Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Applying for Refugee status

Are you or someone you know living in fear of persecution or danger of death in their home country? Are you seeking somewhere safer to live and strive with your family? Canada offers those who are experiencing danger in their home countries a safe place to live and contribute to society. Canada’s refugee program is open to anyone of any background. The Immigration and refugee board of Canada (IRB) will review your application to determine if you are eligible to claim refugee status and whether you are a person in need of protection or a convention refugee.

What is your Eligibility

First of foremost, you must make sure that you are not under a removal order. You can receive removal orders by overstaying your stay in Canada whether you are in Canada under a TRP or a TRV. Once you are sure that a removal order is not issued against you, you can start the process of applying for refugee status. Once you have applied, the IRB will decide whether you are a convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

Can you apply for Refugee Protection from outside of Canada?

Yes, you can apply from outside of Canada if you are outside of your country. This however, can be a difficult process in most cases. In order to start this process you must first apply to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

By taking this step you will be asked to prove that there is no way that you can be settled in the country that are currently residing in. You will usually also have to show that you are going to be economically successful in Canada if you come.