Refugee protection proceedings determine whether a person requires Canada’s protection because of persecution, torture, a risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. The legal test, evidence, credibility and procedural history must be addressed together.
Refugee protection services
Protection requires more than a difficult country situation
The claimant must connect reliable personal evidence to the applicable legal definition. Central issues may include identity, credibility, state protection, internal flight alternatives, exclusion, delay, reavailment and whether the risk is personal rather than generalized.
Our preparation framework
- Build a complete chronology and compare it with every prior statement and document.
- Identify the applicable section 96 or section 97 theory of protection.
- Gather identity, incident, medical, digital, witness and country-condition evidence.
- Address contradictions, omissions and legally significant weaknesses directly.
- Prepare the claimant for fair, accurate testimony without scripting answers.
Frequently asked questions
Is general violence enough for refugee protection?
Not necessarily. The decision-maker applies specific statutory tests, including whether the risk is personalized and whether state protection or a safe internal location is reasonably available.
Can a refugee refusal be appealed?
Some claimants have access to the Refugee Appeal Division. Others may need to consider Federal Court judicial review or different remedies. Deadlines should be checked immediately.
Does filing another application automatically stop removal?
No. H&C applications and many other filings do not automatically stay removal. Enforcement and stay questions require urgent, case-specific assessment.
Refugee law, procedures, country conditions and available remedies can change. Information on this page is general and is not a substitute for advice based on the complete record.