Refugees and humanitarian

Permanent residence for protected persons

People found to be Convention refugees or persons in need of protection can apply for permanent residence, with family members in Canada and abroad.

OpenStatus checked Nov 7, 2026

Open. IRCC has announced extra capacity to process more of these applications in 2026 and 2027.

Key requirements

For people the Immigration and Refugee Board or IRCC found to be protected persons.
Include family members in Canada and abroad in the same application.
Identity documents, medical and security checks apply.
Quebec residents also need a Quebec Selection Certificate.

Open with limits

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.

Open

For permanent residents with 1,095 days in Canada in the last five years: language, the test and the oath.

Open all year.

Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.