Refugee Protection in Canada: An Overview of Your Options
By PK Immigration Services
Three main paths to protection
1. Inland refugee claim — made at a port of entry or inside Canada, decided by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB.
2. Government-assisted or privately sponsored resettlement — for people already outside their country of nationality, referred by UNHCR or sponsored by a Canadian group.
3. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application — for people in Canada who don't qualify as refugees but have establishment, best interests of a child, or other compelling factors.
What to prepare for an inland claim
- Basis of Claim (BOC) form — detailed, consistent, and submitted within the deadline.
- Identity documents — even partial documents help.
- Country condition evidence — recent, credible, and specific to your situation.
- Medical or psychological evidence if trauma is part of your story.
H&C in 2026
H&C is not a substitute for a refugee claim, but it is a vital path for families with deep Canadian establishment, children born or raised here, or medical situations not addressable in the home country. Processing remains slow — typically 24–36 months.
These cases are sensitive and fact-specific. If you or a family member is considering any of these paths, speak with a regulated practitioner before filing.
