Who is eligible for refugee status in Canada?

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Canada has always been known to be a merciful nation, giving protection and refuge to those whose persecution, violence, and other dangers are threatening them in their homeland. The Canadian refugee system provides an avenue for refugees who do indeed need safety, but in order to recognize eligibility for refugee status, it is not simple. These processes have many complicated legalities that would be overwhelming, and here is where a professional immigration consultant such as **CITRN** can make all the difference.

 

Canada's Refugee Protection System

There are two main pathways under which refugees may seek protection in Canada:

1. Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: This involves persons outside of Canada who are in need of protection.
2. In-Canada Asylum Program: For people making a claim from within Canada or at the port of entry.

The focus of the blog is on the In-Canada Asylum Program. That program permits individuals to claim refugee protection once they are inside Canadian territory. If applicants are successful, the outcome will be safety, permanent residency, and a right to live, work, and thrive in Canada.

 

Who Is Eligible for Refugee Status in Canada?

To be accepted for refugee protection through the In-Canada Asylum Program, applicants have to meet a set of requirements. These requirements are based on international agreements and are rendered under Canadian law so that only those with genuine grounds for protection will be granted refugee status. The main ones as follow:

Well-Founded Fear of Persecution

For one to be entitled to refugee status, they have to show what would amount to a **well-founded fear of persecution** in their home country. Such persecution must take place because of one or more of the following reasons:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political Opinion
• Membership of a particular social group** (women, sexual orientation, political opinion, and others)

In this respect, applicants must show proof that if they returned to their country, it would pose a danger to their lives due to those facts.

Risk of Torture, Humane or Degrading Treatment, or Death

You will also be determined to be a Convention refugee, despite the fact that you are not found to be at risk of persecution, if you can demonstrate a reasonable chance that you might face exposure to one or more of the following dangers:

• Torture
• Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment
• Death

This applies even where the threat comes from non-state actors (for example, family members or community groups) and where the state is unable or unwilling to protect you.

Must Be in Canada or at a Port of Entry

To seek your claim through the **In-Canada Asylum Program**, you must be within Canada or at one of its designations ports of entry like an airport or crossing the border. Claims cannot be made from outside the country unless you are entering as part of the **Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program**.

No Other Protection or Previous Claim

Some are inadmissible to present a refugee claim in Canada. You do not qualify if:

• You have previously benefited from another country's protection.
• You had your refugee claim denied by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) previously.
• You fall under inadmissible grounds because of serious crimes, violating human rights, or security reasons.

 

How CITRN Can Help You

Applying for a refugee status in Canada can be really grueling and complicated, especially if you are dealing with the trauma of fleeing persecution or danger. That is when CITRN enters the scene, providing you with professional assistance over more than 27 years of experience in consulting on Canadian immigration along all your way through a refugee claim.

Personalized Guidance for Your Claim

CITRN knows that every refugee claim is unique. Our experienced immigration consultants will meet with you, assess your case, verify any eligibility, and then advise you on the ways in which you can strengthen your claim. Whether it's assisting you in gathering the required documentation or gathering evidence or preparing for your IRB hearing, CITRN is here for you.

Document Preparation and Submission

One of the biggest pieces for a winning refugee claim is having all documents being entirely complete, correct, and submitted before time. CITRN's team will assist you in preparing and organizing the paperwork needed for identification purposes to those proofs of persecution or danger. Our attention to the smallest detail will ensure that your application conforms to all pertinent legal requirements. The less probable occurrence of delay or rejection on account of incomplete submissions is assured.

Representation at Hearings

The IRB will review your claim, and if your claim is accepted, you will be scheduled to appear before the IRB for a hearing to present your case. It can be very intimidating, but CITRN will provide you with professional representation and coaching to help you effectively present your story. Your rights will be protected through the process, which may increase your chances for a good outcome.

Appeals and Post-Claim Support

When your claim has been turned down, this is not the end of it. CITRN can give you options that might appeal or legal relief after a claim has been made, for example, **Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)**. Our lawyers are here to support you at every turn of the way so that you know what you want and what you have access to.

 

Why Choose CITRN?

With an unparalleled success record of helping thousands of clients successfully navigate Canada's refugee and immigration system, CITRN continues to be a firm advocate for ensuring support is provided compassionately and expertly to those who seek refuge in Canada. Our expertise in Canadian immigration laws, combined with personalized service, has made us the trusted choice for those in need of protection.