Seeking Protection

Canada’s refugee program is based on the UN Convention for Refugees signed in 1951 and A Protocol signed in 1967.

Designated Countries of Origin (DCO)

The Minister of Immigration has the authority to name countries that he or she does not believe are refugee producing countries. If you are from one of these countries and make a refugee claim either at POE or in Canada your claim is treated differently. If you make your claim when you arrive in Canada, you will have your hearing in 45 days. If you make your claim in Canada you will have your hearing in 30 days. Find the current list of DCO here.

Irregular Arrivals

The Minister of Public Safety can designate a group as an ‘irregular arrival’ for one of these reasons:


  • The Minister has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is human smuggling or trafficking and that a criminal organization or terrorist group is involved.
  • The border authorities are not able to interview the group members about their identity or admissibility to Canada or to investigate them in a timely way.


The Minister can make this designation when the group arrives or after the group arrives in Canada.

Information To Seek Protection 

From Inside Canada or Outside Canada

Remember, it is NOT POSSIBLE to start a refugee claim from inside your country of nationality.


The information i s  NOT LEGAL ADVCE. Whenever possible, connect with an organization that assists refugees and consult with a lawyer before starting a refugee claim.

Share by: