Understanding Bill C-12 and Its Impact on Immigration

What Is Bill C-12?

On October 8, 2025, Canada introduced a new federal law called Bill C-12 – The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act.
This law gives the government more control over how many immigration applications are accepted or paused, especially in programs such as:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTW)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

(Official Source: Government of Canada)

What This Means for Applicants

Under Bill C-12, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can now:

• Pause or cancel applications already in process, if needed to manage backlogs or meet new targets.
• Adjust immigration levels to match the country’s current labour-market needs.
• Reset the queue — even for applicants who have been waiting for months or years.

In simple terms, this means that some applications could be stopped or delayed, even if the applicant has already invested time and money in the process.

The Ontario Situation: Fewer Spots, Higher Competition

Ontario one of the most popular destinations for newcomers — is facing a major cut in its immigration allocation under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP):

• 2024: Around 21,500 nominations
• 2025: Only 10,750 nominations (a 50% reduction)

Because of this, processing times are increasing, and competition has become much tougher.
Even small mistakes — like missing a 7- or 14-day document deadline — can lead to application returns or cancellations, which might cause loss of eligibility or work status.

Delays and Status Risks for Temporary Residents

For those in Canada on a temporary work permit waiting for their nomination:

• A delay in OINP approval might cause your work permit to expire before you can apply for PR.
• If your status lapses, you might need to restore your status or even leave Canada temporarily.
• Employers also face risks if job offers expire or business conditions change while waiting.

That’s why timely submissions and accurate documentation are now more important than ever.

The Bigger Picture – Why This Is Happening

Bill C-12 is part of the government’s plan to modernize and manage immigration more strategically.
Instead of simply speeding up applications, Canada wants to:

• Balance economic needs with immigration intake
• Prevent backlogs
• Ensure that newcomers match the evolving needs of the job market

In other words, this law represents a system reset — a shift toward a more controlled and flexible approach to managing applications.

What You Should Do Now

To protect your immigration status and increase your chances of success, follow these steps:

1. Double-check all information on your OINP and IRCC forms — employer, job title, and duties must match.
2. Respond quickly to any OINP or IRCC document request (usually within 7–14 days).
3. Keep your work or study permit valid — never let it expire while waiting.
4. Make sure your employer stays compliant (same wages, job duties, and business operations).
5. Seek professional help from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to track updates and ensure nothing is missed.
6. Stay informed — rules under Bill C-12 could change overnight.

The Bottom Line

Canada is still open to immigrants, but the process has become more structured and selective.
2025 marks a move from “open-queue immigration” to “managed immigration”, where every application is carefully assessed based on real-time priorities.

For applicants, this means one thing:
Be proactive, precise, and prepared.

With proper guidance, accurate filing, and quick responses, you can still secure your path to permanent residence — even under the new Bill C-12 system.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian 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).