Refugees and Protected Persons (Canada)

Canada offers protection to individuals who are fleeing persecution or who are at risk of serious harm in their home country under its Refugee and Protected Persons Program.

A person may be recognized as a Convention Refugee if they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on one or more of the following grounds:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Membership in a particular social group (including gender identity or sexual orientation)

Applicants must demonstrate that their home country is unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection.

Individuals may also qualify as a Person in Need of Protection if they face risks such as torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their country.

Key Notes

• Refugee protection claims are assessed under Canada’s asylum system.
• Decisions are made based on evidence, credibility, and country conditions.
• Approved applicants may be granted protected person status and become eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Canada’s asylum system is designed to provide fair and efficient protection while maintaining integrity and timely processing of claims.

Our team provides guidance on refugee and protection-related immigration matters, including eligibility assessment and application support.

Learn More: Official IRCC Refugees and Asylum page.