Refugee and Humanitarian Protection in Canada

If you fear persecution in your home country, you may be eligible to apply for refugee protection in Canada.

Where can you apply for refugee status?

• At a port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border).
• At a designated Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office inside Canada.

Requirements for refugee claims:

• Provide personal background and family details.
• Explain the reasons for seeking protection.
• Attend a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) if your claim is deemed eligible.

Hearings are typically scheduled within 60 days. Applicants from a Designated Country of Origin (DCO) may have faster processing times

Canada offers a pathway to permanent residency under humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds for individuals facing extreme hardship if forced to return to their home country.

Key factors considered for H&C applications:

• Family and community ties in Canada.
• Best interests and well-being of dependents.
• Risk of harm, medical difficulties, or unsafe living conditions.
• Level of integration and adaptability in Canada.

Each H&C application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed. If your application is denied, you may appeal to the Federal Court of Canada.