In-Canada asylum (refugee protection) claim
People in Canada, or at a port of entry, who would be unsafe if returned can make a refugee protection claim. IRCC or CBSA first decides whether the claim is eligible to be referred; eligible claims are decided by the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) at a hearing. People found to be protected persons can apply for permanent residence.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Money
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People inside Canada or arriving at an airport, seaport or land port of entry who fear persecution or face a risk of torture, death or cruel and unusual treatment if returned.
Eligibility
Convention refugee or person in need of protection
You may be protected if you fear persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, or if you would face torture, a risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
Where to claim
Claims can be made at a port of entry to CBSA, or from inside Canada online through the IRCC Portal. You must be in Canada or at the border; people abroad cannot claim and must be referred for resettlement instead.
One-year rule (claims made on or after 3 June 2025)
A claim is not referred to the IRB if made more than one year after you first entered Canada after 24 June 2020.
Claims made on or after 3 June 2025- Applies even if you left Canada and came back
- In force since Bill C-12 received royal assent on 26 March 2026
Official wording
A claim is not referred to the IRB if you first entered Canada after 24 June 2020 and made the claim more than one year after that first entry, even if you left and came back. In force since Bill C-12 received royal assent on 26 March 2026; applies to claims made on or after 3 June 2025.
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The full steps, your rights while you wait, and free legal help contacts are free for anyone with an e-Passage account. You can turn on sensitive mode for discreet emails.
- 5 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 4 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- IRCC - Claiming asylum from within Canada (2026-10-01)
- IRCC - Meet the requirements to submit an asylum claim (2026-04-21)
- IRCC - Start a claim online (2026-10-01)
- IRCC - Working, studying and supports while you wait (2026-07-20)
- IRCC - After your hearing (2026-08-31)
- IRCC - New measures from Bill C-12 have become law (March 2026)
- IRCC - Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (2026-03-25)
- IRCC - Public policy for unaccompanied minors
- IRB - Refugee protection claim process (2026-05-13)
- IRB - RPD Practice Notice on Procedural Issues
- IRB - Filing a refugee appeal
- IRB - CIMM briefing, 9 March 2026
- IRB - Recent trends
- IRCC - Guide 5205, PR for protected persons
- IRCC - Permanent residence fees increasing on April 30, 2026
Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Work permitsInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Skilled migrationExpress Entry
- Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee Program
- FamilySponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
