How much does it cost to claim a refugee in Canada?

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A refugee claim in Canada is the protection offered to people who are persecuted or whose lives are under threat due to war, conflict, or political turmoil in their countries. Many asylum seekers, therefore, stand in fear not only of their safety but also the pecuniary burden involved in a refugee claim. The cost to claim refugee status in Canada can vary according to many factors, such as legal fees, government expenses, and settlement costs. We will discuss various application fees for refugee protection and how CITRN can assist you through this complicated process.

 

Application Fees for Government in a Refugee Claimant in Canada

One of the burning issues with refugee claimants is the knowledge of government-related fees that may be involved in the refugee claim process in Canada. So, fortunately, there are no direct application fees required by the Canadian government to submit a refugee claim. The protection for refugees is seen as an act of charity, and thus, Canada does not ask for the payment of filing fees from claimants.

1. No Filing Fee for Refugees Claim
There are no government application fees to file a claim at a Canadian border or within Canada. It's accessible and designed to be free of upfront government application fees for individuals who need protection.

 2. Security and Medical Screening
Once a claim is made, applicants undergo security checks and a medical review. The Canadian government pays for part of these services while an applicant pays for others where there will be extra tests or treatments.

3. Work and Study Permits
Work and study permits are given to refugee claimants as they wait for their cases to be determined. Such permits are usually free of charge, intended to assist the claimant in integrating into Canadian society while a determination on the case is pending.

 

Legal Costs for Refugee Applications

There is no cost incurred by the government to present a refugee claim. The legal fees, however, can be very high. One has a better chance of a favorable outcome when one hires an experienced immigration lawyer or consultant. It is, however, expensive.

Cost of Legal Fees
Fees for legal assistance on refugee claims vary depending on the level of complexity or simplicity of the file and what support is necessary in a legal manner. Most fees lie in the $2,000 to $10,000 or more range, depending on the type of law needed. Some lawyers and consultants accept payment plans or reduced fee services for those with very tight budgets.

Legal Aid
To those who could not afford lawyers, **Legal Aid** is also available in some provinces. Legal Aid provides free or low-cost legal services to those who are financially eligible. Accessing Legal Aid will ease the financial burden of lawyer's fees when ensuring proper representation during a person's refugee claim process.

Representation at Hearings
Refugee claimants would likely need legal representation when appearing at a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). The hearing decides whether or not the claimant is eligible to receive protection by law in the country. Representation is not required; however, it is very much recommended for a claimant to receive a balanced presentation of his case.

 

Settlement Costs and Living Expenses

Once one submits a refugee claim, he or she has to live within the reality of Canada until the time of a decision. Although Canada offers so many supports for refugee claimants, some costs are required in daily living.

1. Housing Costs
The applicant is generally expected to locate their own housing and then to arrange living accommodations for themselves during the processing of the application. Housing in Canada is very costly, and the prices vary depending upon different places. It would cost much more to rent an apartment in cities such as Toronto or Vancouver than it would in towns or even in the rural areas. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in a city ranges in price per month from around $1,200 to CAD $2,500 on average

2. Transportation and Daily Living
Besides the saved amount for transportation, food, and clothing, which the claimants will need to set aside for everyday activities during their stay in Canada, the latter normally pile up quickly, especially if they are housed in urban cities. Often, applicants rely on community organizations or settlement services to find them cheap accommodations, employment, and other requirements while in transition.

3. Government Support to Refugee Claimants
The Canadian government offers financial support to refugee claimants in the form of social assistance programs. Provincial and territorial programs may offer basic income support to cover the cost of housing, food, and other necessities. This source of support will be only temporary until you hear something about your status.

 

How CITRN Can Help You Manage the Costs of a Refugee Claim

We know the refugee-claiming process can be both emotionally and financially stressful. That is why we continue to be committed to providing professional support and personalized help for claimants as they navigate the intricacies of claiming refuge in Canada. With over 27 years of experience in the industry of immigration, CITRN is still the go-to partner for anyone seeking asylum in Canada.

Personal Case Assessment
CITRN offers a free initial consultation to assess your eligibility for refugee status in Canada. Our experienced consultants will review your case, provide guidance on the next steps, and explain the costs involved in pursuing a refugee claim.

Legal Support at Affordable Rates <br/>At CITRN, we believe that financial constraints should not prevent individuals from receiving expert legal support. We offer affordable legal services tailored to your needs, ensuring that you have professional representation throughout the refugee claim process. Our consultants are knowledgeable about the latest immigration policies and procedures, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome

 Legal Aid Support
If you are eligible for Legal Aid, CITRN can help you obtain access to an application process and connect you with legal services in your province. We work closely with the Legal Aid agencies so that you can acquire all of the services you need to build a solid case for your refugee claim.

Settlement Assistance
Settlement support: Apart from the legal work, CITRN assists claimants in settling into life in Canada. We advise on the availability of housing, government support, local services, and many other essentials that will sustain you emotionally and financially through this transition period.

Ongoing Communication and Updates
Your case status will be maintained updated throughout your entire refugee claim process, and you will be supported at every step of the way. I can answer any questions you have regarding the costs associated with your claim and see you always are well-prepared.