What Is the Strong Borders Act and Why It Matters for Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC
Overview of the Strong Borders Act
On June 17, 2025, the Government of Canada released more information on its upcoming legislative proposal the Strong Borders Act which aims to fortify border security and introduce significant changes to immigration and asylum systems. This legislation is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of its immigration framework while addressing national safety concerns and modern global pressures.
The proposed law covers four key areas:
- Control over immigration documents
- Enhanced domestic information sharing
- Reformed asylum claim procedures
- New rules that determine who can apply for asylum
Understanding these developments is essential for individuals, families, and businesses relying on immigration pathways, particularly those working with Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC.
The Purpose Behind the Legislation
Canada’s immigration system plays a critical role in supporting its economy, communities, and cultural diversity. However, evolving global dynamics including emergencies, identity fraud, and irregular migration have placed pressure on existing immigration mechanisms.
The Strong Borders Act aims to:
- Maintain trust in the immigration system
- Enhance Canada’s ability to respond to emergencies
- Improve fairness and transparency
- Streamline asylum processing
- Strengthen collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities
This act is not about limiting immigration; it is about building resilience and adaptability in the face of changing realities. For Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC, this shift represents a change in the way they prepare clients for immigration and asylum processes.
Key Measures Introduced in the Strong Borders Act
1. Tighter Controls Over Immigration Documents
The legislation allows the Government of Canada to suspend, cancel, or refuse immigration documents such as visas, work permits, and study permits when it's determined to be in the public interest.
The reasons may include:
- Threats to national security or public health
- Misuse of immigration or publicly funded programs
- Large-scale emergencies and system vulnerabilities
These decisions would be made by the Governor in Council and would not affect asylum claims directly. Also, losing a document under this law wouldn’t automatically result in a loss of immigration status.
Implication for Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC: Consultants must closely monitor policy changes that affect eligibility and document status, particularly during emergencies or unexpected policy shifts.
2. Expanded Domestic Information Sharing
The Strong Borders Act introduces legislative changes to streamline information sharing between IRCC and other government partners within Canada. Currently, data sharing is limited and time-consuming, often requiring case-by-case review.
The updated process will:
- Accelerate identity verification for newcomers
- Support fraud detection involving multiple identities
- Improve coordination in law enforcement investigations
All information exchanges will remain subject to privacy regulations. Provincial and territorial partners cannot share this data with foreign entities unless authorized by IRCC and in compliance with Canada’s international obligations.
Why this matters for Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC: Faster information flow could reduce delays in service access and program delivery for newcomers. Consultants will need to ensure that client submissions are clear, consistent, and properly documented to avoid red flags.
3. Simplified Asylum Processing Procedures
The Strong Borders Act includes major reforms to the asylum application process, aiming to make it more efficient and user-friendly.
Key improvements include:
- A single digital application platform for all asylum seekers
- Faster referrals to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- Ensuring asylum claims are only decided while the applicant is physically present in Canada
- Removal of inactive or abandoned cases from the system
- Same-day effect of removal orders when a claim is withdrawn
- Representation assistance for vulnerable individuals
These updates are designed to make the process smoother for both claimants and case workers, while also upholding Canada's commitment to international protection standards.
Relevance for Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC: With faster processing, consultants will need to ensure that claims are complete and accurate from the start. They may also have an expanded role in helping vulnerable claimants access support services.
4. New Asylum Claim Ineligibilities
To prevent misuse of the asylum process, the act proposes two new ineligibility rules:
- Claims made more than one year after arriving in Canada (after June 24, 2020) will not be referred to the IRB.
- Claims made by people who enter Canada irregularly from the US between land border ports and wait more than 14 days to apply will also be ineligible.
These changes are not intended to deny protection. Instead, affected individuals may apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)—a process that still evaluates risks like persecution or torture before removal.
Effect onImmigration Consultants in Surrey, BC: Consultants may see increased demand for support with PRRA applications, especially for clients impacted by the new rules. Clear communication about eligibility timelines will be essential.
Understanding the Broader Impact on Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC
These updates signal a shift in how immigration professionals must prepare and manage client applications. While the Strong Borders Act introduces new rules, it also provides more structured and efficient pathways for those who meet the criteria.
Here’s how Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC may need to adapt:
- Track emerging policies and pause mechanisms under “public interest” clauses
- Educate clients on timelines for asylum eligibility
- Prepare clients for faster digital and procedural workflows
- Provide assistance for risk assessments and alternative protection paths
- Help vulnerable clients access appropriate supports in the new framework
A More Controlled Yet Responsive Immigration System
The Strong Borders Act is designed to reinforce Canada’s ability to maintain secure and efficient borders, while ensuring that its humanitarian commitments are upheld. It aims to modernize immigration controls, close loopholes in the asylum process, and promote transparency and cooperation among government agencies.
For Immigration Consultants in Surrey, BC, the changes mean a more dynamic environment. Consultants will be called upon not just for form-filling, but for strategic planning and informed navigation through a more responsive immigration system.
