Canada offers asylum (refugee protection) to individuals within Canada who meet the definition of a Convention refugee or person in need of protection. New rules apply to asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025.
Individuals in Canada can claim asylum if they qualify as Convention refugees or persons in need of protection. Claims made more than one year after first entering Canada (for those entering after June 24, 2020) or more than 14 days after entering between ports of entry along the Canada-US land border are ineligible. The process includes online claim submission, waiting periods with options to work or study, and a hearing decision phase.
- Canada offers asylum (legally known as refugee protection) to people within Canada who can prove they meet the definition of a Convention refugee or person in need of protection.
- If you are not a refugee but want to stay in Canada, learn what options are available.
- New rules for asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025: Your claim is ineligible if you made it more than 1 year after you first entered Canada. This applies if you entered after June 24, 2020, even if you’ve left since then.
- Your claim is also ineligible if made more than 14 days after you entered Canada in between ports of entry along the Canada-US land border.
- Sections include: Who can apply, What can make your claim ineligible, What defines a refugee, How to start a claim online, What to expect after submitting your claim, Working/studying/supports while waiting, and What happens after a decision is made.
- An orientation booklet is available providing an easy-to-read overview of the refugee protection process in Canada.
- Asylum claims made on or after June 3, 2025, are ineligible if submitted more than one year after first entry into Canada (for entries after June 24, 2020).
- Claims made more than 14 days after entering Canada between ports of entry along the Canada-US land border are also ineligible.
- Individuals physically present in Canada seeking refugee protection.
- People who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and are making asylum claims.
- Start an asylum claim online if you are in Canada via the official IRCC website.
- New asylum claim rules effective June 3, 2025
- Entry date reference: June 24, 2020
This page is meant to help you read a public immigration update more quickly. For eligibility, deadlines, application steps, or official requirements, confirm the official source linked on this page.