How does Canadas refugee system work?
Canada offers refugee protection to people in Canada who face persecution in their home country or the country where they normally live, or who would face persecution if they returned to that country. You can make a refugee claim within Canada when you arrive by land, sea or air. You can make a refugee claim outside of Canada, if you are sponsored by the government or a private group. The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) makes decisions about refugee claims. They decide if you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. A Convention refugee is someone with a well-founded fear of persecution based on: • Race; • Religion; • Political opinion; • Nationality; or • Membership in a particular social group (such as, women or people of a particular sexual orientation). A person in need of protection is someone who faces the following dangers if they returned to their home country or country where they normally live: • A danger of torture; • A risk to their life; or • A risk
