IRCC News Updates for the Week of June 15-22, 2025

Program Delivery Updates

• Resettlement Program Update – Sponsor Support After Arrival in Canada (June 16, 2025):

  • Source: IRCC – Program Delivery Instructions

    IRCC has released updated guidance on post-arrival support requirements for privately sponsored refugees under Canada’s Resettlement Program.

    Key Highlights:

    🔹 Sponsor Responsibilities Post-Arrival
    Private sponsors are expected to provide financial assistance, settlement support, and guidance based on the specific needs of the refugees. This includes help with housing, healthcare access, education, and integration services during the first year after arrival.

    🔹 Refugee Processing at Port of Entry
    Upon arrival in Canada, refugees undergo further screening by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before being officially admitted.

    🔹 Support at Port of Entry
    Designated entry points offer Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) services to help refugees transition into Canadian society.

    🔹 Loan Repayment Support
    Refugees may receive guidance and assistance with the repayment of immigration loans issued to cover travel and medical expenses.

    🔹 Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)
    Those resettled through GAR programs receive financial and essential services for up to one year through RAP.

    🔹 Priority & Vulnerable Case Processing
    Special procedures remain in place for urgent protection cases, SOGIE-LGBTQI refugees, and other vulnerable populations.

    🔹 SAH Sponsorship Transfers
    Refugees previously approved for sponsorship under a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) whose agreement has been canceled will be given 90 days to secure a new sponsor under a temporary public policy.

• Expanded Eligibility for Settlement Services – Clients Arriving from Gaza (June 16, 2025):

  • Source: IRCC – Program Delivery Update

    IRCC has expanded the scope of its Settlement Program to include a broader group of Palestinians arriving from Gaza.

    🔍 Key Updates:

    🔹 Expanded Access to Services
    More individuals arriving from Gaza are now eligible to receive federally funded settlement services, such as language training, employment support, and orientation programs.

    🔹 MOME2023 Notation on Documents
    Eligible individuals will have the “MOME2023” remark on their temporary resident documents. This allows:

    • Service provider organizations (SPOs) to identify eligible clients quickly.

    • IRCC to determine if the client qualifies for transitional financial assistance.

    🔹 Purpose
    This change ensures new arrivals from Gaza receive the support needed to begin rebuilding their lives and integrating into Canadian communities.

• Canada Introduces Additional Details on the Strong Borders Act (June 17, 2025)

• Source: Government of Canada – IRCC

  The Government of Canada has released further clarification on immigration-related measures under the Strong Borders Act, a new legislative initiative focused on border security, immigration integrity, and system efficiency. The Act aims to rebuild public trust in immigration by improving fairness and resilience.

  1. Expanded Authority Over Immigration Documents

  The Act would allow the federal government to suspend, cancel, or refuse immigration documents or applications (e.g., visas, study/work permits, eTAs) in the public interest, including during crises or large-scale misuse of programs.

  Key Points:

  • Asylum claims are not affected by this power.

  • These actions would not automatically revoke a person’s temporary or permanent resident status.

  • All such decisions must be approved by the Governor in Council and consider impacts on vulnerable groups.

  2. Improved Domestic Information Sharing

  The Act proposes legal changes to improve information sharing within Canada, allowing IRCC, provinces, and territories to:

  • Confirm identities for service access and integration.

  • Detect fraud using multiple identities.

  • Support border enforcement and investigations.

  ✅ These measures will be subject to privacy protections, and IRCC must sign agreements outlining data use and sharing limitations.
  ❌ No sharing of personal data with foreign governments unless permitted under strict conditions.

  3. Faster, More Efficient Asylum Processing

  The Act aims to simplify and speed up asylum claims by:

  • Making the claim process uniform across ports of entry and inland offices.

  • Requiring complete claims to be submitted upfront for faster referral to the IRB.

  • Ensuring claims are processed only while the claimant is physically in Canada.

  • Removing inactive cases and streamlining voluntary departures.

  • Providing designated representatives for vulnerable claimants, including minors.

  4. New Ineligibility Rules for Late or Irregular Claims

  Two new grounds for ineligibility under the Strong Borders Act will apply to claims made on or after June 3, 2025:

  1. Claims made more than one year after arriving in Canada (post–June 24, 2020), including by students and temporary residents.

  2. Claims by those who crossed irregularly from the U.S. and filed an asylum claim after 14 days of entry.

  ➡️ These claims will not be referred to the IRB, but individuals may still apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) if facing potential danger in their country of origin.

  Purpose of the Strong Borders Act

  The proposed changes are intended to:

  • Protect program integrity

  • Reduce system delays

  • Ensure timely protection for those with legitimate claims

  • Deter misuse of Canada’s asylum system

Provincial Government News: