Refugee protection in Canada

---

Since time immemorial, Canada has been a haven to so many people who need protection from war, persecution, or violence in their home countries. Therefore, the Canada refugee protection system is devised to offer protection to such individuals who would expose themselves to grave and ongoing risks if returned to their home countries. Through its strong refugee protection program, Canada manifests its commitment to human rights, justice, and international obligations.

If you require protection, then the system of refugee Canada is quite confusing and navigating through the process of claiming will not be easy. Therefore, let me take you through the basics of a system of refugee protection in Canada, showing you how CITRN, a respected Canadian immigration consulting firm, can lead you to successfully file your refugee claim.

 

What Is Refugee Protection in Canada?

Refugee protection in Canada is a system where anybody coming to the country can seek asylum to save his life if he fears persecution, torture, or other forms of violence within his country of origin. These two categories of persons include Convention Refugees and persons in need of protection.

Convention Refugee
A citizen of a country who is outside their home country and unwilling or unable to return based on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Person in Need of Protection :
These are individuals with domicile in Canada, and if they were to be sent back to their country of nationality or habitual residence there was a risk that would gravely endanger life, risk of torture, or other treatment or punishment that is considered as cruel and unusual.

Once the claim has been approved as a refugee, the state of Canada provides protection, and they can now begin to try to build life in peace.

 

Criteria for Eligibility to Refugee Protection in Canada

Always check to know if you qualify to make a refugee claim in Canada. Some of the general qualification requirements to make the refugee claim are as follows:

• You are physically inside Canada and have reasons to fear persecution, violence, or torture if returned to your country of origin.
• You cannot have safe access to a third country; for instance, you were already recognized as a refugee there.
• You have never had a claim for refugee status refused in Canada.
• You did not arrive in Canada through the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States of America (except in limited circumstances).

Every application is individually reviewed to establish how serious a danger the applicant faces.

 

Steps to Claim Refugee Status in Canada

A refugee claim in Canada may be time-sensitive and complex. Here is a general overview of how you can initiate a refugee claim:

Submit a Refugee Claim to the IRCC or CBSA
A claim can be filed at a port of entry, like a border crossing or airport or inside Canada through one of the offices by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In fact, you may present your claim to the CBSA if you are within the country.

You will be required to outline your threats and reasons why you want asylum.

Complete the Basis of Claim (BOC) Form
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is a vital component of the refugee process. In it, you will outline the grounds of your claim, threats against you, and the evidence to support your application. A representative from either IRCC or CBSA will read through this form and later a member from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) in your hearing.

If your application gets through to be considered further, you are scheduled for a refugee hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), where you will present your case, testify as to your experiences, and explain why you need protection.

It is a step in the process, and your claim and evidence will be screened by the IRB. When your claim satisfies the criteria for refugee status under the Refugee Act, you will be protected under the status of being a refugee within the country of Canada.

 

Refugee Claim Follow Through

Once you lodge your claim, it is up to the IRCC or CBSA whether you can bring a refugee claim to Canada. After it confirms the claim, you become part of the process as a refugee and await your hearing. In the process, you are usually given permission to reside in Canada and to receive, depending on where you find yourself, health care and work permits.

If your claim is refused, you might be allowed to lodge an appeal against the decision. You can make appeals to the RAD, or seek judicial review of its decision by the Federal Court of Canada.

Processing times for refugee claims vary and can be significantly different, so it would be wise to hire the services of an experienced immigration professional who'll ensure that your deadlines are met and that your documents go where they're supposed to go.

 

Challenges for Applicants

Refugee protection processes in Canada are complex but rigorous. Here are some of the common issues a claimant faces:

Evidence
   It is hard to gather all the needed documents for your refugee claim, especially when you flee your country of origin but you do not get an opportunity to obtain necessary papers.

Credibility
Your testimony and evidence must be consistent and credible. Any discrepancies in your testimony may jeopardize the determination of your refugee claim.

Language Barriers:
   Language is a major barrier to most refugee claimants. You will need translation services or other forms of support for the effective presentation of your claim.

The Canadian refugee protection system is rather complicated, and so the wrong move during application or preparation at the hearing can easily mean the denial of your claim. CITRN supports you through each step of this process, guiding you in the best way possible and providing you with individualized support.

 

Here is how CITRN can help you make a successful refugee claim in Canada:

Case Assessment and Eligibility Check
Before applying for the status of refugee, the CITRN examines your file. It checks if the grounds for you to receive refugee protection are valid and, by doing this, would perhaps have a good chance of being approved.

Accompany You Preparing Documents
The preparation and filing of the BOC form, along with all the documentation that will be used as evidence for your claim, can be overwhelming. CITRN can assist you in such matters, guiding you in collecting the proper evidence as well as ensuring that all documents necessary reach the concerned authority on time.

Preparation for Refugee Hearing
Your hearing is a key event in the claim. Skilled CITRN consultants will help you prepare with knowledge of what will happen during your hearing and how to present your case successfully, as well as how to respond in queries from the IRB.

Appeal and Judicial Review
CITRN will assist you to appeal or apply for judicial review, should your claim be refused. Our lawyers can explain your choices and accompany you throughout the process of contesting a denial.

CITRN strongly works towards helping the applicants or rather, the refugee claimants dealing with this complex system in Canada. You might be seeking to assert your claim either at a port of entry or inside Canada; our licensed consultants stand ready for expert advice and personalized assistance.