Foreign nationals, who fear persecution, who are at serious risk of harm and who cannot get protection in their own country often seek refuge in Canada. People who are recognized as refugees are allowed to stay in Canada and may apply for permanent residence status, and eventually may apply to become Canadian citizens.

Canada offers refugee protection to some people in Canada who fear persecution or who would be in danger if they had to leave. Some dangers they may face include torture, risk to their life, risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

If you feel you could face one of these risks if you go back to your home country or the country where you normally live, you may be able to seek protection in Canada as a refugee.

Apply for refugee status from within Canada, find out how to come to Canada as a refugee, sponsor a refugee, find refugee services in Canada, and learn about how the system works.