Refugee & Asylum in Canada (2025): Essential Guide and Application Process

Canada offers robust protection to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution, torture, or danger in their home countries. The process covers two main categories: Asylum (refugee protection) for those already in Canada or arriving at the border, and Resettlement for refugees referred from outside Canada. Here’s what you need to know for 2025.

Who Qualifies for Refugee Protection in Canada?

• People who cannot return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution (e.g., over race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or belonging to a particular social group).
• Those in danger of torture, or at risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

Ways to Make a Refugee or Asylum Claim

• At a Port of Entry: Apply at an airport, land border, or seaport when arriving in Canada. Speak to a Canada Border Services officer, who determines your eligibility. If accepted, your claim will move to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) for a decision.
• From Inside Canada: Apply for refugee protection online through the IRCC portal. You have up to 90 days to complete your application if started from within the country. After submission, you’ll meet with an officer who refers the case to the RPD if eligible.

Key Steps in the Refugee Claim Process (2025)

1. Basis of Claim (BOC) Form: You must explain why you are seeking protection. Each family member fills out their own BOC form.
2. Submit Supporting Documents: Including ID, country condition evidence, police reports, or other proof of persecution or danger.
3. Interview & Hearing: Meet with an IRCC officer and later attend a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division, which assesses your case and makes a decision.
4. Work and Study Permits: Eligible claimants can apply for an open work permit or study permit while waiting for a decision.

What Happens if Your Claim Is Approved or Refused?

• If approved, you become a protected person and can apply for Permanent Residence in Canada. You may also include immediate family members in your application for PR.
• If refused, a removal order usually takes effect, requiring you to leave Canada. Appeals and judicial reviews may be available in some cases.

Refugee Resettlement from Abroad

• Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs): Referred by the UNHCR or other designated organizations, GARs are supported by the federal government upon arrival.
• Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR): Canadians can sponsor refugees, but as of late 2024, new applications from certain sponsoring groups are paused until December 31, 2025, with only existing applications being processed.
• Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program: A mix of government and private supports for selected vulnerable refugees.

Recent Legal and Policy Updates (2025)

• A proposed bill may restrict eligibility for those entering after June 24, 2020, or claiming more than a year after entry, as well as those crossing irregularly at the Canada-US border. Always check for the latest rules before applying.
• Refugees and protected persons generally receive immediate support and access to essential health and settlement services.
• The target for resettled and protected persons in 2025 is about 15% of all permanent resident admissions, reflecting a policy shift to balance humanitarian and economic priorities.

Family Reunification for Refugees

• Accepted refugees can include immediate family members (spouse, dependent children) in their permanent residence application, whether in Canada or abroad.
• There is a One Year Window (OYW) to reunite with family members who were listed in your application but could not travel at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I work or study while awaiting a decision? Yes, you may apply for an open work or study permit while your claim is processed.
• Can I travel outside Canada while my claim is pending? No, traveling outside Canada can lead to your claim being abandoned or refused.
• Is there legal help available? Refugee claimants can access legal aid and support services in most provinces.
• Can I apply from outside Canada without a referral? No; resettlement from abroad generally requires a referral from UNHCR or a private sponsor.

Why Seek Refuge and Asylum in Canada?

• Canada offers a fair and robust refugee protection system with a strong commitment to human rights.
• Legal pathways and community support for resettled and in-Canada refugees.
• Comprehensive settlement, health, and family reunification services for successful claimants and their families.