Refugee Claims and Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Applications

Canada’s refugee protection program offers a save haven for persons who fear returning to their countries of nationality. A refugee claim can be made inside or outside Canada and require that the claimants have a well-founded fear of persecution or face risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment in their countries of nationality.

A refugee case can be complex and the process for obtaining refugee status in Canada can be a difficult and stressful experience for applicants and their families. The process can involve interviews with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officers as well as Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) members and officers. It is worthwhile to obtain the assistance of a refugee lawyer or of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to assist in making a refugee claim.

Many refugees can obtain funding for refugee legal aid or immigration legal aid through the Legal Services Society of British Columbia. If you qualify for legal aid we can provide you with assistance on your refugee or humanitarian case.

Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications

While awaiting for the resolution of your refugee claim or PRRA application in Canada you may be wish to apply for a Humanitarian and Compassionate (“H&C”) ground application. H and C applications are highly discretionary and usually require you to establish that you and your family will suffer “unusual, undeserved and disproportionate” hardship if you were to be removed from Canada. It is usually recommended that you include factors from a refugee case and other difficult circumstances that you and your family would face upon return to your country of nationality.

Refugee Appeals and Judicial Reviews

If your refugee claim, PRRA or H&C applications have been refused you may be eligible to apply for Judicial Review with the Federal Court of Canada. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to obtain a Legal Aid lawyer to assist you with your matter.

If you require further information you can contact our office for a confidential consultation with a lawyer.