Immigration news update for AMER and APAC regions
Americas
Canada: Implementation of Bill C‑12
On March 26, 2026, Canada enacted Bill C‑12, introducing reforms to strengthen the immigration and asylum systems in four main areas: asylum eligibility, claims processing, information‑sharing, and immigration document authorities.
1.Updated Asylum Eligibility
Two new eligibility requirements are now in effect and will apply to all claims made on or after June 3, 2025:
- Claims filed more than one year after a person’s first entry into Canada (post‑June 24, 2020) will not be referred to the IRB.
- Individuals entering between ports of entry along the Canada–US border will be ineligible if they file a claim after 14 days.
These rules aim to reduce system pressure and deter misuse. Unaccompanied minors will receive individualized consideration, and affected individuals maintain access to pre‑removal risk assessments. The Safe Third Country Agreement remains unchanged.
2.Modernized Asylum Process
Upcoming regulatory changes will:
- Simplify online applications
- Refer only complete, “schedule‑ready” cases to the IRB
- Consider claims abandoned if claimants return home before a decision
- Remove inactive cases
- Activate removal orders immediately upon claim withdrawal
- Provide representatives for vulnerable claimants
These updates aim to make processing faster and more efficient.
3.Improved Information‑Sharing
IRCC now has clearer authority to share identity and status information:
- With federal, provincial and territorial partners under formal agreements
- Across IRCC programs to streamline services
- With other federal bodies through future regulations
Strict privacy safeguards and privacy impact assessments remain mandatory.
4.New Tools for Managing Immigration Documents
The government can now, in the public interest, suspend, cancel or modify groups of immigration documents, or pause application intake/processing—subject to Governor in Council approval and public reporting.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government of Canada
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager- Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Updated travel rules for visitors using Iranian passports
Australia has introduced temporary travel restrictions for people outside the country who hold a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa linked to an Iranian passport. An Arrival Control Determination came into effect on March 26, 2026, for a six‑month period. During this time, most Iranian passport holders who were outside Australia when the Determination began cannot use their Visitor visa to travel to Australia. Their visas have temporarily ceased to be in effect unless an exemption applies. These measures were introduced due to risks arising from the Iran conflict, which may prevent some travellers from departing Australia before their visas expire.
Not all visa holders are affected:
- Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Parents of children under 18 who are in Australia
- Individuals who were already in Australia when the Determination commenced
- People who have been issued a Permitted Travel Certificate and are not subject to the travel suspension. These travellers may continue to enter Australia if they hold a valid visa and can provide evidence showing that the restrictions do not apply to them.
The visa will automatically become valid again once the Determination ends, provided it has not expired. If it does expire during this period, the applicant will need to apply for a new visa. Travellers are advised to check whether their Visitor visa is affected by submitting an Arrival Control Determination request via the Department of Home Affairs’ secure online portal.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government of Australia
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
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