Refugee Claims

You may be eligible if you fear persecution in your home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, or if you face a risk of torture, or risk to life or cruel treatment.

A Convention refugee fears persecution under one of the grounds recognized by the UN Refugee Convention, while a person in need of protection faces a danger of torture, risk to life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned home. Both can qualify for protection in Canada.

Timelines vary by case complexity and current Immigration and Refugee Board caseloads, but most claims are scheduled for a hearing within several months to a couple of years. We help keep your file organized and moving through each stage.

Most claimants become eligible for a work permit shortly after their claim is found eligible, once they've completed the required medical exam, allowing you to support yourself while you wait for a decision.