Canada Updates Online Asylum Claim Process

Introduction

Canada is changing how people submit asylum claims online. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce a new asylum claim form in the IRCC Portal starting November 3, 2026.

Therefore, people who already started an asylum claim but have not submitted it should pay close attention to the upcoming deadline. They have until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, 2026, to submit their claim using the current form.

What Is Changing on November 3?

Starting November 3, IRCC will replace the current online asylum claim form with a redesigned version.

The new form will include additional questions. As a result, people who have unfinished applications will need to review their previous answers and provide the new information.

However, IRCC will not delete information that applicants have already saved. The information will carry over to the new system. Applicants must still check all their previous answers and complete the new questions.

What Is the November 2 Deadline?

The important deadline is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

This deadline applies to people who want to submit their asylum claim using the existing IRCC Portal form.

However, this is not a general deadline for making an asylum claim in Canada. If someone misses the deadline, they can still continue their claim after November 3. They will simply have to use the new online process.

Therefore, applicants with unfinished claims should avoid waiting until the last minute.

Who Will Be Affected?

The changes will affect people who use the IRCC Portal to make an asylum claim.

However, the impact will depend on the stage of each person’s application.

People With Unfinished Applications

If you started an asylum claim inside Canada but have not submitted it, you will need to use the new form after November 3 if you miss the current deadline.

Your saved information will remain available. However, you must review your old answers and complete the additional questions.

People Who Started Their Claim Through CBSA

Some claimants start their refugee claim with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and then complete the process online.

If your CBSA claim already links to your IRCC Portal account, your saved information will carry over.

On the other hand, if you have not linked your claim by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, the portal will not save the information that CBSA previously collected. You will then need to link the claim and enter your personal and family information again.

People Who Have Already Submitted Their Claim

If you fully submit your asylum claim through the IRCC Portal by the November 2 deadline, you do not need to provide extra information just because IRCC is changing the portal.

However, IRCC can still ask for additional information if necessary.

Also, claims that IRCC has already referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) do not need to go through the new portal process.

How Is the New Process Different?

The main change involves how IRCC collects information at the beginning of the asylum process.

Under the previous system, applicants could submit basic information and provide additional documents later. The new process aims to collect more information earlier so that files can reach the IRB in a more complete form.

However, it is important to understand that not every proposed asylum reform will start on November 3.

For example, the government has proposed a 60-day period to complete a claim, along with a possible 30-day extension. It has also proposed changes to how IRB-ready files move forward.

These measures remain proposals, and IRCC has not confirmed that they will take effect on November 3.

What Documents Do You Need?

The basic document requirements for an in-Canada asylum claim remain the same.

Each person included in the claim needs a completed Basis of Claim (BOC) form. This form explains why the person is seeking refugee protection.

Applicants also need an identity document, such as:

• A passport
• A travel document
• Another identity document

If someone has a representative helping with the application, they also need to submit the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).

In addition, applicants can provide supporting documents that may strengthen their claim. These can include proof of entry to Canada, police certificates, evidence of persecution or ill-treatment, political or organization membership documents, and relevant country-condition reports.

What Eligibility Rules Are Already in Effect?

The November 3 changes mainly affect the online application process. They do not introduce the existing eligibility restrictions.

Bill C-12 introduced separate eligibility rules on March 26, 2026. These rules apply to certain claims made on or after June 3, 2025.

For example, a claim can become ineligible for referral to the IRB if the person makes the claim more than one year after their first entry to Canada, subject to the rules and exceptions.

Another restriction applies to certain claims made more than 14 days after entering Canada between official ports of entry along the Canada-U.S. land border.

Unaccompanied minors have an exemption from these two restrictions.

Therefore, asylum seekers should understand that these eligibility rules are separate from the November 3 portal changes.

What Happens to Pending Claims After November 3?

Claims that the IRB has already received for a hearing will not face changes because of the portal update.

Similarly, applicants who fully submit their claims by the November 2 deadline can continue through the existing process unless IRCC asks for more information.

The November 3 changes mainly affect the initial online intake stage. In other words, the changes apply between starting an online claim and completing the initial IRCC review before referral to the IRB.

The government expects the new process to help send more complete files to the IRB. However, the source notes that the actual impact will depend on how quickly IRCC can complete its reviews.

Can Asylum Claimants Still Get Work Permits?

Yes. The November 3 portal changes do not directly change the existing work permit rules for asylum claimants.

Eligible claimants can still apply for an open work permit once their claim becomes eligible for referral to the IRB.

In addition, asylum claimants can access the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) while their claim remains pending.

However, some proposed future changes could affect when certain claimants become eligible for a work permit. Those changes remain part of the proposed regulations and are separate from the confirmed November 3 portal update.

What Should Asylum Seekers Do Before November 3?

If you have an unfinished asylum claim, it is important to prepare early.

First, log in to your IRCC Portal and check whether your application is complete or still in draft form.

Next, gather all required documents, including your Basis of Claim form and identity documents. Review every answer carefully before submitting.

If you started your claim through CBSA, also make sure that your claim links correctly to your IRCC Portal account.

Most importantly, try to submit your application before 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2. It is better to leave extra time for technical problems rather than wait until the final few hours.

After submitting, keep copies of your confirmation page and confirmation number. These records can help you prove when you submitted your claim if any issue comes up later.

Finally, consider getting legal advice if you have questions about your claim or your documents.

What Does This Change Mean for Asylum Seekers?

The November 3 update is part of Canada’s wider effort to modernize the asylum system.

For applicants, the biggest immediate change is the new online form and additional questions. Therefore, people with unfinished claims should review their applications before the November 2 deadline.

At the same time, applicants should not confuse the confirmed portal changes with other proposed asylum reforms. The government has proposed several additional changes, but their implementation dates remain separate.

Final Takeaway

Canada will introduce a new online asylum claim process on November 3, 2026.

If you already started an asylum claim and want to use the current form, you should submit it by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, 2026.

However, missing this deadline does not mean you lose the ability to make an asylum claim. Instead, you will need to continue your application under the new portal process.

Therefore, if you have an unfinished claim, check your IRCC Portal, review your documents, and prepare your application as early as possible.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).