Can I make a refugee claim in Canada?

If you're afraid to return to your home country, you may be able to make a refugee claim in Canada. You must be able to show that you are a:

, or
.

The refugee claim process depends on whether you make your refugee claim:

inside Canada, or
at a , such as an airport, land border crossing, or marine port.

But some people are not eligible to make a refugee claim. The rules about who can make a claim are explained in Step 2.

There are also rules about whether someone can make a refugee claim in Canada if they are coming to Canada from the United States (U.S.).

If you made a refugee claim in Canada on or after June 3, 2025, or if you're planning to make one, a new law called Bill C-12 may affect you. Use this tool from the Migrant Rights Network to check if your claim could end. If your claim ends, you usually have the right to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment. It's important to get legal help.

Refugee hearing

Most people who make a refugee claim have the right to a refugee hearing.

Your refugee claim will be accepted, and you will become a if you meet the definition of a:

Convention refugee, or
a person in need of protection

You can then apply to become a of Canada.

Get legal help

Refugee law is complicated. You should get legal help as soon as possible. If you make a mistake on your application, you might not be able to stay in Canada.

If you're not eligible to make a refugee claim, get legal help about other options you might have to prevent or delay removal. For example, some people are eligible to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) where they explain why they fear returning to their country.