Canada Refugee Claims

What is the process for Canada Refugee Claims?

Refugee claims in Canada refer to the process through which individuals seek protection in the country due to well-founded fears of persecution, violence, or danger in their home countries. Canada’s refugee system is designed to provide a safe haven for those facing such threats, offering a fair and comprehensive process to determine eligibility for protection. The goal is to ensure that individuals with genuine refugee claims are granted asylum, while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

Various Refugee Streams in Canada

1. Inland Refugee Claimants: Individuals who have arrived in Canada and fear persecution if returned to their home country can make an inland refugee claim. They must follow a legal process that involves applying for protection and attending hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If their claim is accepted, they can stay in Canada and may eventually apply for permanent residency.

2. Refugee Sponsorship Programs: Canada offers various sponsorship programs where Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered organizations can sponsor refugees to come to Canada. This can include government-assisted refugees (GARs), privately sponsored refugees (PSRs), and blended visa office-referred refugees (BVORs). Sponsors provide financial and emotional support to help refugees integrate into Canadian society.

3. Refugees from Overseas: Individuals who are referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or identified as refugees by Canada in special cases can apply for resettlement. These individuals are usually residing in refugee camps or other precarious situations abroad. Once approved, they are provided with support to establish themselves in Canada.

4. Safe Third Country Agreement: This agreement between Canada and the United States allows for the refusal of certain refugee claims at land border crossings. If someone tries to make a refugee claim at an official Canada-U.S. border crossing, they may be turned away and asked to apply for asylum in the first safe country they arrived in (either Canada or the U.S.).

In all cases, Canada’s refugee determination process assesses the validity of claims based on international human rights and refugee law. The process aims to balance the country’s commitment to providing protection with the need to maintain a well-managed immigration system.

How to apply under Canada Refugee Claims