Strong Borders Act: the bill that worries international students in Canada

Bill C-2: Strong Borders Act, introduced on June 3, 2025 by the government of Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, has generated intense debate across the country, given its implications for refugee claimants and migrants' rights. While, on the one hand, the bill aims to improve national security and the integrity of the immigration system, on the other hand, it is also a cause for concern, as it contains provisions that could profoundly affect international students, especially those who later seek refuge or permanent residency in Canada.

I invite you to read to the end, as here I will explain what this bill means for current and aspiring international students coming to Canada this year. Let's begin.

‍

‍

What is the Strong Borders Act?

‍

The Strong Borders Act is a far-reaching piece of legislation that seeks to strengthen border security in Canada, combat cross-border crime and strengthen the government's ability to respond to large-scale emergencies and mass fraud.

Some of its main measures include:

• Expand police powers to access digital data without a warrant.
• Prohibit large cash transactions and increase penalties for money laundering control failures.
• Allow the government to cancel entire classes of immigration applications without the need to evaluate them on a case-by-case basis.

‍

‍

Why should international students care?

‍

While international students are not the primary target of the law, they are directly affected, especially with regard to the asylum system and the processing of immigration applications. Let's take a closer look at the most troubling points:

‍

1. There is an increased risk of application cancellations

One of the most controversial provisions of the bill is that it confers broad powers on the government to cancel, terminate or revoke entire classes of immigration applications, which are in the public interest.

This unprecedented power is precisely what creates great uncertainty, and while officials have stated that it will not apply to asylum seekers, there is also no clarity on other categories, such as study permits, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility, and applications for permanent residence under economic programs.

2. Increases uncertainty

This new power adds an additional layer of uncertainty to other problems already faced by international students, such as:

• The national limit on study permits for two years. 
• Changes in Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.  
• Increased scrutiny of educational quality.

.

3. Imposes restrictions on student asylum applications.

The bill proposes a one-year time limit for filing refugee claims, retroactive to June 2020. This would be a radical modification, as Canada has never imposed such a deadline, which would be historically in line with the Geneva Convention. 

‍

Why is this important for international students?

Between 2023 and 2024, asylum applications from international students increased from 10,000 to 18,000, leading to accusations (not always verified) of false applications. The project seems to respond directly to this situation, and thus ends up criminalizing a vulnerable group.

There are many international students who file refugee claims after graduation, and they do so when faced with debt, family pressure or changes in their home countries.

Therefore, with the new deadline, late filers will be excluded from the formal process before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and will instead be referred to the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) process, which is considered a "lower form of protection."

‍

4. Encourages the loss of due process

While, on the one hand, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is recognized worldwide for providing fair and independent hearings, on the other hand there is a contrast with the PRRA process, which is managed by immigration ministry officials, does not guarantee an oral hearing and has fewer appeal options.

In practice, the Strong Borders Act reduces procedural protections for many applicants, even those with valid grounds for refugee status that emerge over time.

5. Consequences of Systemic Failures

The Canadian immigration system has for years promoted the arrival of international students through promises of pathways to permanent residency, poorly regulated external agents abroad and little oversight of private colleges. As a result, many internationals incurred huge debts to study in Canada, had labor conflicts, housing conflicts, false information and, not only that, they were left in a legal limbo that they could not solve because they had not planned their procedures with regulated and specialized consultants, who knew how to apply effective strategies in the face of the changing policies of the country.

‍

‍

The Dangers of the Strong Borders Act

‍

Bill C2, far from correcting these structural problems, what it would be doing is "punishing" the students themselves, restricting access to asylum and threatening the cancellation of massive applications.

While the Strong Borders Act is presented as a national security measure to improve Canada's entry system, it would also set a dangerous precedent that could undermine the country's reputation as a global benchmark for humanitarian protection. 

If this bill is passed unchanged, it will be an unfortunate setback to Canada's inclusive approach to immigration, discouraging thousands of foreigners who have relied on the promise, growth opportunities and economic stability that the country offers. 

‍

‍

Immigration experts express their points of view

‍

Immigration specialists, as well as refugee advocates, agree that the solution lies in funding and reform, not restriction.

Some recommended alternatives to avoid that the measures do not incur in excesses of power over vulnerable internationals point to three proposals, which are:

1. Allocate a larger budget to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to reduce the backlog of thousands of unanswered cases.
2. Activate some specific regularization programs, such as the Guardian Angels program during the pandemic, which granted permanent residency to 10,000 health care workers.
3. Program and execute an effective supervision of educational institutions and recruiting agents, in order to avoid fraud at the source.

‍

‍

Immiland Canada Recommendations

‍

Given that the constant changes in Canada's immigration policies have generated a lot of uncertainty and concern, especially for international students with future plans in the country, we strongly recommend creating a preparation and adaptation plan.

Start by knowing your immigration profile thoroughly and keeping it updated. Proactivity is key in immigration. Activating a flexible "plan B" will allow you to adapt to any eventuality. Remember that scenarios can change, but with the right information and preparation, you will make the best decisions for your legal settlement in Canada.

Are you an international student affected by these changes? At Immiland Canada, we are here to guide you. Do not hesitate to consult with our team of CICC regulated professionals to guide your case. In addition, we urge you to enforce your rights, and demand transparency from institutions and policy makers about your rights and options. If required, you can schedule a consultation.

Visit the website: https://www.immilandcanada.com/ and follow our social platforms for future updates on Bill C-2 and its impact on the Canadian immigration system.

Thank you so much for reading. See you in the next blog.

With love, 

Immiland Canada