Refugee & Humanitarian
Canada's refugee and humanitarian system protects people who would face persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment if returned home. This pillar covers all main pathways — inland claims, overseas resettlement, Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA), and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications.
What this section covers
- In-Canada refugee claim at the port of entry or inland
- Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) and Privately Sponsored Refugee (PSR) resettlement
- Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
- Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications
- Safe Third Country Agreement and exceptions
- Refugee Protection Division (RPD) hearings
- Refugee Appeal Division (RAD)
- Cessation and vacation
- Special measures: Ukraine CUAET, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Latest in Refugee & Humanitarian
16 articles
More Haitian asylum seekers to come, advocate says - Global News
The number of Haitian asylum seekers arriving in Canada is expected to increase, according to advocacy groups. This forecast comes amid ongoing political instability and humanitarian crises in Haiti, which have led many to seek refuge in other countries, including Canada.
Read article →Advocates warn of influx of Haitian refugees to Canada after US Supreme Court ruling - Global News
Advocates are raising concerns about a potential influx of Haitian refugees to Canada following a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. This decision, announced on June 27, 2026, could significantly impact the number of Haitians seeking asylum in Canada.
Read article →Sudan's war refugees describe horrors in Egyptian jails, surging deportations - Reuters
On June 24, 2026, Reuters reported that Sudan's war refugees have described the horrors they experienced in Egyptian jails. The announcement was made on the same day. The report takes effect immediately, as it sheds light on the current situation of Sudanese refugees in Egypt.
Read article →Canada gives second chance to asylum seekers from Uganda
Canada gives second chance to asylum seekers from Uganda with new measures
Read article →Canada marks World Refugee Day and reflects on 75 years of refugee protection
On June 20, 2026, Canada commemorated World Refugee Day by marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which established a framework for international refugee protection.
Read article →Canada proposes new regulations to modernize the asylum process and support timely decisions
The Government of Canada announced proposed regulations on June 19, 2026, aimed at modernizing the asylum process and ensuring timely decisions.
Read article →Refugee board orders deportation of Bishnoi extortion gang gunman - Global…
A Canadian refugee board has ordered the deportation of a gunman associated with the Bishnoi extortion gang, a decision announced on June 15, 2026.
Read article →Refugee and humanitarian targets in Canada's 2026 Levels Plan
Canada's 2026 Levels Plan sets refugee and humanitarian targets, including a one-time initiative for 115,000 Protected Persons
Read article →Canada's one-time PR initiative for 115,000 Protected Persons (2026)
Canada will streamline permanent residence for 115,000 Protected Persons over 2026-2027, separate from the 380,000 annual PR target. Who qualifies, how it fits the Levels Plan, and what it means for asylum claimants.
Read article →Trump raises refugee ceiling by 10,000 to bring in more white South…
The Trump administration announced on May 26 that it will increase the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling by 10,000 for the current fiscal year, with the additional slots designated specifically for white South African applicants.
Read article →What’s Lena Diab done with Canada’s immigration system in her first year…
Canada's immigration system has shifted toward regional control and rural labour priorities during Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab's first year in office, which began May 13, 2025.
Read article →Refugee claim in Canada: complete guide to the asylum process, IRB hearings, and pathway to permanent residence
A refugee claim in Canada starts with eligibility screening (3 days), referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), a hearing, and a decision. Approved claimants become Convention refugees or Persons in Need of Protection, eligible for permanent residence. This guide cover
Read article →Refugee claim in Canada: complete guide to the asylum process, IRB hearings, and pathway to permanent residence
A refugee claim in Canada starts with eligibility screening (3 days), referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), a hearing, and a decision. Approved claimants become Convention refugees or Persons in Need of Protection, eligible for permanent residence. This guide cover
Read article →New Funding to Support Housing for Asylum Claimants in Canada (2024)
On January 18, 2024, Canada announced new federal funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) to support provinces and municipalities providing temporary housing to asylum claimants. The program addresses surge capacity at shelters in Ontario, Quebec, and other
Read article →Temporary Resident Pathway for Palestinian Extended Family in Gaza
On January 9, 2024, IRCC opened a special temporary resident pathway for extended family members of Canadians in Gaza affected by the conflict. The program has been extended and capped multiple times since launch.
Read article →Canada's Refugee System: Overseas Resettlement and In-Canada Protection
Canada's refugee system has two main streams: overseas resettlement (Government-Assisted Refugees, Privately Sponsored Refugees, Blended Visa Office-Referred) and in-Canada asylum claims processed through the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Read article →Frequently asked questions
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement?
The Safe Third Country Agreement requires refugee claimants who pass through one of Canada or the US to claim in the country where they first arrived. Several exceptions exist — family in Canada, unaccompanied minors, document holders, and public-interest cases. The 2023 expansion extended STCA to the entire land border.
What is an H&C application?
Humanitarian and Compassionate applications let people apply for permanent residence on grounds outside the standard categories — typically establishment in Canada, best interests of children, and hardship if removed. H&C is discretionary and approval rates are low; specific evidence is essential.
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