Services
Asylum & Refugee protection
Claims are assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), an independent tribunal.
The refugee determination process is a formal, quasi-judicial proceeding in which all evidence supporting your fear of return is carefully considered. You have the right to be represented by legal counsel and to present witnesses who can testify in support of your case. Our team guides you through every step to ensure your claim is presented clearly and effectively.
Claiming asylum means asking Canada for protection because it’s not safe for you in your own country. Asylum is another word for protection and “claiming asylum” means asking for refugee protection.
You may be able to ask for protection if you cannot return to your home country due to
- A well-founded fear of persecution
- A danger of torture
- A risk to your life
- A risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
To present a claim, you will have to prove your identity, give biometrics, take a medical exam, complete an interview, prepare your documents and start an online claim. If you meet the eligibility requirements, IRCC will refer your claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). You will have a hearing with the IRB and will need to prove that you meet the definition of a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
Please note that your claim may not be eligible if you entered Canada from the U.S.:
- at an official land border crossing, or
- anywhere along the border, including rivers, lakes and other waterways, and made a refugee claim less than 14 days after the day that you entered
If you try to make a refugee (asylum) claim in Canada after entering from the U.S., you will be returned to the U.S. unless you meet an exception or exemption to the Agreement.
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