Refugee Program

This program is aimed at the refugee who come to Canada and seek asylum.

Eligibility of the Program

Your refugee claim may not be eligible to be referred to the IRB if you

are recognized as a Convention refugee by another country that you can return to
were granted protected person status in Canada
arrived via the Canada–United States border
have made a refugee claim in another country, as confirmed through information-sharing
are not admissible to Canada on security grounds or because of criminal activity or human rights violations
made a previous refugee claim that was not found eligible
made a previous refugee claim that was rejected by the IRB
abandoned or withdrew a previous refugee claim

The IRB decides who is a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

Convention refugees are outside their home country or the country they normally live in. They’re not able to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on

race
religion
political opinion
nationality
being part of a social group, such as women or people of a particular sexual orientation

A person in need of protection is a person in Canada who can’t return to their home country safely. This is because, if they return, they may face

danger of torture
risk to their life
risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

Safe Third Country Agreement

Canada has an agreement with the U.S. that says people who want to make a refugee claim must do so in the first safe country they arrive in.This means, if you enter Canada from the U.S. at a land port of entry, you can’t make a refugee claim in Canada.

Inland Claim

You can also make a claim for refugee protection after arriving in Canada. If you choose to make a claim after arriving in Canada, you must submit a complete application including all supporting documentation, as well as the BOC Form, when you make your claim. Refer to the Completing Your Basis of Claim Form page for information about the BOC Form and what is required.

Claim at POE

You can make a claim for refugee protection when you arrive in Canada at any port of entry by completing an eligibility interview with an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), completing the application package, and providing fingerprints and a photograph.

Normally, you will complete the forms – which are provided by the CBSA officer – in-person when you arrive. However, it is possible that the officer tells you to come back to the port of entry or an inland office for an interview at a future date. If this occurs, the officer will give you:

an information pamphlet
an acknowledgement of claim letter (which will help you get access to the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada)
instructions about completing your medical exam

The officer may also tell you to submit your refugee claim online. If you’re told to complete your claim online, you’ll need