How Do You Get Asylum in Canada?

Get asylum in Canada by demonstrating that you have suffered human-rights violations in your home country, have been affected by civil war or armed conflict there, or are unable to return because you will be persecuted for your race, religion, or socio-political views. This is Government of Canada policy.

The UN Refugee Agency defines an asylum seeker as an untested claimant of refugee status. Per Government of Canada policy, if you are outside Canada when you apply for asylum, first obtain a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or another referral organization or private sponsorship group. Then obtain private sponsorship by a person in Canada or demonstrate that you have sufficient funds in hand to support yourself and your dependants after your arrival. As stated by Settlement.org, you may also claim asylum within Canada when you arrive by land, sea or air. The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board will set a date for a formal hearing to determine your status.

The application process also requires that you undergo a medical examination as well as security and criminal checks. Asylum-seekers have access to community support services such as legal clinics and settlement agencies, according to Settlement.org. However, you are ineligible for asylum in Canada if you receive a secure offer of resettlement in another country, if you return to your home country, or if the reasons for your fear of persecution cease to exist.