New limits on refugee claims
Steps to Justice has updated information on who can make a refugee claim. New rules apply to refugee claims made on or after June 3, 2025. If people are not eligible to make a refugee claim because of the new rules, in most cases, they can apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). They should get legal help.
One year rule
People are not eligible to make a refugee claim if they entered Canada on a date after June 24, 2020, and more than one year has passed since that entry.
Irregular entry at Canada-U.S. land border
People who enter Canada irregularly by crossing the Canada-U.S. land border between official ports of entry and make their refugee claim more than 14 days after entering:
- are no longer eligible to make a refugee claim
- can usually stay in Canada to apply for a PRRA.
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) still applies to them within 14 days after entering.