Canada Refugee Claims Lawyers

At Pax Law, we understand how complex the legal process for refugee claims can be. It involves navigating a myriad of regulations and potential challenges. Our experienced team of lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized service. We offer professional representation in all matters relating to refugee claims and protections. We recognize that each case is unique, requiring tailored strategies that address the specific circumstances of every individual. We use a compassionate approach. We strive to support our clients in legal aspects. We also help them understand their rights and the steps involved in the process. We ensure they feel informed and empowered throughout their journey. Our commitment to excellence means we keep our clients updated on their cases. We provide clarity and confidence as they seek safety in a new environment.

Introduction: Refugee Immigration Services

We provide legal advice on all aspects of the claim. This includes eligibility assessment, filing documents, and interviews with officials. We also guide clients through the appeals processes. Our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers have a thorough understanding of international, federal and provincial regulations related to refugee claims. We are also able to advise clients on issues such as family reunification and humanitarian status.

If you are interested in applying for refugee status, contact Pax Law today or book a consultation.

Who is considered a refugee in Canada?

According to the Canadian Refugee Protection Program, a person is considered a refugee if they are forced to flee their home country. They must also be unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution. This persecution may be based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This definition includes many individuals. They may face threats to their safety and freedom. This could be due to systemic discrimination or violence in their homelands. Canada’s Refugee Protection Division is critically responsible for assessing if an individual meets the strict legal definition of a refugee. They ensure that those seeking refuge can find a safe haven. The country values human rights and protection for the vulnerable. This process not only provides sanctuary to those in dire situations. It also enriches Canadian society by fostering diversity. Additionally, it promotes multiculturalism. This reaffirms Canada’s commitment to supporting those fleeing from perilous circumstances.

Can I claim refugee status?

You may be the target of persecution in your home country. As a result, you may have a well-founded fear of returning to it. If so, you may be eligible to claim refugee status in Canada. To determine your eligibility, you must meet the definition of a Convention Refugee as outlined by the UNHCR. This definition is intended to protect individuals who face serious threats to their life. It also aims to protect those under threats to their freedom. Alternatively, you can show that you need protection because of significant risks. These risks come from dire circumstances. Examples include armed conflict, widespread violence, or massive human rights violations against specific groups. This can include persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. The process for claiming refugee status can be complex. It involves legal assessments and thorough reviews of your situation. It is crucial to gather all necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim effectively. Ensure that you articulate the dangers you face upon returning to your home country.

Refugee eligibility

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is an independent tribunal. It makes the final decisions on refugee matters. They will assess your eligibility based on the following.

Convention refugee eligibility:

Convention refugees are outside of their home country, and are unable to returned based on well-founded fear of persecution by:

• Race
• Religion
• Political opinion
• Nationality
• Being part of a targeted social group (women, sexual orientation, other)

Person in need of protection eligibility:

A person in need of protection is a person within Canada who cannot return to their home country safely. This may be due to:

• Danger of torture
• Risk to their life
• Risk of cruel and unusual treatment/punishment

Learn more about making an asylum claim in Canada on the IRB website.

Your refugee claim may not be eligible if you:

• have been recognized as a Convention refugee by another safe Country
• arrived through the Canada-United States border
• have made a claim in another country
• are not admissible to Canada due to criminal activity or human rights violations
• made a previous claim that was rejected or not found eligible
• abandoned or withdrew a previous claim

Applying for a refugee status

Applying for refugee status can be complicated. The application process involves filling out the necessary forms, providing supporting documents and attending an interview with the decision-maker. 

Your refugee application must be submitted perfectly the first time. The stakes are high. If your application is rejected, the cost for appealing the decision can be very high. If you do not appeal, you will be forced to be removed from the country. Making a refugee application is very different from making an application for Temporary Resident Visa (the “TRV”) visas. These include tourist visa, study-permit, or work-permit. If your TRV application is rejected, you can reapply with relatively no serious consequence.

It is important to understand your rights and obligations during this process in order to maximize your chances of success. Our experienced refugee lawyers can guide you through the application process and help ensure a successful outcome.

Humanitarian and compassionate applications

You may not meet the definition of a refugee. Additionally, you may not be eligible for refugee protection. You may still be able to make a humanitarian and compassionate application. A successful application can grant an individual permanent residency in Canada due to circumstances beyond their control or family ties in Canada

Refugee appeals

If your refugee claim is rejected, you can appeal the decision. Our experienced team of lawyers are skilled in navigating the appeals process. They will work to ensure a successful outcome for your case.

Contact Pax Law today to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about applying for refugee status.

Assuring your highest chances of a successful refugee claim

Some of the ways to increase your chances of a successful refugee claim include:

• Consulting with an experienced lawyer early in the process to ensure you are prepared for all stages of the application.
• Assessing your eligibility as soon as possible so that you can take steps to address any issues before filing your claim
• Preparing a detailed written statement explaining why and how you meet the criteria for refugee status
• Gathering and submitting all required supporting documents
• Working with a lawyer to ensure that your application is completely filled out, accurate and ready for submission.

