Refugee protection in Canada
Asking for refugee protection (asylum) in Canada
Claiming asylum means asking Canada for protection because it’s not safe for you in your own country. Asylum is another word for protection and “claiming asylum” means asking for refugee protection.
You may be able to ask for refugee protection if you cannot return to your home country due to
- a well-founded fear of persecution
- a danger of torture
- a risk to your life
- a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
Claiming refugee protection (asylum) from within Canada
You may be able to make a claim for refugee protection if you are already in Canada.
Claiming refugee protection (asylum) at the border
You may be able to make a claim for refugee protection at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada. Port of entry means an airport, seaport or land border, and is considered to be in Canada.
Claiming refugee protection (asylum) at the border when you enter Canada
Refugees resettled from outside of Canada
Refugee resettlement
Refugee resettlement is a program for people who are outside of Canada and are referred to move to Canada as refugees by the United Nations Refugee Agency, a designated referral organization or a private sponsor.
You can’t apply to be moved to Canada as a refugee unless you are referred.
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