CANADA INTRODUCES BILL C-2: EMPOWERING BORDER SECURITY

📅 On June 3, 2025, the Government of Canada officially announced Bill C-2 – the Strong Borders Act, a major piece of legislation aimed at strengthening border control, combating transnational organized crime, and tightening the immigration and asylum systems.

⚠️ SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR IMMIGRANTS & ASYLUM SEEKERS

🛂 1. Increased powers for IRCC in processing immigration applications
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will have the authority to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents (visas, PR, residency applications, etc.) without prior notice if deemed to pose a threat to public interest, safety, or health.

The government can also suspend the intake of new applications, including those currently under review.

⏳ 2. Stricter deadlines for asylum applications

• Individuals entering Canada illegally (not through official ports of entry) will only have 14 days to file an asylum claim.

• Those holding legal visas (e.g., students, temporary workers) must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in Canada.

• Removal orders will be enforced immediately if a claimant withdraws their asylum application.

📤 3. Expanded authority to share immigration information
IRCC will be permitted to share immigration data with federal, provincial, and international agencies to support investigations and application reviews.

🔍 ENHANCED MONITORING TO COMBAT FRAUD AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

• The CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) will now be able to inspect not just imported goods, but also exports and storage facilities.

• Legal amendments will allow police to inspect postal mail via Canada Post, with a warrant – a move aimed at uncovering document fraud and illegal immigration schemes via mail.

• Improved data sharing between police, intelligence, and international partners to dismantle human trafficking rings, immigration fraud networks, and money laundering operations.

• The Canadian Coast Guard will receive a new role: surveillance and intelligence gathering in offshore areas, especially the Arctic region.

💸 COMBATTING MONEY LAUNDERING AND IMMIGRATION FRAUD

• New limits will be placed on large cash transactions and third-party deposits, which are often used in document trafficking and fake sponsorships.

• Closer cooperation between banks and law enforcement through the IMLIP network (Integrated Money Laundering and Immigration Platform) to detect immigration-related money laundering activities.

🛑 MESSAGE TO IMMIGRANTS

If you are:

• Waiting for PR or visa approval

• Holding a pending asylum claim

• Living in Canada on a study or work visa

👉 Be extremely cautious and honest in your application. This bill allows the government to:

• Revoke documents even after they’ve been issued

• Halt application processing without prior notice

• Share your personal information with domestic and international authorities

⚖️ Bill C-2 marks a major shift in how Canada manages its borders and immigration system.
Stay informed, check your application status, and avoid any form of fraud, no matter how small.

If you’re planning to apply for PR, asylum, or have questions about your rights – don’t hesitate to reach out to us!