May 27, 2026
Canada’s New Temporary Policy Protecting Unaccompanied Minors in Refugee Claims
Effective 19 May 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy exempting unaccompanied minors from new ineligibility rules affecting asylum claims. The policy ensures that minors without a parent or legal guardian in Canada remain eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), reflecting ongoing humanitarian considerations within Canada’s asylum system.
A separate temporary policy confirms continued access to open work permits for certain asylum claimants whose applications are deemed ineligible for referral, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable fees.
These measures form part of IRCC’s continued adjustments to Canada’s immigration and asylum framework, balancing system integrity, access to work authorization, and protections for vulnerable individuals.
Read full announcement here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/unaccompanied-minors-asylum.html
Bellissimo Immigration Lawyers
BLGPC’s multicultural team encompasses many specialties and our staff members are among the most highly trained and most experienced immigration lawyers, consultants and clerks in the country. The standards for practice at BLGPC are rigorous and only those persons with key core competencies and extensive knowledge in the industry form part of the team