Refugees and humanitarian
People in Canada who fear persecution or serious harm at home can ask for protection, and the Immigration and Refugee Board decides most claims.
Open, with new limits: under a 2026 law, most claims made more than a year after arriving are no longer sent to the Board. Get legal advice early.
People found to be Convention refugees or persons in need of protection can apply for permanent residence, with family members in Canada and abroad.
Open. IRCC has announced extra capacity to process more of these applications in 2026 and 2027.
A request to become a permanent resident when you do not fit any other program, judged on your ties to Canada and the hardship you would face.
Open, but processing is very long and it is meant as a last resort. Get advice before you apply.
Refugees outside Canada are resettled by the government or sponsored by private groups, such as Sponsorship Agreement Holders and Groups of Five.
Government resettlement and Sponsorship Agreement Holders continue. New sponsorships by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors are paused until December 31, 2026.
Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
