IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Refugee Applications Canada

Canada offers protection to individuals who are unable to return to their home country due to persecution, violence, or risk to their safety. We provide guidance to help you understand the refugee application process and prepare your case carefully.

OVERVIEW

What Is a Refugee Claim?

A refugee claim is a request for protection made by someone who fears persecution or danger in their home country. In Canada, refugee claims are assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which determines whether an individual qualifies for protection.

Successful applicants may be allowed to stay in Canada and eventually apply for permanent residence.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is Refugee Protection Support Right for You?

This service is for people who are afraid to return to their country because of persecution, danger, violence, or serious risk, and need help understanding whether they may have a refugee protection claim in Canada.

People Already in Canada

You are inside Canada and want to make a refugee claim because you fear returning to your country of nationality or former residence.

People Facing Persecution or Serious Risk

You fear harm because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership in a particular social group, or another serious protection concern.

People With Urgent Safety Concerns

You are worried about removal, loss of status, threats, violence, detention, or being forced to return to an unsafe situation.

Claimants Preparing Evidence

You need help organizing your story, documents, country evidence, identity records, and supporting proof before or after starting a claim.

A refugee claim is not the same as a regular immigration application. It is a protection process, and the details of your story, evidence, credibility, and timeline matter.

Who Qualifies for Refugee Protection in Canada?

You may qualify for refugee protection if you:

  • Have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
  • Face risk to your life, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment if returned to your home country
  • Are unable to receive protection from your home country

Each case is assessed individually based on the evidence provided.

ELIGIBILITY

How the Refugee Process Works

The refugee process in Canada typically involves:

1

Submit Claim

Submitting a refugee claim

2

Complete Documentation

Completing required forms and documentation

3

Attend Hearing

Attending a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board

4

Receive Decision

Receiving a decision on your claim

COMMON PROBLEMS

Mistakes That Can Weaken a Refugee Claim

Refugee claims can become difficult when the story is unclear, documents are missing, deadlines are missed, or the evidence does not support the fear of return.

Incomplete Basis of Claim Information

The Basis of Claim form must explain who you are, what happened, why you fear returning, and why protection is needed in Canada. A weak or rushed BOC can affect the whole claim.

Missing Identity Documents

Passports, national IDs, birth certificates, family documents, and travel records help establish identity and background.

Weak Evidence of Risk

A claim should be supported by evidence where possible, such as police reports, medical records, threats, photos, messages, news reports, legal documents, or country-condition evidence.

Inconsistent Timeline

Differences between forms, interviews, previous applications, travel history, and testimony can raise credibility concerns.

Not Explaining Delay in Claiming

If a person waited before making a claim, the reason for the delay may need to be explained clearly.

Previous Visa or Immigration History Not Addressed

Past refusals, previous applications, travel to other countries, or prior statements to immigration authorities may affect how the claim is reviewed.

OUR PROCESS

How We Help

We provide guidance throughout the refugee application process

1

Review Eligibility

Review your situation and eligibility

2

Assist with Documentation

Assist with completing required forms and documentation

3

Prepare Case

Help you prepare your case and supporting evidence

4

Provide Guidance

Provide guidance before your hearing

5

Support You

Support you through the process and next steps

WHAT WOY REVIEWS

What We Check Before Advising You

Before helping with a refugee claim, we review your fear of return, documents, timeline, immigration history, and whether your evidence supports the protection claim.

  • Your country of nationality or former residence
  • The reason you fear returning
  • Who harmed you or may harm you
  • Whether the government can or will protect you
  • Whether you could safely live elsewhere in your country
  • Your identity documents and family documents
  • Your travel history and entry to Canada
  • Your previous visa, permit, or refugee history
  • Your Basis of Claim details and timeline
  • Your supporting evidence and country-condition documents
  • Any removal, detention, or CBSA-related concern
  • Any urgent deadlines or IRB communication


Our goal is to understand your situation carefully and help you avoid gaps, contradictions, or missing evidence that could affect your claim.

FEES & COSTS

Refugees Application

Fees for refugee application support vary depending on the complexity of your case. Government fees and legal considerations may also apply.

Visit our Pricing page or book a consultation for more information.

View Full Pricing

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

Your Pre-Consultation Checklist

You do not need to have everything perfect before speaking with us. Bring what you already have, and we will explain what is missing.

1

Prepare Your Identity and Family Documents

Bring your passport, national ID, birth certificate, marriage certificate, children’s documents, family records, or any documents that help confirm who you are.

2

Prepare Your Immigration and Travel History

Bring visas, permits, entry stamps, tickets, previous applications, refusal letters, CBSA documents, IRCC messages, or records showing how and when you came to Canada.

3

Prepare Evidence of What Happened

Bring police reports, medical records, court documents, threat messages, photos, videos, letters, news articles, witness statements, or other proof connected to your fear of return.

4

Prepare a Timeline of Events

Write down the important dates, incidents, people involved, places, travel dates, and reasons why you left your country or cannot safely return.

5

Prepare Any IRB or Hearing Documents

If you have already started a claim, bring your Basis of Claim form, Notice to Appear, hearing documents, disclosure package, or any letters from the IRB, IRCC, or CBSA.

If you are not sure whether a document is needed, bring it. We will help you decide what should be included.

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

What Happens Next?

After your consultation, you will understand what information is needed, what risks may exist, and what steps may be required for your refugee claim.

We Review Your Protection Concerns

We listen to your situation, review why you fear returning, and identify the key facts that may support your refugee claim.

We Identify Evidence and Timeline Gaps

We explain what documents, dates, country evidence, or personal records may be needed to support your claim clearly.

We Help Organize the Claim Information

If WOY is retained, we help organize your facts, documents, forms, and supporting evidence so the claim is presented consistently.

We Support the Basis of Claim Process

We assist with preparing or reviewing the Basis of Claim information and help ensure your story, timeline, and evidence are clearly presented.

We Guide You Through Next Steps

We help explain IRB, IRCC, or CBSA communication, document requests, hearing preparation needs, and what to expect as the claim moves forward.

FAQ

Refugee Applications FAQs

What is a refugee application in Canada?

A refugee application is a request for protection made by someone who cannot safely return to their home country due to risk of harm or persecution.

Can I work while my refugee claim is being processed?

In many cases, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit while your claim is being processed.

Can refugee applicants apply for permanent residence?

Yes. If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

How long does the refugee process take?

Processing times vary depending on the case and hearing schedule. Some cases may take several months or longer.

What happens if my refugee claim is refused?

If your claim is refused, you may have options such as appeal or other legal remedies depending on your situation.

Need guidance on a refugee claim?

Book a consultation to understand your options and prepare your application with care.

Book A Consultation