Apply for refugee status from within Canada, find out how to come to Canada as a refugee, sponsor a refugee, find refugee services in Canada, and learn about how the system works.
Refugee protection in Canada
Asking for refugee protection (asylum) in Canada
Claiming asylum means asking Canada for protection because it’s not safe for you in your own country. Asylum is another word for protection and “claiming asylum” means asking 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
a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
Claiming refugee protection (asylum) from within Canada
You may be able to make a claim for refugee protection if you are already in Canada.
Claiming refugee protection (asylum) at the border
You may be able to make a claim for refugee protection at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada. Port of entry means an airport, seaport or land border, and is considered to be in Canada.