Types of Refugees

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada recognizes two general types of refugees:-

• Persons in Need of Protection
• Convention Refugees

Persons in Need of Protection: Ideal for any individual who is residing in Canada on a temporary basis and has the risks of getting tortured or killed, if they are sent back to their home country. In addition to that, if the person is subjected to any sorts of risks or punishment or ill-treatment and

• Their country’s government is failing to give them the desired protection.
• The individual is at risk of encountering problems or danger throughout the country.
• There are no legal penalties involved and also assures the dangers are not because of the scarcity of health or medical care.

Convention Refugee: People who are living outside their own country, has fear of persecution and not getting the deserved protection in his/her homeland. There are categories on which the fear can be based upon in order to be eligible for the Convention refugee program:-

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Participation in social groups

Individuals who consider themselves as Person in Need of Protection or Convention refugees can claim protection upon entering the Canadian borders. An application had to be submitted to the Convention Refugee Abroad Class.

If the person is living in a refugee-like condition but does not categorize or qualify under the Person in Need of Protection or Convention Refugee groups, can seek protection under Country of Asylum Class.

Country of Asylum Class: People residing outside Canada but having a refugee-like condition come under the Country of Asylum Class group, provided they do not qualify for Convention Refugee.

People who personally are affected or continue to get affected because of Civil War, Armed Conflict, or Violation of Human Rights fall under the Country of Asylum Class.

The immigration officer takes the final decision of whether the applicant is going to be recognized under the Country of Asylum Class.