Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim
People in or arriving in Canada who fear persecution or face risk if returned home.
The Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim is a Canadian humanitarian & refugee visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (No government fee to claim asylum) and processing time (Varies; often many months to a few years), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim is for
People in or arriving in Canada who fear persecution or face risk if returned home.
Accepted refugees and protected persons can apply for permanent residence and later citizenship.
Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim - eligibility criteria
- Fear persecution on a Convention ground, or face torture/risk
- Be in Canada or at a port of entry to claim
- Make the claim before removal
- Claim is heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board
- Not barred by the Safe Third Country Agreement (with exceptions)
Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim (Canada) is No government fee to claim asylum, with an indicative processing time of Varies; often many months to a few years. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a port of entry or inland with IRCC/CBSA |
| Length of stay | Until the claim is decided; protected persons can become PR |
| Work rights | Open work permit available while the claim is processed |
| Study rights | Study possible with a permit while the claim is processed |
| Government fee | No government fee to claim asylum |
| Processing time | Varies; often many months to a few years |
| Route to PR | Accepted refugees and protected persons can apply for permanent residence and later citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Accepted refugees and protected persons can apply for permanent residence and later citizenship.
Many applicants also compare PSR · Privately Sponsored Refugees / Resettlement, H&C · Humanitarian and Compassionate Application. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim pitfalls we fix
Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim - frequently asked questions
How much does the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim cost?
The Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim government fee is No government fee to claim asylum. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim take to process?
Indicative processing time is Varies; often many months to a few years. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim lead to permanent residence?
Accepted refugees and protected persons can apply for permanent residence and later citizenship.
Can I work on the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim?
Work rights: Open work permit available while the claim is processed.
Who can apply for the Refugee Protection / Asylum Claim?
People in or arriving in Canada who fear persecution or face risk if returned home.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority