Canada’s New Online Asylum Claim Process: What You Need to Know

Canada’s New Online Asylum Claim Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced a transition to a new online process for asylum claims, set to take effect on November 3, 2026.

The impact on claimants will vary based on their stage in the process prior to the transition deadline, which is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on November 2, 2026.

In-Canada Online Claims

  • Situation at Cut-Over Time: Claim started in IRCC Portal but not submitted.
  • Impact on Claimant: Will need to answer new questions and review old responses before submitting.
  • Situation at Cut-Over Time: Claim submitted in IRCC Portal.
  • Impact on Claimant: No impact.

Claims Made at the Border

  • Situation at Cut-Over Time: Claim not linked to IRCC Portal account.
  • Impact on Claimant: Will need to re-enter details about themselves and their family after linking their claim.
  • Situation at Cut-Over Time: Claim linked in IRCC Portal but not submitted.
  • Impact on Claimant: Will need to answer new questions and review old responses before submitting.
  • Situation at Cut-Over Time: Claim submitted in IRCC Portal.
  • Impact on Claimant: No impact.

The cutover date and impact on applicants were communicated on October 1, 2026, by updates to the government web pages related to claiming asylum within Canada and at the border when entering Canada.

Claimants who submit their existing claims before the cutover will not be required to provide additional information unless specifically requested by IRCC.

To have a successful claim, a claimant must demonstrate that they meet the criteria of a convention refugee or a person in need of protection based on the risks they anticipate upon returning to their home country.

Convention refugees are individuals who face persecution due to factors such as race, religion, politics, nationality, or social group membership.

Persons in need of protection are those who encounter cruelty, torture, or mortal danger.

If deemed eligible, the claimant’s case will be forwarded to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for a decision.