There’s a lot of noise online about IRCC cancelling all immigration applications, but let’s keep this in perspective.
Bill C-12, recently tabled in Parliament, would give IRCC the authority to cancel applications or entire immigration streams if deemed in the public interest. It sounds extreme, but it’s not unprecedented. In 2012, then-minister Jason Kenney cancelled 280,000 Federal Skilled Worker files to clear backlogs, and in 2014, the Entrepreneur Stream was shut down the same way.
Could that happen again? Possibly – but likely only for programs in deep backlog or with fraud concerns, such as:
- Humanitarian & Compassionate cases, now taking 50 years to process.
- Start-up Visa Program, with waits of 35 years.
- Some Caregiver applications.
Mainstream programs like Express Entry, PNPs, and category-based draws remain safe and within normal timelines.
The goal here seems to be clearing overloaded or misused pathways, not scrapping core immigration streams. With Mark Carney set to announce the new Immigration Levels Plan on November 4, the targets may tighten, but widespread cancellations are unlikely.
In short: don’t panic. Stay informed, submit well-prepared applications, and avoid misinformation.
