Refugee Protection
Inland claims, RPD hearings, and pre-removal risk assessments.
Overview of Refugee Protection in Canada
Canada provides protection to individuals who face persecution in their home countries. Refugee Protection is available to those who can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Refugees and persons in need of protection can seek asylum in Canada through the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
Types of Refugee Protection
- Convention Refugees
- Individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Canada aligns with the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees to provide protection to these individuals.
- Persons in Need of Protection
- Individuals who face a risk of torture, risk to life, or risk of cruel and unusual punishment if returned to their home country. This category includes individuals who may not meet the criteria for Convention Refugee status but are still at risk if forced to leave Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for refugee protection in Canada, applicants must:
- Be physically present in Canada.
- Demonstrate that they cannot return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution or a risk to life, torture, or cruel treatment.
- Pass medical, security, and criminal checks.
Application Process for Refugee Protection
- Make an Asylum Claim — Applicants must submit an asylum claim at a Canadian port of entry or at an inland IRCC or CBSA office. After initial screening, eligible applicants are referred to the Refugee Protection Division for a hearing.
- Complete the Basis of Claim (BOC) Form — This document details the applicant's refugee claim, outlining the specific reasons for seeking asylum and the circumstances in their home country.
- Attend a Refugee Hearing — The applicant's case is heard before an RPD adjudicator, who reviews the claim and assesses its merits based on evidence and the applicant's testimony.
- Receive a Decision — Approved applicants are granted refugee status, allowing them to stay in Canada and apply for PR. If the claim is denied, applicants may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) or seek judicial review in Federal Court.
Human Rights and Protection
Canada is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, but the refugee process is highly rigorous, requiring applicants to provide comprehensive evidence of their need for protection. Lev Law assists clients in preparing credible, well-documented claims, helping them navigate the complex refugee protection process and increasing their chances of a favorable outcome.
Appeals and Reapplication
If an asylum claim is denied, applicants have options to appeal the decision to the Refugee Appeal Division or file for a judicial review in Federal Court. Lev Law offers legal representation for these appeals, ensuring that applicants receive a fair opportunity to present their case and secure protection in Canada.
More under permanent residency.
- Federal economic immigration system covering FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.
- Provincial pathways to permanent residency, including Ontario streams.
- Sponsor a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for Canadian PR.
- Sponsor parents or grandparents through the lottery-based PGP program.
- Federal and provincial routes to PR for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Federal PR pathway for cultural, athletic, and farm management professionals.
- PR for entrepreneurs whose Canadian start-up has venture-capital, angel, or incubator backing.
- Provincial nomination for entrepreneurs investing in or starting a business in Ontario.
- Initial PR card issuance, renewal, and replacement of lost or expired cards.
- Discretionary PR pathway based on hardship, ties to Canada, and the best interests of children.
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