Claiming asylum in Canada means seeking refugee protection from the Canadian government because you fear persecution or face danger in your home country. Here’s a clear breakdown of the asylum process in Canada as of 2025:

1. Who Can Claim Asylum in Canada?

You can claim asylum if you:

• Are physically present in Canada

• Cannot return to your home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution, based on:

  • Race

  • Religion

  • Political opinion

  • Nationality

  • Membership in a particular social group (e.g., LGBTQ+, women facing gender-based violence)

You may also be accepted if you’re at risk of:

• Torture

• Death

• Cruel or unusual treatment/punishment

2. Where to Make a Claim

You can make a claim:

• At a Port of Entry (e.g., airport, land border)

• Inside Canada at an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office

• You must complete the Basis of Claim (BOC) form, which outlines why you’re seeking protection. This must be done within 15 days if applying at a port of Entry. You can apply online from inside Canada on IRCC website. 

3. Eligibility Review

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at POE or IRCC inside Canada will decide if your claim is eligible to be referred to IRB. You’re not eligible if you are:

• Inadmissible on grounds of Security, Human & International Rights violations, Serious Criminality or Organized Criminility 

• Have been recognized as a refugee in another country

• Have made a previous unsuccessful claim in Canada

• Entered Canada through the U.S. border (due to the Safe Third Country Agreement), unless an exception applies. The exceptions are:

  • Holds Canadian TR Visa 

  • Has a relative in Canada-Spouse, legal guardian, child, parent, grand parents, sibling, grand child, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, common-law, same-sex partner, Who is Canadian Citizen, PR, PP, claimant, WP, SP, Removal order stayed, claimant

4. Hearing at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)

If your claim is eligible, it will be referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB. You’ll receive a date for a hearing, currently taking upto two years due to huge backlog of applications..

At the hearing, you’ll present:

• Your personal story

• Evidence (documents, witness statements, expert reports, etc.)

• Legal representation (a Canadian lawyer or RCIC-IRB is recommended)

5. Decision

The IRB will either:

• Accept your claim, granting you refugee protection (leading to permanent residency)

• Reject your claim, which may lead to deportation unless you appeal to RAD or Federal Court of Canada or apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) or Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) consideration, subject to eligibility.

6. Appeals & Reviews

If rejected:

• You may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) (if eligible)

• You may request a Judicial Review at the Federal Court

7. Rights While Claiming Asylum

While your claim is being processed, you may:

• Apply for a work permit

• Access health care under the Interim Federal Health Program

• Enroll children in public schools

• Get support from legal aid and refugee services

Would you like help with specific forms, legal representation options, or preparing your BOC?

At Euro Consultants, we are licensed and authorized to assist clients with their refugee claims, represent them before IRB and be present during their hearing at RPD. 

 Our services include:

• Compilation of Your Claim; application fill, prepare BOC, Story review and submission 
• All communication with IRCC, IRB & CBSA
• Preparation of Disclosure before hearing
• Represent at Hearing

 WHY CHOOSE EURO CONSULTANTS FOR ASYLUM CLAIM FILING: 

• Licensed & Experienced Refugee Consultant
• Serving clients since 2013 in Canada in various Refugee claims and Appeals cases.
• Dedicated, Professional and personalized services

Want to discuss your case?

 Book a Meeting Now!