Bill C-2: Strong Borders Act

Canada's newly introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, includes several provisions that will directly impact how immigration applications are processed and managed. The legislation grants the government new authority to cancel, suspend or change groups of immigration documents immediately, as well as pause or cancel the processing of applications already in the inventory for reasons of public health or national security. This represents a significant shift from current processing protocols, where such actions required lengthier administrative procedures. Travel advisors should be aware that visa applications, work permits, study permits, and other immigration documents may face unexpected delays or modifications, making it important to discuss potential contingencies with clients and consider appropriate travel insurance coverage.

The bill will streamline information sharing by making it easier for government to share client information between different programs and allowing for regulations to be developed to share client information across federal departments for cooperation purposes. This change aims to improve processing efficiency by allowing data from one application (such as permanent residence) to inform another (like citizenship applications), potentially reducing duplication and speeding up certain processes. However, it also means that information from various government sources may be cross-referenced more extensively during application reviews, which could affect approval timelines and outcomes for clients with complex backgrounds.

The legislation proposes changes to multiple laws including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Criminal Code, enhancing the powers of Canada's security and intelligence services. The Canadian Coast Guard will gain new authority to conduct security patrols and collect, analyze and share information and intelligence for security purposes. These enhanced security measures may result in longer processing times at border crossings and more comprehensive document reviews. Travel advisors should advise clients to allow additional time for border processing, ensure all documentation is complete and current, and be prepared for more detailed questioning, particularly for travellers with multiple citizenships or complex travel histories.

2025-06-05 14:16:57