What is the difference between a refugee and a protected person?

A refugee is someone outside their home country who cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution. In Canada, "protected person" specifically refers to someone who is physically in Canada and has been determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) to be in need of Canada's protection. Both can apply for permanent residence, but through different processes.

Can I apply directly to Canada as a refugee from abroad?

No. You cannot apply directly to Canada for refugee resettlement. You must be referred by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), a designated referral organization, or a private sponsor in Canada. If you are already in Canada, you can make a refugee claim at a port of entry or an inland IRCC office.

What is the One-Year Window for protected persons?

When you apply for permanent residence as a protected person in Canada, you can include family members who are abroad (spouse/partner and dependent children) in your application — but only if you submit the PR application within one year of receiving your positive IRB or PRRA decision. After one year, overseas family members can no longer be included and would need to apply separately through family sponsorship.

What support do Government-Assisted Refugees receive?

Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) receive income support at provincial social assistance rates for up to 12 months or until self-supporting. They also receive airport reception, temporary housing, help finding permanent housing, essential household items, orientation sessions, referrals to settlement services (language training, employment help), and Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage.

How long does refugee processing take?

Processing times vary significantly. Government-Assisted Refugees wait 15 to 42 months depending on the region. Privately Sponsored Refugees wait 30 to 47 months. Protected Persons in Canada applying for PR wait approximately 25 months (41 months if residing in Quebec). These timelines can change based on application volumes and processing capacity.

What is the Urgent Protection Program (UPP)?

The Urgent Protection Program ensures Canada can respond to emergency cases where refugees face immediate threats to their lives, such as threats of refoulement (being returned to danger), violence, or detention. UPP cases are expedited and designated as Government-Assisted Refugees. The program also prioritizes women at risk through the Women at Risk (WAR) initiative.

Can refugees work in Canada while waiting for their PR application?

Yes. Refugee claimants in Canada can apply for a work permit once their claim is referred to the IRB. Protected persons can work in Canada while their PR application is being processed. Resettled refugees (GAR and PSR) receive their permanent residence upon arrival, so they can work immediately.

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Refugees & Protected Persons

Q: What is the 115,000 Protected Persons initiative?

In the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the Government of Canada announced a one-time initiative to streamline the transition of approximately 115,000 Protected Persons and their in-Canada dependents who are already on a pathway to permanent residence. This will take place over 2026 and 2027 to provide stability to this vulnerable population and accelerate their integration into Canadian society. These admissions are in addition to the regular PR admission targets.

Canada is a global leader in refugee resettlement, offering protection through government-assisted, privately sponsored, and in-Canada asylum pathways. About 13% of all permanent residents are admitted through refugee and protected persons programs.

🛡️ Humanitarian Protection🏛️ 4 Distinct Programs🤝 Full Settlement Support

How Canada Protects Refugees

Canada's refugee system has two main parts: the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program for people seeking protection from outside Canada, and the In-Canada Asylum Program for people making refugee claims from within Canada. Both pathways lead to permanent residence.

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Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)

Refugees referred by UNHCR and supported by the Government of Canada for up to one year after arrival. The government covers income support, housing assistance, and essential settlement services.

Referred by UNHCR or designated referral organizations
Up to 12 months of income support (provincial social assistance rates)
Airport reception and initial settlement services
Cannot apply directly — must be referred

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Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)

Refugees sponsored by Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or organizations (Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five, Community Sponsors). Sponsors provide financial and settlement support.

Sponsors commit to 12 months of financial & emotional support
Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) manage ongoing sponsorships
Groups of Five: 5+ Canadian citizens/PRs sponsor together
Community Sponsors: organizations with community support

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Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR)

A partnership between UNHCR, the Government of Canada, and private sponsors. The government provides 6 months of income support while private sponsors provide the remaining 6 months and settlement assistance.

UNHCR identifies and refers refugees
Government covers first 6 months of income support
Private sponsors cover remaining 6 months
Combines strengths of both GAR and PSR programs

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Protected Persons in Canada (PPIC)

Individuals already in Canada who receive a positive refugee claim decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or a positive Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) from IRCC.

Positive IRB decision or positive PRRA required
Can apply for permanent residence from within Canada
Include dependents abroad in PR application (One-Year Window)
Can reside in Canada indefinitely with protected status

Who Qualifies for Protection?

Canada offers protection to people who meet one of these definitions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

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Convention Refugee

A person outside their country who cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

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Country of Asylum Class

A person outside Canada who is seriously and personally affected by civil war, armed conflict, or massive human rights violations and cannot return to their home country.

