Eligibility Quiz
Are you currently physically present inside Canada?
Application Process
To claim asylum in Canada, you must be physically present in the country. You must demonstrate that you are a Convention Refugee (fearing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group) or a Person in Need of Protection (facing a risk of torture or cruel treatment).
Under the new Bill C-12 legislation, you must file your claim within one year of arriving in Canada. If you have been in Canada longer than one year, you are generally ineligible for a standard refugee claim and will be referred to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA—a secondary review with a higher burden of proof).
Route 1: Port of Entry (POE) Claim
Use this method if you are arriving at an airport, land border, or seaport and wish to claim asylum immediately.
- Declare your intent: Inform a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer immediately upon arrival that you wish to claim refugee protection.
- Eligibility Interview: An officer will interview you to determine if your claim can be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). They will check for disqualifiers, such as the Safe Third Country Agreement (if you are entering from the U.S.) or prior criminal history.
- Receive Documentation: If eligible, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Claim document.
- Complete the Portal: You must complete your full application and the Basis of Claim (BOC) form—the document explaining why you fear returning home—via the IRCC Portal within 15 days.
Route 2: Inland Claim
Use this method if you are already inside Canada (e.g., on a visitor, student, or work visa).
- Create an Account: Register on the IRCC Portal.
- Submit Application: Complete all digital forms, including the Basis of Claim (BOC). You must upload scans of your identity documents (passports, birth certificates) and any evidence of persecution (police reports, medical records, or news articles).
- Biometrics and Medicals: After submitting, you will receive instructions to provide your fingerprints and photos (biometrics) and undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
- Interview: You will be scheduled for an interview with an officer to confirm the details of your claim and receive your Acknowledgment of Claim.
Fees
There is no government fee to apply for asylum in Canada. However, you will encounter costs related to health care and legal representation.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Refugee Application Fee | $0 |
| Biometrics Fee | $0 |
| Immigration Medical Exam (IME) | $0 (Covered by IFHP for the first exam) |
| Prescription Medication (Starting May 1, 2026) | $4.00 flat fee per fill/refill |
| Supplemental Health (Dental/Vision) | 30% co-payment |
| Certified Translations | Varies by provider |
| Legal Fees (Private Counsel) | $3,000 – $8,000+ |
Total Estimate: While the application itself is free, expect to pay for translations and legal help. Legal Aid may be available for free in certain provinces (like Ontario or BC) if you have a low income.
Processing Time
The Canadian asylum system currently has a significant backlog, and timelines are subject to change.
- Work Permit Issuance: 1 to 4 months after your claim is deemed eligible.
- Refugee Hearing Wait Time: Approximately 24 months from the date of your claim.
- Refugee Appeal Division (RAD): If your initial claim is rejected, an appeal takes about 12 months.
- Permanent Residency (PR) Application: If your claim is approved, you become a "Protected Person." Applying for PR currently takes about 12 months.
Document Validity:
- The 15-Day Rule: If you start your claim at a Port of Entry, your Basis of Claim (BOC) form must be submitted within 15 days. Failure to do so may result in your claim being declared "abandoned."
- Address Updates: You must notify the government of any change to your address within 10 days to ensure you do not miss hearing notices.