Refugee Determination Process

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Almost everyone can make a refugee claim in Canada. Despite the misconceptions about the ease with which persons can become refugees in Canada, the truth is that it is quite difficult to meet the definition of a Convention refugee.

You must convince a Board member, through testimony and documents, that there is more than a mere possibility that you will face persecution should you return to your country of nationality or permanent residence. Moreover, the cause of persecution must be connected to one of five grounds: race, religion, ethnic group, political opinion and membership in a particular group.

Furthermore, you must adduce sufficient evidence to show that the state cannot protect you or that you cannot reasonably move to another part of your country. Those are tall obstacles to surmount.