Major Immigration Bill Moves Closer to Law: What It Could Mean for Newcomers to Canada
A significant piece of federal legislation that could reshape how Canada manages immigration applications is nearing final approval. Bill C-12, titled “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act,” has cleared most parliamentary hurdles and, if enacted, would grant the federal government broader authority over immigration processing and temporary resident management.
The bill proposes to give the Governor General, acting on the advice of Cabinet, expanded discretionary powers to pause, suspend, or stop the processing of certain immigration applications and documents when deemed necessary in the public interest.
What Bill C-12 Would Change
If passed in its current form, Bill C-12 would allow the government to take swift action over a wide range of immigration-related matters. These powers would apply to both new applications and those already in progress.
Immigration documents and applications affected could include:
- Permanent resident visa applications
- Work permits and study permits
- Temporary resident visas (visitor visas)
- Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)
- Permanent resident cards
In addition, the bill would allow the government to modify or impose new conditions on temporary residents such as workers, students, and visitors. These conditions could be adjusted to enforce compliance with laws beyond the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Importantly, the proposed powers do not allow the government to directly grant permanent residence or to issue or extend work and study permits.
Safeguards and Oversight Measures
While the scope of authority outlined in Bill C-12 is broad, lawmakers introduced several amendments designed to act as safeguards.
Under the revised version of the bill:
- Powers may only be exercised when the government believes action is in the “public interest.”
- The bill defines public interest situations to include:
- Administrative errors
- Fraud
- Public health concerns
- Public safety risks
- National security issues
To ensure transparency, the immigration minister would be required to table a report in Parliament whenever these powers are used. This report must explain:
- Why the action was taken
- How many applications or documents were affected
- The categories of people impacted
These measures aim to prevent arbitrary decision-making and provide parliamentary oversight.
How Newcomers Could Be Affected
For newcomers, the bill may raise concerns about uncertainty and processing interruptions. However, in cases involving fraud or administrative mistakes, legitimate applicants could actually benefit from faster corrections and system-wide fixes.
The legislation also introduces reforms to Canada’s refugee and asylum system, including expanded authority for officials to declare certain claims abandoned or withdrawn under specific conditions.
Overall, the government has positioned the bill as a tool to improve efficiency, security, and integrity within Canada’s immigration system.
Is Bill C-12 Likely to Become Law?
Bill C-12 has already passed its third reading in the House of Commons and completed its first reading in the Senate. The Senate is expected to resume debate when it reconvenes in February 2026.
If the bill passes its remaining Senate readings and receives royal assent, it will become law. Historically, it is rare for legislation approved by the House of Commons to be rejected by the Senate, making passage highly likely.
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