Parliament is debating Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act. The proposal would give the federal government broad powers to cancel, suspend, or vary immigration documents and to pause processing of groups of applications “in the public interest.” While officials say the aim is to reduce ballooning backlogs and speed up decisions, the practical effect could be sudden, program-wide changes that impact applicants already in the system.
We’re honored to have Susan Gong, CPA, CA, RCIC—Founder & President of Altec Global Inc.—share her insights on Bill C-2. What it could mean for your application? How to protect your status?
What’s different about Bill C-2?
Group-level powers: IRCC could stop or shelve entire cohorts of cases at once (e.g., by program or profile), rather than deciding each file individually.
Backlog reset tool: Authorities could use this to clear queues and reallocate capacity, similar in spirit to the 2012 legislative reset that wiped a large skilled-worker backlog.
Open-ended “public interest” test: The bill’s wording leaves wide discretion about when and where these powers are used.
Who might feel it first (based on current pain points)?
Programs with long processing times or paused intakes (e.g., Start-Up Visa, federal Self-Employed).
Temporary resident heavy categories where volumes soared post-pandemic (visitors, students, some workers).
Humanitarian/low-economic-impact streams if the goal is to push more capacity to economic files.
Applicants with added risk factors (e.g., minor criminality, problematic representation), if profiling tools are used more aggressively.
Bottom line: the department could move quickly and broadly. Applicants relying on a single pathway, or whose status is expiring, are most exposed.
What this could mean for you (scenarios)
You’ve applied but are waiting: Files could be paused or returned, even if complete. If temporary status is expiring, you risk falling out of status without a contingency plan.
You’re close to applying: Rules could tighten mid-preparation. Have an alternate route ready.
You’re in a long-queue program: Expect longer holds or prioritization shifts. Consider parallel strategies to keep your PR plan alive.
Altec Global’s guidance—how to de-risk right now
1) Protect your legal status
Keep your work/study/visitor status valid (apply early; rely on maintained status where applicable).
Where eligible, use Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) 或 in-Canada extensions to avoid gaps.
2) Build a dual-track plan
Pair your main route (e.g., Express Entry) with a provincial nomination (PNP) 或 regional pilot (e.g., RCIP/Francophone pathways) to diversify risk.
If you’re in Start-Up Visa or Self-Employed, explore provincial options aligned with your background while your federal file is pending.
3) Strengthen the file you have
Ensure clean, consistent documentation (employment letters, proof of funds, police certificates).
If represented, verify your counsel/consultant is in good standing; flawed representation can attract scrutiny.
4) Prioritize categories IRCC is favoring
Watch category-based Express Entry (e.g., healthcare, trades, French, education). Adding French or targeting in-demand NOCs can materially improve invite odds.
5) Be communication-ready
Track your online account, respond fast to requests, and keep a document kit pre-assembled to file within days if windows open.
What do ALTEC help?
Altec Global can run a Status & Strategy Audit in under a week:
Profile risk review (program, timing, status)
Backup pathway mapping (EE + PNP + regional/francophone)
Document gap check to avoid last-minute delays
Submission timing plan in case rules shift
If Bill C-2 passes, the most resilient applicants will be those with valid status, a Plan B, and submission-ready files.
Have questions about your exposure and alternatives?
Contact Altec Global for a tailored plan that keeps your Canadian future on track—even if the rules move.