Refugees and protected persons

 A person who meets the refugee definition in the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. This definition is used in Canadian law and is widely accepted internationally. To meet the definition, a person must be outside their country of origin and have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. 

Individuals who arrive in Canada or at a port of entry and wish to make a refugee claim have to pass eligibility and admissibility.

Their case will then be referred to the Refugee Protection Division to determine if the person is a Convention Refugee or a Person in need of Protection. In order to be accepted the person has to meet the definitions of either class and has to prove other factors. To initiate a refugee claim it is best to obtain counsel to walk you through the process. You will need to complete the Basis of Claim forms and submit them within the deadlines for evaluation of your claim.