Canada is close to approving a major immigration law that could give the federal government wide powers to pause or stop immigration applications and change conditions for temporary residents, as reported by CIC News. Bill C-12, titled ‘Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act’, has already cleared the House of Commons and has begun its journey in the Senate.

If passed in its current form, the bill would allow the governor general, acting on Cabinet advice, to stop accepting new immigration applications and suspend or end the processing of existing ones. The scope covers permanent resident visas, work permits, study permits, temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations and permanent resident cards.

The proposed law would also allow the government to amend or impose new conditions on temporary resident documents and on individuals such as workers, students and visitors. These conditions could be used to ensure compliance with laws beyond the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. However, the bill does not give authorities the power to grant permanent residence or issue or extend work and study permits.

The move has raised concerns among newcomers, but lawmakers added several safeguards before the bill passed its third reading in the Commons. The powers can only be used when the governor general believes it is in the “public interest”.

Powers over temporary residents
The bill defines public interest situations to include administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety and national security. It also requires transparency. When these powers are used, the immigration minister must table a report in Parliament explaining the reason, the number of applications or documents affected and the categories of people impacted.
In cases involving fraud or administrative mistakes, the changes could help applicants with valid and complete applications by allowing quicker corrective action.

Beyond immigration applications, the bill also proposes changes to Canada’s refugee and asylum system. It would allow officials to declare refugee claims as abandoned or withdrawn in specific situations.

Bill C-12 has passed its third reading in the House of Commons and its first reading in the Senate. It will become law if the Senate approves it in its final reading and it receives royal assent. The Senate is expected to resume consideration of the bill when it reconvenes in February 2026.