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Canada has one of the world's most comprehensive refugee protection systems. VMC assists protected persons with permanent residence applications, family reunification, and travel documents, at the stages where RCICs are authorized to help.
Refugee system
40,000+
Canada's annual target
12–24 mo
PR after protection
5 yr
PR to citizenship
IRB
In-Canada hearings
How VMC can help
Protected person seeking PR?
VMC prepares complete PR applications for Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection.
Book consultation →Canada offers protection through multiple streams: resettlement from abroad and in-Canada refugee claims, all governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the 1951 Refugee Convention.
VMC's Full Refugee Immigration Support
VMC's RCIC team assists with all refugee-related immigration matters, from documentation and evidence gathering for refugee claims, to PRRA submissions, to the complete PR application after a positive decision. Amanpreet Kaur is VMC's designated IRB Specialist and can assist with refugee claim representation. For complex hearing matters, VMC works in close referral partnership with licensed immigration lawyers.
Refugees can come to Canada from abroad (resettlement) or make a refugee claim after arriving in Canada (inland claim). Each pathway has different processes and timelines.
A positive IRB decision grants 'Convention Refugee' or 'Person in Need of Protection' status. This leads to permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
Protected persons and PRs can sponsor immediate family members. The One-Year Window provision provides a faster route for family members not included in the original claim.
Understanding the different streams helps you identify which applies to your situation.
Selected by IRCC from UNHCR referrals. Canada selects GARs from refugee camps and urban refugee populations globally. Full government support (housing, income assistance, settlement services) for 12 months after arrival through RAP providers.
Sponsored by approved private sponsorship groups (SAHs (Sponsorship Agreement Holders)), community groups, or individuals under G5 (group of 5 citizens/PRs) or community sponsor provisions. Sponsors commit to providing financial and settlement support for 12 months.
A combined program where IRCC refers UNHCR refugees to private sponsors. The government provides 6 months of income support, and private sponsors provide settlement support for the remaining 6 months. Combines speed of GAR with community involvement of PSR.
Persons outside Canada who are recognized as Convention Refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Must be referred by UNHCR, a foreign state, or a designated referral organization. Canada conducts immigration interviews and medical exams before granting entry.
Persons already in Canada (arrived at a port of entry, inland, or irregularly) who make a refugee protection claim. Claims are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for a Refugee Protection Division (RPD) hearing.
IN-HOUSE EXPERTISE
Amanpreet Kaur is VMC's designated refugee and IRB specialist. She works directly with clients on refugee claim documentation, PRRA submissions, and the full PR application process after protection is granted. Having an in-house IRB specialist means your file is handled by someone with deep, dedicated expertise in refugee protection law, not a generalist.
If you are already in Canada and fear returning to your country, you may be able to make an inland refugee claim at a CBSA port of entry or IRCC inland office.
You can make a refugee claim at a port of entry (airport, land border) or at an IRCC office inland if you are already in Canada. Claims are referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) - Refugee Protection Division.
Once your claim is referred to the IRB, you have legal status in Canada while the claim is being processed. You can apply for a work permit and study permit. You cannot be deported while a valid refugee claim is pending.
Your case is heard by an IRB member who determines if you qualify as a Convention Refugee or Person in Need of Protection. Hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings. Representation by a lawyer or paralegal is strongly advised.
Claimants arriving at land borders from the United States are generally subject to the Safe Third Country Agreement, which may prevent them from making claims at the border. There are exceptions. Claims made inland or at airports are not affected by STCA.
You may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) within 15 days. If the RAD appeal fails, you may apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) or an H&C application. VMC advises on these post-refusal options.
A PRRA assesses whether removal would expose you to risk of persecution, torture, or cruel treatment. Most people who had a claim decided are barred from PRRA for 12 months after that decision. VMC can prepare PRRA applications.
A PRRA is a safety assessment for people facing removal from Canada who claim they would face persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment in their home country.
A PRRA is available to individuals who have received a removal order and fear returning to their home country. Most people who have already had an IRB refugee claim decided are barred from applying for PRRA for 12 months following that decision.
A PRRA officer reviews evidence of risk of persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment. You can submit new evidence that was not available at your IRB hearing. The officer does not rehear your refugee claim.
PRRA processing times vary significantly. While a PRRA application is being assessed, removal from Canada is generally stayed (paused). If the PRRA is approved, you receive protected person status and can apply for PR.
VMC prepares PRRA applications including personal risk statements, country condition documentation, and supporting evidence packages. A well-prepared PRRA submission with current, relevant evidence is critical to a successful outcome.
PRRA Eligibility - 12-Month Bar
If you had a refugee claim decided by the IRB (RPD or RAD), you generally cannot apply for PRRA for 12 months after that decision. There are exceptions for persons from certain designated countries. VMC can advise on your specific eligibility during a consultation.
Once you receive refugee protection in Canada, the path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship is clear. VMC assists at every stage.
Receive written decision from the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) granting Convention Refugee or Person in Need of Protection status.
Submit PR application to IRCC using protected person category. VMC prepares the complete application including schedule A, police certificates, and photographs.
Complete immigration medical examination with an IRCC-designated panel physician if not completed in the past 12 months.
IRCC reviews the PR application for inadmissibility (criminality, security, misrepresentation). Most protected persons receive PR within 12–24 months of application.
Apply for a Refugee Travel Document to travel internationally. Allows travel to most countries. Note: you generally should not return to your country of persecution.
Apply to sponsor immediate family members under the One-Year Window (OYW) within 1 year of becoming a protected person or receiving PR. Covers spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children.
VMC's licensed RCICs assist protected persons and refugees at the stages where RCIC assistance is authorized and most impactful.
VMC prepares the complete permanent residence application for Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection, including forms, police certificates, medical coordination, and supporting documents.
Protected persons and PRs who cannot use their country of origin's passport can apply for a Refugee Travel Document. VMC prepares these applications.
VMC assists protected persons with One-Year Window applications to sponsor spouses and dependent children who were not included in the original claim.
For individuals whose refugee claim was refused but who have strong humanitarian grounds to remain in Canada, VMC prepares H&C applications under IRPA section 25.
VMC prepares Pre-Removal Risk Assessment submissions with country condition documentation, personal statements, and supporting evidence.
VMC does not represent clients at IRB (RPD or RAD) hearings. This requires a lawyer or Ontario paralegal. VMC can refer you to a qualified immigration lawyer for this stage.
VMC prepares complete, accurate permanent residence applications for Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection, helping you move from protected status to PR as efficiently as possible.
Still have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
Book Free ConsultationReady to build your Canada plan? Speak with our licensed specialists — Sanjay Singh Kumar, Amanpreet Kaur, or Kanwar Jagraj Singh.