Most people relocate to Canada from their native lands for good reasons, and victims of political injustices and human rights violations aren’t part of this troop. These people are forced to flee their native countries for security reasons, especially when their lives are in danger.
If you are among the people seeking asylum in Canada, here are essential things you should know to make the process smooth.
What Is Asylum?
Asylum is a place of refuge where victims of human rights abuse and political persecution can escape to. Individuals seeking asylum in Canada are welcome to do so under particular conditions. It would help if you were not wanted for a serious crime, have previously claimed asylum in Canada, or have protection in another country.
The Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the department reprocessing processing of asylum in conjunction with CBSA; this body, on with CBSA, will determine if a claim is worth appearing before the immigration and refugee board for a hearing.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone fleeing their country for security and life-threatening reasons is welcome to apply for asylum in Canada. However, they shouldn’t be wanted for crimes against humanity or have refugee status in another country to qualify for this status.
An asylum seeker should send their applications for protection immediately after they land in Canada. Speaking to port officers at a port of entry is how you alert Canadian immigration officers of your predicament.
If you are already in the country, you can submit your application online on the immigration office website.
Requirements And Documentation Needed
To apply for asylum in Canada, you must fulfill particular requirements as directed by the federal government. These include:
- Physical presence in Canada or at a port of entry
- Letter from the immigration and refugee board
- Proof of residency
- Identification documents
- Clean criminal record on serious crimes
- Verification of status document (VOS)
- Medical examination
- National ID
- Travel documents
- Cooperation with the Canadian authorities
- Any other requirements requested by the port officers
Where And How to Apply
There are two primary options available for the application for asylum status in Canada. If you are arriving in the country, applicants are encouraged to commence the process at designated ports of entry at the border. Failure to do so can result in detention at the border and possible deportation for violating the law.
If you are already in Canada, you can use the first option or apply online on the immigration website. You must have soft copies of the relevant documents to ease the application process.
What Happens After the Application?
Once you claim asylum, government officials will assess your situation for identity verification and security screening. These will determine if your case can be forwarded to Canada’s immigration and refugee board for a hearing.
An eligible claim will have you filling a basis of claim form to be used in the immigration board hearings. If the board members determine you are genuine, you’ll be granted asylum in the country.
Validity And Processing Time
The processing time for asylum claims can take months, depending on the backlog of similar requests from other asylum seekers. Refugees risk losing their protection in Canada if they travel to their native country, use their country’s passport, or apply for a new passport in their native land. Nevertheless, the asylum status is valid until the seeker ascertains there isn’t a threat on their back.
