October 1, 2026
IRCC Announces Changes to Online Refugee Claim Application Process
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the existing online application process for refugee claims will be replaced by a new Refugee Claim Application process, expected to take effect on November 3, 2026.
Individuals who have already started a refugee claim through the IRCC Portal should complete the applicable steps before 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, 2026. Applicants with submissions already completed before the deadline generally will not need to provide new information unless IRCC requests it.
For applications that remain incomplete at the deadline, previously saved information may be retained, but applicants will need to review their responses and answer any new or unanswered questions under the new process. Certain claims made through CBSA also require applicants to link and submit their application before the deadline to avoid having to re-enter their information.
The changes are part of broader asylum reforms under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026.
Read the full updates here:
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