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Person in Need of Protection

A person in Canada who would face danger of torture, risk to life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their home country.

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Medical & Security Checks

All applicants must pass medical examinations with a designated panel physician and security/criminality background checks.

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No Durable Solution

For resettlement from abroad, you must demonstrate that there is no other durable solution (return home, local integration, or resettlement elsewhere) within a reasonable timeframe.

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Referral Required (GAR/BVOR)

Government-Assisted Refugees and BVOR cases must be referred by UNHCR or a designated referral organization. You cannot apply directly to Canada for resettlement.

How the Process Works

Choose the pathway that applies to your situation

Make a Refugee Claim

Make a claim for refugee protection at a port of entry or an inland IRCC office. You will receive a Basis of Claim form to complete within 15 days.

Eligibility Determination

IRCC determines if your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If eligible, your claim is referred for a hearing.

IRB Hearing

Present your case to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB. You may have legal counsel and an interpreter. The hearing typically occurs within 60 days.

Decision

The IRB issues a decision. If accepted, you become a protected person. If refused, you may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) within 15 days.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you have protected person status, apply for permanent residence. You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children (One-Year Window for dependents abroad).

Receive PR Status

After processing, receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and become a Canadian permanent resident with full rights and privileges.

Processing Times

Estimated timelines vary by program and processing region

Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)

15-42 months

Varies significantly by region of processing

Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR)

30-47 months

Longest waits from Sub-Saharan Africa

Protected Persons in Canada (PPIC)

25-41 months

25 months outside Quebec, 41 months in Quebec

Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR)

Similar to GAR

Processing aligned with GAR timelines

Processing times based on IRCC data as of mid-2025. Times vary by region and complexity of case. View all processing times

Settlement Support for Refugees

Comprehensive support to help refugees build new lives in Canada

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Income Support

Monthly financial assistance at provincial social assistance rates for up to 12 months, or until self-supporting.

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Housing Assistance

Help finding temporary and permanent housing. Initial accommodation is provided upon arrival.

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Language Training

Free English or French language classes through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or CLIC programs.

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Healthcare Coverage

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides coverage for medical, dental, vision, and mental health services until provincial health coverage begins.

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Employment Services

Job search assistance, resume writing, credential recognition guidance, and workplace orientation programs.

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Community Connections

Introduction to community groups, cultural organizations, settlement agencies, and newcomer support networks.

Immigration Levels Plan: Refugee Targets

Canada sets annual targets for refugee admissions through the Immigration Levels Plan

Year	GAR	PSR	BVOR	PPIC	Total
2026	23,000	21,500	3,700	18,000	66,200
2027	22,500	21,000	3,500	18,000	65,000
2028	22,500	21,000	3,500	18,000	65,000

115,000 Protected Persons Initiative (2026-2027)

The Government of Canada has announced a one-time initiative to streamline the transition of approximately 115,000 Protected Persons and their in-Canada dependents who are already on a pathway to permanent residence. This will take place over 2026 and 2027, in addition to the regular PR admission targets shown above, to provide stability to this vulnerable population and accelerate their integration into Canadian society.

Source: IRCC Permanent Resident Targets and 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

Key Distinctions

Understanding the differences between refugee programs

Feature	GAR	PSR	BVOR	PPIC
Location	Outside Canada	Outside Canada	Outside Canada	Inside Canada
Referral source	UNHCR	Private sponsors	UNHCR + sponsors	Self (asylum claim)
Financial support	Government (12 mo)	Sponsors (12 mo)	Shared (6+6 mo)	Settlement services
PR on arrival?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Must apply separately
Can apply directly?	No	Via sponsor	No	Yes

Refugee Data & Source Countries

The composition of refugee source countries shifts in response to global displacement patterns, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises. Countries with high refugee-class immigration percentages in the Top 10 Source Countries data often reflect Canada's targeted resettlement commitments — for example, significant numbers from Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, and Ukraine in recent years.

For Asylum Claimants

If you are in Canada and fear persecution in your home country, you may be eligible to make a refugee claim. Claims can be made at a port of entry or at an inland IRCC office. You will need to demonstrate that you meet the definition of a Convention Refugee or a Person in Need of Protection.

For Sponsors

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor refugees through Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five, or Community Sponsorships. Learn about private sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about refugee and protected persons programs

Explore Immigration Pathways

Whether you are seeking protection or looking to sponsor a refugee, Canada offers comprehensive programs and support services.

View Source Country Data All Immigration Pathways