Since November 3, 2026, asylum claims start in the IRCC Portal, and claimants have 60 days to complete their application, with one 30-day extension. Here's how the new process works.
The asylum rules we covered as a proposal in June took effect on November 3, 2026. Claims now start in the IRCC Portal, and once IRCC gives you a due date, you have 60 days to complete your claim. Here's how the new process works and the deadlines that matter.
If you're already in Canada (an inland claim):
- Tell IRCC you intend to claim asylum through the IRCC Portal.
- Attend an in-person appointment, where you formally make the claim.
- Complete your application by the deadline on your Notice of Application Due Date.
If you claim at the border, an airport or another port of entry:
- Make your claim to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
- The officer may direct you to finish your application in the IRCC Portal.
Once you receive a Notice of Application Due Date, you have 60 days to complete your claim. If you need more time, you can ask for a one-time 30-day extension in the IRCC Portal. IRCC describes this extension as automatic.
Go by the date on your own notice, not on general guidance. The Immigration and Refugee Board's (IRB) website still describes older timelines that predate the new rules, and news reports differ on exactly when the 60 days start.
Under Bill C-12, which is already law, two kinds of claims can't be referred to the IRB for a full hearing:
- claims made more than one year after you first entered Canada (counting entries from June 24, 2020)
- claims from people who crossed between official ports of entry at the Canada–US land border and waited more than 14 days to claim
People affected by these rules still get a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), a written review that checks it's safe to send them back, but not a hearing. Read our Bill C-12 guide for the background.
The new regulations add two exceptions to those rules:
- unaccompanied minors, who are exempt from both
- people who register their intention to claim asylum in the portal within their first year in Canada, even if the full application comes later
IRCC says eligible claimants can still get a work permit once they have submitted a complete application. An incomplete claim can hold up your permit, so the 60-day window matters for your income as well as your case.
If you're thinking about claiming asylum: register your intention in the IRCC Portal as early as you can. Within your first year in Canada, that registration is what keeps you eligible for a hearing.
If you've already registered: watch your portal account for your Notice of Application Due Date and put the deadline in your calendar the day it arrives. Start collecting identity and supporting documents now rather than after the notice.
If you're helping someone else: only lawyers, licensed consultants (RCICs) and a few other authorized people can charge for immigration advice. Free help is available from legal aid in many provinces and from settlement organizations.
Tip
Treat the 30-day extension as a safety net, not a plan. You can only use it once, so aim to submit within the first 60 days and keep the extension for an emergency, such as a document that's late arriving from abroad.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Always verify information with official IRCC sources and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.