Asylum Claim

Asylum Claim

The meaning of the term 'asylum', in the context of immigration, is the protection offered by a country or state to a refugee who has left their home country, or feels that they cannot safely return to their home country, because of persecution they have suffered or may suffer on the grounds of race, religion

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a person in need of protection is a person in Canada who would be subjected personally to a danger of torture, a risk to their life, or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if they were returned to their home country.  

Asylum status in Canada

Foreign nationals, who fear persecution, who are at serious risk of harm and who cannot get protection in their own country often seek refuge in Canada. People who are recognized as refugees are allowed to stay in Canada and may apply for permanent residence status, and eventually may apply to become Canadian citizens.

How long does an asylum case take in Canada?

It can take up to 4 months for a refugee to arrive in Canada after the sponsorship is approved.

What happens when you claim asylum?

An Asylum is a form of protection that allows an individual to remain in the United States instead of being removed (deported) to a country where he or she fears persecution or harm. Under U.S. law, people who flee their countries because they fear persecution can apply for asylum.

Is it easy to get asylum in Canada?

Many things you hear and read may lead you to believe that it will be easy to get asylum in Canada. But it is very difficult to get asylum. And there are risks to arriving unofficially in Canada.

What if my asylum is denied in Canada?

People who are refused refugee protection will be returned to their country of origin by the Canadian government. If you are refused refugee protection you should get legal advice about your options. It is encouraged that you make an asylum claim at an official point of entry to Canada and abide by Canadian law.

Can asylum seekers work in Canada?

If you are in the process of claiming asylum, you can legally work in Canada once you receive your work permit. The permit is free and can also be renewed for free* if you are still waiting for your hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Can refuge travel outside of Canada?

You need to get a Refugee Travel Document from Passport Canada. It is recognized in all countries as a valid travel document. However, you cannot use it to travel to the country that you are a citizen of or the country of claimed persecution.

What grounds can you claim asylum?

You must apply for asylum if you want to stay in Canada as a refugee. To be eligible you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you fear persecution. Apply for a visa if you want to come to Canada for another reason (for example to work, study or remain with family).

What kind of support do government-assisted refugees get?

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) gives government-assisted refugees immediate and essential support for their most basic needs.

Support services include:

• Greeting at the airport,
• Temporary housing,
• Help with finding permanent housing,
• help with registering for mandatory federal and provincial programs,
• Orientation to the community, a service that includes
  • Providing contacts for safety and emergency services,
  • Introducing refugees to the city where they have set
  • Explaining
    • Public transportation,
    • Canada's education and health care systems,
    • Canadian laws and customs and
    • The local climate,
  • Personal finance help in areas such as
    • Budgeting,
    • Setting up a bank account and
    • Using debit and credit cards,
  • Basic "life skills" support for high needs clients, and
  • Referrals to other refugee programs.

Canada provides income support under the RAP to eligible refugees who cannot pay for their own basic needs. Support can include a:

• One-time household start-up allowance, and
• Monthly income support payment.

The level of monthly financial support is generally based on the prevailing provincial social assistance rates in the province where the refugees settle. Financial support can last up to one year after a refugee arrives in Canada, or until they can support themselves, whichever occurs first.