Claiming Asylum in Canada
Claiming asylum doesn’t guarantee you can stay in Canada. It isn’t a shortcut to get around immigration rules and procedures. Find out what you need to know before you make a life-changing decision.
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What is a refugee?
Refugees are people who have fled their countries for fear of persecution. They can’t return home.
A refugee is different from an immigrant. An immigrant chooses to settle permanently in another country. Refugees are forced to flee for their safety.
There are requirements you need to meet to be considered a refugee. Canada applies strict policies and procedures when reviewing each asylum claim.
If you don’t meet the requirements to be considered a refugee, you will be removed from Canada.
Canada’s asylum system
Get the facts about Canada’s asylum system before you put your life at risk.
- We do not automatically accept asylum claims.
- No one can guarantee your asylum claim will be approved. If it’s denied, you may be deported.
- Wanting a stable job or a better education for your children is not a reason to claim asylum.
If we find that you don’t need Canada’s protection, you’ll be returned to your home country.
Know the risks
Don’t trust situations where someone asks for payment to bring you to Canada. They could be dangerous and may put your life at risk.
Beware of people who provide false or misleading information about claiming asylum in Canada. Asylum claims are not automatically accepted and no one can guarantee your asylum claim will be approved.
Don’t take risks based on someone’s false promises and lies.
Making a false asylum claim can have serious consequences:
- You could be banned from returning to Canada.
- Your family might not be able to come to Canada in the future.
Crossing into Canada between official entry points can be very risky and dangerous and is against the law.
There are many ways that you can come to Canada to live(opens in a new tab) , work(opens in a new tab) or study(opens in a new tab) .
Claiming asylum
If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you must have health, criminal, security and other background checks.
You will also need to
- do a medical exam
- provide personal information and biometrics (photo and fingerprints)
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