Refugee & Asylum Seekers

Refugee status is different from the status of an immigrant. Refugees have no other choice, but to flee to another country, whereas immigrants make their decision to choose another country for living. 

As one of the signatories to the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, Canada welcomes refugees to the country every year. 

The basis in law for refugee status determination in Canada is referred to these United Nations refugee treaties:

• the  1951 Convention Relating to the Stats of Refugees

• the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees

Canada is also a state party to treaties respecting Human Rights.

The followings are basis in law for granting human rights protection as stated in the United Nations international agreements:

• the 1984 Convention Against Torture & other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

• the 1966 International Covenant on Civil 

People who find the return to their country risky can seek asylum in Canada and be given protection from Canada if they meet the eligibility criteria. 

Upon an accepted refugee claim, refugees can apply to become permanent residents of Canada. 

If their refugee application is rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), applicants can appeal that decision.