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.
Reminder: IRCC.com is an independent news and information site — we do not handle applications or give advice. Verify all program details on canada.ca. For personal advice, contact a CICC-licensed consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
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
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.
Latest in Refugee & Humanitarian
4 articles — sourced from canada.ca and explained.
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
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
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.
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.
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