Canada will switch to a new online process for asylum claims on 3 November 2026, with the cutover at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 2 November, CIC News reports. Anyone who has started a claim in the IRCC Portal but not submitted it before then will have to answer new questions.
On this page
- What the cutover means for claimants
- Who can claim and what happens next
- Work permits while you wait
- What to do before 3 November
- Canada asylum process: common questions
What the cutover means for claimants
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the date on 1 October through updates to its pages on claiming asylum from within Canada and at the border. For in-Canada online claims, a claim started but not submitted must be completed with the new questions and old answers reviewed; a claim already submitted is unaffected. For claims made at the border, a claim not yet linked to a Portal account means re-entering personal and family details; one linked but unsubmitted needs the new questions; a submitted claim is unaffected.
Who can claim and what happens next
CIC News outlines two grounds: Convention refugee (persecution based on race, religion, politics, nationality or social group) and person in need of protection (risk of torture, cruelty or death). Eligible claims go to the Immigration and Refugee Board for a decision. People refused, or found ineligible for referral, can apply for a pre-removal risk assessment.
Work permits while you wait
Since 2022 a public policy lets referred claimants apply for an open work permit while awaiting their hearing. Per CIC News, Canada took a first step on 19 June 2026 toward making early access permanent through regulatory amendments, and on 26 March 2026 extended access to some claimants awaiting a pre-removal risk assessment. Related reading: our guide to Canada work permit processing times and the PRRA waiver for Israel and Palestine claimants.
What to do before 3 November
If you have an unsubmitted claim, submit it before the cutover to avoid extra questions, or be ready to answer them. Official guidance is on the IRCC website. If you are weighing other routes to Canada, try the visa eligibility checker.
Canada asylum process: common questions
When does the new process start?
3 November 2026, with the cutover at 11:59 p.m. ET on 2 November.
Do I have to redo a submitted claim?
No. Claims submitted in the IRCC Portal before the cutover are not affected.
Can asylum claimants work in Canada?
Referred claimants can apply for an open work permit under a policy in place since 2022, per CIC News.
What if my claim is rejected?
You may be able to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment, usually the last chance to seek protection in Canada.
Related reading: Ontario workforce priority stream.