Claiming Asylum in Canada

Asylum is another word for protection, and “claiming asylum” means asking for refugee protection.

Canada’s asylum system helps people who have fled their countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution. This means that some people may be able to ask for refugee protection if returning to their home country puts them at risk.

Claiming asylum doesn’t guarantee you can stay in Canada. It isn’t a shortcut to get around immigration rules and procedures. Find out what you need to know before you make a life-changing decision.

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Who can ask for refugee protection

You may be able to ask for refugee protection if you can prove that returning to your home country will mean a danger of torture, a risk to your life, or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

A refugee is different from an immigrant. An immigrant chooses to settle permanently in another country. Refugees are forced to flee for their safety.

Canada’s asylum system

Get the facts about Canada’s asylum system before you put your life at risk.

If we find that you don’t need Canada’s protection, you’ll be removed from Canada.

Know the risks

Don’t trust situations where someone asks for payment to bring you to Canada. They could be dangerous and may put your life at risk.

Beware of people who provide false or misleading information about claiming asylum in Canada. Asylum claims are not automatically accepted and no one can guarantee your asylum claim will be approved.

Don’t take risks based on someone’s false promises and lies.

Making a false asylum claim can have serious consequences:

You must enter Canada at a land border, airport or seaport. Crossing into Canada anywhere other than an official entry point can be very risky and dangerous, and is against the law.

Claiming asylum

It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted.

If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to

Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.

If you enter Canada from the United States (US), you are not eligible to make a refugee claim and will be returned to the US. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the US, you must apply for asylum in the first country you enter; you can’t cross into the other country to make a claim.

Learn more about the STCA.

You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.

Learn about other immigration pathways

There are different, legal ways you can come to Canada to live(opens in a new tab) , work(opens in a new tab)  or study(opens in a new tab) . Stay informed.

Learn more about claiming asylum. (opens in a new tab)

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