Refugee Claim (Asylum) — Canada

A refugee claim lets you ask Canada for protection if returning to your home country would put you at risk.

You apply from inside Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the official asylum forms and instructions.

Who this covers

This process covers people physically in Canada who fear persecution or danger if they return to their home country.

You may qualify to make a refugee claim if:

• You are in Canada.
• You believe you face persecution in your home country.
• You believe you would be in danger if forced to return.

You file your claim with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the official refugee claim (asylum) forms.

Download the current forms and instructions directly from IRCC to avoid using outdated versions.

This process is different from resettlement programs handled outside Canada.

For example, a Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) or someone under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program does not apply through the in-Canada refugee claim form.

If you do not qualify for a refugee claim, you may explore other options such as Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations, depending on your circumstances.

Where to start

Start with the official refugee claim (asylum) application package from IRCC.

You must:

1. Download the current asylum forms and guide from IRCC.

2. Complete the required forms fully and accurately.

3. Follow the official submission instructions provided by IRCC.

Use only the most recent version of each form.

IRCC updates forms and instructions, and outdated versions can delay your claim.

The refugee claim form is specific to people applying from within Canada.

It is not interchangeable with forms used for resettlement or sponsorship programs.

If you include family members in your claim, review the instructions carefully to confirm which supporting documents are required.

Always rely on the IRCC guide for the correct document checklist and any updates.

Key pathways

Canada offers different protection pathways, and you must choose the one that matches your situation.

1. In-Canada Refugee Claim (Asylum)

You apply from inside Canada using the official refugee claim forms managed by IRCC.

This pathway focuses on your fear of persecution or danger in your home country.

1. Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR)

This program applies to refugees resettled to Canada with government support.

It is not filed through the in-Canada asylum form.

1. Private Sponsorship of Refugees

Private groups in Canada sponsor refugees for resettlement.

This also operates outside the in-Canada claim process.

1. Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

If you do not qualify as a refugee but have compelling personal circumstances, you may request permanent residence on humanitarian grounds.

This is a separate application.

Confirm which pathway fits your case before you apply.

Using the wrong process can cause delays or refusal.

While IRCC processes your asylum or related application, you may qualify to apply for a work permit and must pay the required government fees.

Specific group fee limits apply in limited situations, and eligibility depends on how and when you apply.

Work permits and fees

You may apply for a work permit, including an extension, while your matter is under review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This applies whether you filed an asylum claim, a Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations application, or are connected to a Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) or Private Sponsorship of Refugees case.

The standard fee structure is:

You must pay CA$155 per person for each work permit or renewal request.

If you apply as a family, you may qualify for a maximum total fee of CA$500 if:

• All family members apply at the same time
• All applications are submitted in the same place
• Your children meet the definition of dependant

You must include all required forms, such as Form IMM 5507 if requested, and pay the correct amount to avoid delays.

Group fee rules

IRCC sets a separate maximum group fee for certain work permit applicants.

To qualify for the group cap:

• You must be three or more performing artists and their staff
• You must apply together as a group

If you meet these conditions, the group may qualify for a maximum total work permit fee instead of paying CA$155 per person.

This rule applies only to performing artists and their support staff.

It does not apply to families applying together unless they meet the separate family maximum fee conditions described above.

You pay no government fee to submit an asylum claim in Canada, but you should prepare for related expenses and a waiting period that can last years.

Processing times depend on the claim type and where authorities handle your file.

Estimated timelines

As of March 2026, the standard processing time for asylum claims is 12 to 36 months.

The exact timeline depends on your claim type and the location handling your case.

Processing times vary for:

• In‑Canada refugee claims
• Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) cases
• Private Sponsorship of Refugees applications
• Permanent residence applications after protection is granted

If you apply from outside Canada or the United States, add 3 to 4 months for mailing and document transfer.

IRCC publishes estimated times based on the month and year you apply.

These are projections, not guarantees.

Times may increase if application volumes exceed Canada’s annual immigration targets or if your case requires non‑routine review.

Fees and related costs

You do not pay a government application fee to file an asylum claim.

The official application fee is CA$0 (as of February 2026).

However, you should budget for indirect expenses, such as:

• Medical exams (if required later in the process)
• Translation of documents
• Certified copies of identity records
• Legal representation
• Travel costs to hearings or interviews

If you later apply for permanent residence after receiving protection, separate fees may apply.

Confirm current amounts directly with IRCC before submitting payment.

For certain processes, such as Private Sponsorship of Refugees, sponsors—not the refugee—usually commit to financial support.

Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) cases involve government-funded settlement support, but this does not change the CA$0 asylum filing fee.

If you apply under Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations, you must review the specific fee structure listed by IRCC for that application type.

How processing time is calculated

Processing time starts the day IRCC receives your complete application. It ends when a decision is made.

A complete application means you’ve submitted all required forms, supporting documents, signatures, and any declarations like Form IMM 5507 if needed.

Submitting an incomplete file can pause processing or get your application returned.

IRCC bases its posted timelines on how long it took to finalize similar applications submitted in the same month and year. These are averages, not guarantees for individual cases.

Processing might take longer if your case needs extra review, if more documents are requested, or if annual immigration intake limits affect scheduling.

You must show a real risk of harm if you return to your home country, and support that claim with clear evidence. IRCC looks at both your personal circumstances and the country conditions you describe.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you fear persecution or serious danger in your home country and can explain why returning would put you at risk.

Your fear needs to relate to specific threats against you. General hardship or economic trouble isn’t enough. You’ll need to describe what happened, who targeted you, and why.

IRCC reviews claims made inside Canada as well as applications linked to programs like the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) and Private Sponsorship of Refugees streams. Each pathway still requires proof that going home would expose you to persecution or danger.

You can also raise Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations if compelling personal circumstances support your need to stay in Canada. These factors add to your case but don’t replace the need to show risk.

Evidence you need

You’ll need documents that support your story and the conditions in your country.

Focus on evidence that shows:

• Direct threats, harm, or targeting against you
• Ongoing danger in your home country
• Attempts to seek protection, if any
• Any documents that confirm your identity and background

Use written statements to explain events in order. Be specific about dates, places, and people involved.

If you apply through a sponsorship pathway, include required forms like Form IMM 5507 when needed. Incomplete forms can slow down your file with IRCC.

Organize your evidence clearly. Label documents and match them to the events in your statement. Consistency between your written account and your documents is important.