally in Canada while their protection claim is being processed.

What Happens If an Asylum Claim Is Rejected?

If an asylum claim is rejected, or if the person is found ineligible to have the claim referred to the IRB, they may in some cases be able to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.

A PRRA is generally used to assess whether a person would face serious risks if removed from Canada.

It is often one of the final opportunities for a person to seek protection before removal.

Work Permit Access During the PRRA Process

In March 2026, Canada expanded access to work permits for some asylum claimants who were waiting for a PRRA after being found ineligible for referral to the IRB.

This allows certain individuals in the protection system to continue supporting themselves while their case is being reviewed.

What Happens If Refugee Protection Is Approved?

A person whose claim is successful through the IRB or through a PRRA is generally recognized as a protected person.

Protected person status allows the individual to remain in Canada.

Protected persons may also apply for Canadian permanent residence, provided they are not barred because of inadmissibility issues.

Criminal Inadmissibility Can Affect Permanent Residence

A protected person may still face challenges when applying for permanent residence if they are criminally inadmissible to Canada.

Certain criminal convictions, including some offences committed outside Canada, may affect eligibility.

In some cases, a person may first need to overcome criminal inadmissibility, including through an application for individual rehabilitation, before moving forward with permanent residence.

Pathway from Protected Person to Canadian Citizenship

Once a protected person becomes a permanent resident, they may eventually become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

In general, a permanent resident must meet the physical presence requirement of at least 1,095 days in Canada during the applicable eligibility period.

Some time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident while holding valid temporary resident status may count toward the physical presence requirement.

Eligible pre-PR days are generally counted as half-days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.

What the November 3 Change Means for Asylum Claimants

The most important factor is whether an asylum claim has been submitted before the new online system takes effect.

Claimants who have already submitted their applications should generally not be affected.

Those who have started but not submitted their claims may need to answer new questions and review information already entered.

People making asylum claims at the border may also need to re-enter personal and family details depending on whether their claim has already been linked to the IRCC Portal.

Applicants should carefully review their information before the transition date and make sure they understand whether the new process applies to them.