Asylum Seekers
Canada has long been a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and seeking a new start. Since signing the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees in 1951, Canada has upheld the principles of life, freedom, and protection, welcoming individuals who face well-founded fears of persecution due to race, religion, social group, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.
Apply for Asylum
Submit the form to begin your asylum request.
Claiming Asylum in Canada
How to Make an Asylum Claim
Individuals can claim asylum at any Canadian port of entry or at an inland Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. Upon presenting themselves, they undergo a comprehensive assessment, which includes biometric, biographic, security, and criminality checks, ensuring the fairness and thoroughness of the process to determine their eligibility.
Refugee Protection Process
Canada’s refugee protection process is composed of two main components:
- Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: Administered outside of Canada, this program helps individuals relocate to Canada.
- In-Canada Refugee Protection Process: This allows individuals within Canada to apply for protection.
A conventional refugee is someone who, due to a well-founded fear of persecution, is unable or unwilling to return to their home country. Those eligible for refugee protection in Canada are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), where an independent tribunal will
determine their status.
Refugee Sponsorship
Canada offers several sponsorship programs to help refugees resettle:
- Groups of Five: Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsor refugees who already hold refugee status in Canada.
- Blended Visa Office-Referred Program: Private sponsors collaborate with the Government of Canada to sponsor refugees identified by the United Nations Refugee Agency.
- Sponsorship Agreement Holders and Community Sponsors: Organizations and community groups can sponsor refugees, often partnering with the government through the Joint Assistance Sponsorship Program for those with special needs.
Appealing a Decision
If an asylum claim is denied, individuals must leave Canada but can appeal the decision. An appeal must be submitted to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board within 15 days of receiving the decision. The appeal process, which takes up to 90 days, offers a chance to review and potentially overturn the initial decision.
Refugee Application Process
Eligibility for Refugee Status
Only some people in Canada are eligible for refugee status. Ineligibility can result from previous claims in Canada, recognition as a refugee in another country, coming from a designated safe third country, or inadmissibility due to security or criminality issues.
Referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
Eligible claims are referred to the IRB, where a hearing determines if the claimant is a genuine refugee. Claimants must submit a Personal Information Form (PIF) and typically attend a hearing within 12 months. If approved, they can apply for permanent residence.
Refugee Status Decision
If the IRB recognizes the claimant as a genuine refugee, the person becomes a protected person and can apply for permanent residence. If refused, the person may request a judicial review by the Federal Court of Canada or apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) to seek protection from removal.