Senate Moves Immigration Bill C-12 to Final Reading

Senate Moves Immigration Bill C-12 to Final Reading

Canada’s Senate is advancing a major immigration reform bill to its final reading after a committee review concluded without recommending any changes. The legislation, known as Bill C-12, proposes significant adjustments to the country’s immigration and asylum systems.

The measure would provide the federal cabinet with expanded authority over immigration processing, temporary resident conditions, and asylum eligibility, if passed in its current form.

• Bill C-12 proceeds to third reading in the Senate on February 26, 2026.
• No amendments were introduced during the Senate committee review.
• The bill grants the Governor in Council authority to modify or suspend immigration documents and applications.
• New asylum restrictions would apply retroactively to specific refugee claims.
• Legislation must receive royal assent after passing both chambers to become law.

Overview of Bill C-12

Bill C-12, formally titled An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system, outlines new powers for the federal government to manage immigration programs. The proposal enables the Governor in Council to suspend or revoke immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, and permanent resident visas when deemed in the public interest.

It also permits the government to pause or end the processing of immigration applications and establish conditions for temporary residents in Canada.

Asylum System Reforms

The bill would introduce major changes to Canada’s refugee claim process. It mandates the suspension of proceedings for claimants located outside the country and redefines eligibility for asylum. Individuals entering from the United States outside official ports of entry would become ineligible to claim refugee protection under the new framework.

In addition, those who arrived in Canada after June 24, 2020, and filed claims more than one year after entry would no longer qualify. These changes would apply retroactively, affecting claims made after the date of the bill’s initial introduction.

Legislative Background

Bill C-12 originated in the House of Commons, where it underwent several revisions before being sent to the Senate. In December 2025, lawmakers introduced amendments establishing limits on executive powers. The amendments defined the term “public interest” to include administrative error, fraud, public health, public safety, and national security considerations. They also required the immigration minister to present reports to Parliament outlining the reasons and impacts of any orders issued under these powers.

The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs completed its review on February 25, 2026, and returned the bill to the upper chamber without proposing modifications.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The Senate is scheduled to hold the third reading of Bill C-12 on February 26, 2026. During that session, senators may vote to approve the bill, suggest new amendments, or reject it entirely. If passed without changes, the bill will proceed to royal assent, the final step required for it to become law.

Should the Senate adopt any further amendments, the legislation will return to the House of Commons for consideration.

Potential Impact on Immigration Administration

The proposed law would give federal authorities greater capacity to issue immediate administrative orders affecting immigration processing and status management. Such powers could be applied in response to national security concerns, public health emergencies, or administrative issues, as outlined in previous parliamentary amendments.

The bill’s passage could influence the processing of work and study permits across provinces, including programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which relies on federal approval for permanent resident visas.

Context and Related Developments

Canada’s immigration framework has undergone several legislative adjustments in recent years to address border management, application backlogs, and asylum system pressures. The new measures proposed under Bill C-12 are positioned within this broader effort to modernize administrative controls and ensure policy consistency across federal and provincial levels.

While the bill’s focus is primarily national, its implications may extend to provincial nominee programs, refugee claim procedures, and temporary resident policies nationwide.

Public and Policy Relevance

As Bill C-12 moves toward its final vote, its outcome will determine how immigration authorities manage executive oversight and asylum eligibility in the coming years. The government has stated that the legislation aims to strengthen border security and preserve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

Further updates will follow as the Senate completes its third reading and any subsequent legislative actions are confirmed.

Readers can follow ongoing coverage of federal and provincial immigration developments, including program updates and legislative changes, through related immigration news reports.