Canada’s Asylum System Update: What You Need to Know for November 2026

Canada is changing its online system for submitting asylum claims on November 3, 2026. This update affects how people with unfinished applications will proceed. The new system aims to streamline the process and gather more complete information from the start.

Unfinished Applications and Transition Steps

The exact steps an applicant must take depend on the status of their claim at the time of the system switch. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined different procedures for various scenarios.

For claims that were started online but not yet submitted, applicants will need to log back into the system. They will be asked to review their previously entered information and answer new questions before they can submit their claim. IRCC assures that any personal information already entered will be saved.

If a claim was already submitted online before the transition, no immediate action is required from the applicant. They will only need to provide more information if IRCC specifically requests it.

Border Claims and Account Linking

Claims that were begun with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have a separate transition process. If such a claim has not yet been linked to an online account, the claimant must link it. After linking, they will need to re-enter their personal and family details.

Even if a border claim has not been linked to an account by the cutoff date, the information gathered by the border officer will not be lost. However, linking the claim to an account will prevent the need to re-enter personal and family information.

Reviewing Saved Information

For those with an incomplete online application, signing in will be necessary. They should carefully check the details they have already provided and respond to any new questions introduced by the updated system. While personal data remains saved, a thorough review of prior answers is mandatory before final submission.

Accessibility and Family Claims

The IRCC system allows for one account to cover a claimant and any family members who are also claiming asylum. For individuals who cannot use the online system due to accessibility issues, there is an option to request to submit their application on paper.

Required Forms and Supporting Documents

Every claimant, along with each family member included in the claim, must complete a Basis of Claim (BOC) form. They also need to provide a copy of their passport, travel document, or other identification. If someone is assisting with the filing, a completed and signed Use of a Representative form is required.

Additional documents can be submitted to support an asylum claim. These may include identity papers, proof of entry into Canada, evidence of political or group membership, police certificates, or records of conviction. Proof of ill treatment can also be provided. Applicants might also include news articles or human-rights reports about conditions in their home country. They can also explain any difficulties they faced when trying to submit information through the portal.

Purpose of the New System

IRCC designed the new application process to reduce the number of repeated questions and to collect more complete information. The goal is to ensure that eligible files are well-prepared before they are sent to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada for a decision on refugee protection.

This change is part of broader reforms under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The department updated its instructions for claims made both inside Canada and at the border on October 1, 2026.

Reporting Technical Issues

Claimants who experience technical difficulties with the online portal can report these issues to IRCC using its web form. Specific instructions are provided for what information to include. If a claimant does not have a unique client identifier, they should enter “1111111111” in the client identifier field. If an application has not been submitted and there is no application number, “0000000” should be entered in that field. Claimants should identify the program they are using, describe the technical problem, and include screenshots of any error messages or affected fields. They should also state the error, the device and browser used, and when the problem occurred.

IRCC emphasizes that this transition does not remove the ability to make an asylum claim. They also caution that claiming asylum is not a way to extend a stay in Canada. If a claim is not approved, the individual must leave the country. Providing false information on a claim can lead to a ban from returning to Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions