CA Humanitarian Permanent
In-Canada Asylum / Refugee Protection Claim
Protection for people already in Canada who fear persecution or risk if returned home.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
People in Canada (or at a port of entry) who fear persecution, torture or risk to life or of cruel treatment, assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Eligibility requirements
- Make a claim to a CBSA or IRCC officer; the officer decides eligibility to be referred to the IRB Refugee Protection Division (RPD)
- Cannot be barred by the Safe Third Country Agreement (which now applies across the entire Canada-U.S. land border, including between ports of entry) unless an exception applies
- Submit a Basis of Claim (BOC) form and attend an RPD hearing
- Claimants referred to the RPD can apply for an open work permit and receive interim federal health coverage while waiting
- Accepted claimants (protected persons) can then apply for permanent residence
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Other Canada routes
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
PermanentPR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws
PermanentTargeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.