Charting a New Beginning with Segue’s In-Canada Asylum Expertise

The In-Canada Asylum Program stands as a vital component of the Canadian immigration system, dedicated to providing refugee protection to individuals already present in Canada facing a well-founded fear of persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment in their home countries. This program allows eligible individuals to seek asylum and protection within the welcoming borders of Canada.

Key Features of the In-Canada Asylum Program:

1. Eligibility Criteria
   • To be eligible for asylum in Canada, individuals must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment in their home country.
   • Grounds such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may be considered as factors leading to persecution.


2. Application Process
   • Asylum seekers submit their claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), specifically to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).
   • The application process involves providing detailed information about the reasons for seeking asylum, supporting documentation, and any evidence establishing the basis for the fear of persecution.


3. Screening and Decision-Making
   • The asylum claim undergoes a rigorous screening process, including interviews with immigration officials and hearings before the RPD.
   • Decisions are based on whether the claimant meets the definition of a refugee as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).


4. Exclusion Criteria
   • Individuals may be deemed ineligible to make an asylum claim if they have been convicted of serious criminal offences or if they have had previous refugee claims denied in Canada.


5. Appeals Process
   • If the asylum claim is rejected, individuals have the right to appeal the decision to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board.


6. Refugee Status
   • If the asylum claim is accepted, the individual is granted refugee status in Canada.
   • Refugee status provides protection from deportation to the home country and allows individuals to apply for permanent residence in Canada.


7. Integration and Support
   • Once granted refugee status, individuals are eligible for settlement and integration services to help them rebuild their lives in Canada.
   • This may include language training, employment support, and community engagement initiatives.

The In-Canada Asylum Program reflects Canada’s unwavering commitment to providing refuge to those in need within its borders. It emphasizes a fair and thorough process for assessing asylum claims, ensuring that individuals facing persecution find safety and protection in Canada.