At Pax Law, we understand the importance of this process. We will work to ensure that you are prepared for all stages of your application.

Are you looking for a refugee lawyer in Canada? We’re here for you!

Pax Law is committed to providing the best legal advice and representation for refugee claimants in Canada. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers provide high-quality service and strive to obtain successful outcomes for our clients. We will be with you throughout the process. This ensures you achieve your goal of safely migrating to Canada.

If you are interested in applying for refugee status, contact Pax Law today or book a consultation.

Refugee Application Information Sheet                             UPDATED: 20 June 2025

EACH APPLICATION IS DECIDED ON ITS OWN MERITS, NO GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS IS GIVEN.

Making a refugee claim is for people with a LEGITIMATE FEAR OF PERSECUTION. They may also fear torture or execution. A refugee claim is not a general immigration pathway to permanent residency. Grounds for making a refugee claim include race, religion, and political opinion. Nationality and being part of a social group also count. An example is women who do not wish to abide by mandatory hijab laws.

Once you make a claim, there will be the upcoming milestones. All-time estimates are just that, an estimate. The actual time can be significantly shorter or longer. (1-2 weeks) The Interim Federal Health Plan (“IFHP”) includes dentistry. (1-2 months) Eligibility interview, biometric, medical, open work allow, and hand in your current passport. (10  months) Less Complex Case (“LCC”) 95% (with submitting arguments) and 5% hearing (tribunal). Average 15 months until Notice of Decision. Now you are a Protected person!

Once you become a protected person, then you are ELIGIBLE to apply for PR.

What will you need to do today?

1. Sign the retainer at https://paxlaw.ca/contract
2. http://paxlaw.ca/pay Pay the 1^st installment of $1440 for one person. The four remaining installments are $900 every 30 days.
3. The fee for the principal applicant is $5,040 (including tax), and we charge $1,008 for the spouse and each child.
4. An instruction will be emailed to you to help you prepare your narrative.

What happens when your claim is accepted?

• Travel document usually takes 3-4 months and cost $1000 per applicant. The fee does not include $120 application fees for adults and $57 for minors or taxes.
• Permanent Residency usually takes approximately 31 months. We charge $2000 for the main applicant. We charge an extra $1,000 for each adult and $500 for each minor accompanying family member. The fee does not include the application fees, which are $635 for each adult and $175 per minor. *Nowadays, every week that you apply late, your application processing time will be delayed by two months.
• Citizenship takes 2 years. The legal fee for each adult applicant is $1000 + taxes + government fees. For each minor, it is $500 + taxes + government fees. The government fee is $630 for each adult. This includes a $100 right of citizenship fee. The fee is $100 for each minor under 18 years of age.

NOT TRUE (ALL HOAX):

1. If you are refused, you are deported to Iran right away. We can help you with several applications. These options are: (1) Refugee Appeal Division (“RAD”). (2) Application for leave and Judicial Review. (3) Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C). (4) Pre-removal Risk Assessment (“PRRA”) (not automatic). *An extra fee is charged for each appeal process. If unsuccessful in all the above four appeal processes, (6) Iran is an ADR country. Iranian nationals are not sent back to Iran.
2. If you become a refugee, you can’t send invitation letters for your siblings, parents, or child(ren).
3. The person who invited you to come to Canada will get into trouble (blacklist).
4. There will be a code inserted in your documents, and you will be treated as second-class citizens.
5. At ports, when they scan your Canadian passport, they will know that you were a refugee claimant.
6. Your credit score is negatively affected because you were a refugee claimant.
7. Making a refugee claim, does automatically cancels any of your existing permits.
8. Canada will share with the U.N. and other countries that I became a refugee.

Stricter asylum eligibility rules

• One‑year in‑Canada cutoff: Anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, must file a refugee claim within one year. If they wait more than one year, their case can’t be referred to the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB). Instead, they’ll face a pre‑removal risk assessment. This process has much lower approval rates (~30% vs ~60% in full IRB hearings).

• 14‑day rule for U.S. arrivals: Those crossing into Canada from the U.S. at official ports of entry must file a refugee claim within 14 days. If they file after 14 days, they are barred from full IRB hearings.

Powers to pause, cancel, or suspend applications and documents

• Empowers the Governor-in-Council or ministers to pause acceptance of new immigration applications, cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents or entire groups of applications in the public interest (e.g., for national security or public health reasons).
• Includes automatic authority to suspend ongoing processes, suspend inactive cases, and fast-track voluntary removals when claims are withdrawn.

What are the changes proposed by Canada’s Bill C-2 that affect immigration and refugee applications?

Refugee Claims Frequently Asked Questions

Sign the Retainer Agreement