Canada provides refuge and compassion to those fleeing persecution, danger or exceptional hardship. We offer sensitive, confidential guidance through these life‑saving pathways.
Canada offers refugee protection to individuals facing persecution or serious harm in their home countries, reflecting its commitment to international human rights and legal obligations..
These are individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on one or more of the following grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This definition is derived from the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, to which Canada is a signatory, and is recognized under Canadian immigration law.
These are individuals who are already in Canada and would face a real risk of torture, threat to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their country of origin. This category addresses serious personal harm that does not necessarily fall under the persecution grounds required for Convention refugees.
You can make a refugee claim either at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g., airport, land border) or at an inland Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office
For individuals outside Canada, refugee protection may be accessed through Canada’s resettlement programs
Understanding the step-by-step process of making a refugee claim in Canada
An IRCC or CBSA officer will first determine if your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
If eligible, your claim is sent to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB, an independent tribunal.
You will need to submit a detailed Basis of Claim form outlining why you seek protection.
Most claimants will have a hearing before an RPD member, who will hear your testimony and review evidence.
The RPD member decides whether to grant you refugee protection. If successful, you become a protected person.
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is an application that allows individuals facing removal from Canada to seek protection based on risks they would face if returned to their country of origin.
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) typically applies when the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) notifies you that removal proceedings are underway. You may be eligible if:
Important: A 12-month waiting period generally applies after a negative refugee or PRRA decision, unless exceptional circumstances exist—such as significant changes in country conditions or the best interests of a child.
If you've previously made a refugee claim, the PRRA decision will focus primarily on new evidence that emerged after your last decision.
Officers assess whether removal would expose you to persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment.
The PRRA process involves submitting a written application (IMM 5508) supported by evidence and detailed submissions.
PRRA decisions are made by an IRCC officer, not the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) which handles initial refugee claims.
IRCC officers will evaluate whether you would face:
Focus strictly on protection from risk upon removal
Consider humanitarian factors, including establishment in Canada, family hardship, and the best interests of children
Removal proceedings underway? Take the Next Step.
If you've been notified of removal from Canada, you may qualify to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). We can help you understand the process and support you in preparing your application.
Schedule a consultation with a licensed RCIC-IRB, recognized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to represent individuals in protection and risk assessment matters.
"Even at the edge of removal, hope remains. One well-prepared voice can still turn the tide toward protection."
The Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application is a discretionary pathway to permanent residence in Canada for individuals who do not qualify under regular immigration programs. It allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to grant exemptions from specific immigration requirements when compelling personal circumstances justify special consideration.
IRCC officers assess "all the circumstances" of your case, with particular focus on:
How well you have built a life in Canada—your length of stay, work history, education, language ability, community involvement, and overall contribution to Canadian society.
If children—especially Canadian citizens or permanent residents—would be directly affected by your removal, their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is a top priority.
Undue hardship you would face if required to leave Canada, such as lack of medical care, risk of violence, or severe social challenges.
Your meaningful connections in Canada, including family members beyond your dependents, such as siblings, extended relatives, or long-standing community support.
H&C is not a right—approval is at the discretion of an IRCC officer under Section 25(1) of the IRPA.
Generally pursued when no other immigration class (economic, family, protected person) is available.
A strong and honest narrative detailing your life, challenges, and connections in Canada is vital to success.
Documents such as medical records, support letters, proof of community involvement, and employment history help prove the merits of your case.
$550
Per adult applicant (18+ years)
$150
Per child applicant (under 18 years)
Fees are submitted with Form IMM 5283 and are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Experiencing hardship in Canada? Take the Next Step.
If you are not eligible under other immigration categories, you may request permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. This discretionary process considers personal hardship and establishment in Canada.
Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) to assess your eligibility and receive guidance on preparing a well-supported H&C application.
We follow a proven 5-step process to ensure your immigration success
We assess your profile and discuss your immigration goals
We create a personalized immigration strategy for your situation
We help you gather and prepare all required documents
We submit your application and monitor its progress
We provide support until you achieve your immigration goals
We provide comprehensive support throughout your entire immigration journey
We ensure all your documents are properly prepared and submitted according to the latest requirements.
We monitor your application closely and keep you updated on its progress every step of the way.
Each client receives individual attention and a customized strategy based on their unique situation.