Submission of Refugee Claim Prior to Strong Borders Act

Dear Client:

You have retained us to assist you with the preparation and submission of your refugee claim in Canada.

After the execution of your retainer agreement and prior to the final submission of your application, a new bill titled the Strong Borders Act was introduced in the Canadian Parliament. You may view the official announcement and background here:

🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2025/06/the-strong-borders-act—government-of-canada-strengthens-border-security.html

We are bringing this to your attention because the proposed bill may affect the eligibility of certain individuals to make refugee claims, depending on how and when they arrived in Canada and when they made their claim.

At this stage, the bill is not yet law. It must still go through several legislative stages before it may be enacted, and it is not yet clear whether it will be passed or how exactly it may apply. However, because the bill is active in Parliament, and your claim has not yet been submitted, we require your written instructions on whether to proceed with filing your claim under the current law, or to pause and await further developments.

Summary of Relevant Proposed Changes in the Strong Borders Act

The bill proposes two major ineligibility rules that may apply to refugee claimants in the future:

1. Late Claims Rule:
   Individuals who make a refugee claim more than one year after arriving in Canada (if they arrived after June 24, 2020) may be barred from having their claim referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
2. Irregular Entry Rule:
   Individuals who cross into Canada from the United States at non-official border crossings (between ports of entry) and make their refugee claim more than 14 days after arrival may also be deemed ineligible.

Please note that these provisions are proposed only. They may be amended, rejected, or never come into force. If they do become law, individuals affected may still be able to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) to avoid removal to a country where they may face harm.

Important Note:

Policy on Legislative or Policy Changes: In the event that changes to applicable laws, regulations, or government policies result in the cessation, withdrawal, or ineligibility of a client’s application or claim, no refund will be issued for fees already paid. Regardless of the option you choose, Pax Law Corporation’s compensation is based on the work performed and services rendered, not the outcome of the matter, which may be affected by factors beyond the firm’s control.

Next Steps:

Please confirm whether you wish us to proceed with the submission of your claim under the current legal framework, or if you would prefer to wait.

If you wish to proceed, please sign and return the form below: