Refugee protection in Canada
⚖️Who Can Claim Refugee Status in Canada?
You may qualify as a refugee or protected person in Canada if:
You are outside your country and can't return due to a well-founded fear of:
Persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group (e.g., LGBTQ+, women facing gender-based violence, etc.).
Torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment/punishment.
Canada recognizes two refugee classes:
Convention Refugee: Meets the criteria under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
Person in Need of Protection: Faces danger if returned, but may not meet Convention criteria.
🚫 Who Is Not Eligible to Claim?
You might be ineligible if you:
Have already made a refugee claim in Canada or another country before (exceptions may apply.)
Came to Canada via the U.S. under the Safe Third Country Agreement (with exceptions).
Have serious criminality or security issues.
Already have protection in another country.
🌍 Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)
If you arrive via the U.S., you may be barred from making a claim—unless you meet an exception, such as:
Having a close family member in Canada.
Being an unaccompanied minor.
Holding a valid Canadian visa or permit.
Entering irregularly.
🛬 How to Make a Claim
1. At a Port of Entry (airport, land border, seaport)
Speak with a CBSA officer and say you want to make a refugee claim.
You'll go through initial screening (identity, security, eligibility).
If eligible, you’ll be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and receive:
A Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD).
A Basis of Claim (BOC) form to complete within 15 days.
2. Inside Canada
Submit an online application through the IRCC portal.
Upload all required documents, including your BOC form.
If your claim is accepted for referral, your case goes to the IRB.
📄 The Basis of Claim (BOC) Form
This is critical to your claim. It outlines:
Your biographical info.
Why do you fear returning to your country of origin, or where you were before arriving in Canada.
Supporting facts and documents.
Timeline of events.
If you want, we can help you by assessing your eligibility. Just let us know!
