Canada offers multiple pathways for people who need protection, from making an asylum claim at the border to resettlement through government and private sponsorship programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refugee protection, often called asylum, is Canada\u2019s commitment to people who cannot return home because of a well-founded fear of persecution, torture, or risk to life, or who face cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
To start an in-Canada refugee claim, you first confirm your eligibility. A claim is ineligible if you already hold protected status, face a removal order, previously made an unsuccessful claim, or enter from the United States in circumstances covered by the Safe Third Country Agreement. Eligible claims are sent to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). If the claim is ineligible, you are referred to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a port of entry, tell a CBSA officer you wish to make a refugee claim. You must present identity documents, give biometrics, and complete an interview. Claims that meet eligibility rules are referred to the IRB; those that do not are refused and removal follows. Entry from the United States may trigger Safe Third Country Agreement restrictions unless an exception or exemption applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IRB is an independent tribunal that decides whether you qualify as a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. You must show persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group, or demonstrate risk of torture, loss of life, or cruel and unusual treatment. If your claim is rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn, you must leave Canada and cannot claim again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People outside Canada cannot apply directly for resettlement; they must be referred by the United Nations Refugee Agency, a designated referral organisation, or a private sponsorship group. Two classes exist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refugees must also pass medical, security, and criminal checks. Quebec selects its own candidates under separate rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the GAR program, the UNHCR or another referral body identifies refugees for Canada. The federal government or Quebec funds settlement support for up to one year or until self-sufficiency, delivered through community service providers. A dedicated stream annually resettles up to 250 human-rights defenders and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Private Sponsorship lets Canadian groups support refugees for one year. Sponsors furnish housing, financial assistance, and emotional support. No processing fees apply, and sponsors cannot seek repayment. Quebec runs its own PSR process. Sponsorship Agreement Holders are organisations with federal agreements to manage cases, while Groups of Five and Community Sponsors are volunteer collectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The BVOR program matches Canadian sponsors with refugees already identified by referral organisations. Private sponsors provide six months of financial aid plus a full year of settlement help; the federal government supplies the other six months of financial support. The program strengthens communities by allowing Canadians to contribute directly to global resettlement efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n