01 — Overview
Different protection processes
An asylum claim made in Canada or at a port of entry is different from refugee resettlement from outside Canada. Each process has separate eligibility, referral, evidence and decision-making rules.
Protection is not a substitute for an economic or family immigration program. A claim must be truthful and supported by the person's real circumstances and available evidence.
02
Main protection routes
Claim asylum in Canada
For an eligible person in Canada or at a port of entry who asks for protection and is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Government-assisted resettlement
For refugees abroad referred for resettlement through designated referral organizations.
Private refugee sponsorship
For eligible refugees abroad sponsored through an authorized Canadian sponsorship structure; some sponsorship categories are paused.
After a positive protection decision
A protected person may apply for permanent residence and include eligible family members under the applicable rules.
Review and risk processes
A refused claim may involve a Refugee Appeal Division process, judicial review or a pre-removal risk assessment where legally available.
03
What must be reviewed
- Eligibility to make or have a claim referred
- Any prior claims, status, removal history or agreements affecting eligibility
- The Convention refugee or person-in-need-of-protection legal test
- Identity, chronology, country evidence and supporting documentation
- Deadlines for forms, disclosure, hearing preparation, appeals or reviews
04
General sequence for an asylum claim
- 01
Eligibility screening
The responsible authority determines whether the claim can be referred to the Refugee Protection Division.
- 02
Complete the claim record
Submit the Basis of Claim and supporting evidence accurately and within the applicable deadlines.
- 03
Prepare for the hearing
Review the legal test, disclosure, chronology and questions likely to arise from the record.
- 04
Follow the decision route
After the decision, complete the appropriate PR, appeal, review or removal-related step without missing a deadline.
05
Important points
- Asylum and overseas resettlement are not the same process.
- Community Sponsor and Group of Five intake is currently marked paused by IRCC; current status must be checked.
- Inconsistencies, omissions or false evidence can seriously damage credibility and may create separate legal consequences.
- Appeal and judicial-review deadlines can be short and require immediate attention.
Official sources
Verify the current rules at the source.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program status, criteria and intake can change. Confirm the current official instructions before applying.