Pathway finder
Sort out my status or inadmissibility: Refugee protection
Routes people usually look at
1
A refugee claim in Canada
For people who fear persecution or face a risk to their life or of cruel treatment if returned. The claim is decided by the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.2
Eligibility rules first
Some people cannot make a claim, for example under the Safe Third Country Agreement or because of a previous claim. A 2026 law also bars most claims made more than one year after first arriving in Canada (for arrivals after June 24, 2020), and claims made more than 14 days after crossing the US land border between ports of entry. IRCC says these bars apply to claims made on or after June 3, 2025. Timing matters, so get advice early.3
Other forms of protection
Such as a pre-removal risk assessment, in some cases.
What’s usually involved
- Make the claim at a port of entry or online from inside Canada.
- An officer decides whether the claim is eligible to go to the IRB.
- Complete the Basis of Claim form, which tells your story in detail, within the deadline.
- Gather evidence: identity documents, evidence of what happened to you, and country information.
- Attend the hearing, where a member decides the claim.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
Timing depends on IRB scheduling and how complete your claim is. Deadlines for the Basis of Claim form and evidence are strict.
Common pitfalls
- A Basis of Claim form that is vague, or inconsistent with what you said at the border
- Missing the deadline for the Basis of Claim form
- Not having identity documents, or not explaining why
- Getting help from someone who is not licensed
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
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