To make a refugee claim, you must
- meet the eligibility requirements
- be in Canada right now
If you make a claim and you’re not eligible or you’re not in Canada right now, we will refuse your application.
To make a refugee claim, you must
If you make a claim and you’re not eligible or you’re not in Canada right now, we will refuse your application.
You can’t submit a refugee claim from outside Canada.
Learn more about our immigration programs.Before you make a claim, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
To make a refugee claim, you need to submit a complete application from inside Canada. Your application will help us understand
The instructions to submit an application depend on your situation. When you make your refugee claim, you can also apply to work or study while you wait for a decision.
You can apply for refugee status at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada. This means an airport, seaport or land border.
We give you the application package when you arrive, if you don’t already have it.
If the officer decides your refugee claim is eligible, they give you
If you’re already in Canada, you can submit your claim online.
If you’re already in Canada, you can tell us you want to start a claim by sending us an email. After we get your message, we’ll invite you to a secure online account to continue your claim and communicate with you about your application.
We use Canada Post’s epost Connect™ service to make sure your application stays secure and your privacy is protected throughout the application process.
Don’t add any other information to your email.
After you set up your Canada Post epost Connect account, we’ll use it to communicate with you about your application. You can also submit your application and supporting documents using your account.
Once your account is set up, you’ll get an email from Canada Post whenever we add a message for you.
During your interview, we review your application and decide if your claim is eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
After the interview, we give you a refugee protection claimant document that fits our decision. If your claim is eligible, we also give you a confirmation of referral letter that confirms we referred your claim to the IRB.
If you want to work or study while waiting for your refugee claim decision, let us know by using the “Schedule 12 – Additional information” form available in your application package. You don’t need to submit a separate application or pay extra fees.
If you’re eligible and we approve your permit, we mail it to you after you pass your medical exam.
To avoid delays receiving your permit, make sure we always have your current address. You can change your address online.
You and your family members may be eligible for open work permits if you’re making a refugee claim and
You and your family members may be eligible for study permits if
If you have an acceptance letter, you can apply at the same time you apply for refugee status by including it with your application.
Minor children don’t need a study permit to go to kindergarten, elementary or secondary school.
If you’re eligible to make a refugee claim, the IRB will send you a notice to appear for a hearing. This notice will tell you
Find out how to prepare for your hearing in the IRB’s Claimant’s Guide.
After your hearing, the IRB will approve or refuse your refugee claim. Find out what to do after you get a decision.
The IRB will never call you to ask for money. Read more information about fraudulent calls demanding money.
If we find that you’re your claim is not eligible, you’ll be issued a removal order.