Refugee Class

Canada’s Refugee Class provides protection to individuals who are unable to return to their home country due to persecution, war, or serious human rights violations. This pathway is humanitarian and not based on employment or points.

Who Is Eligible?

Refugees generally fall into two groups:
Convention Refugees – facing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group

Persons in Need of Protection – facing risk to life, torture, or cruel treatment

Refugee Pathways

Resettlement from outside Canada through government or private sponsorship
Asylum claims inside Canada, assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board

After Approval

Approved refugees may:
Live and work in Canada
Access settlement services
Apply for permanent residence