Foreign nationals, who fear persecution, who are at serious risk of harm and who cannot get protection in their own country often seek refuge in Canada.

People who are recognized as refugees are allowed to stay in Canada and may apply for permanent residence status, and eventually may apply to become Canadian citizens.

The Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is an independent tribunal that will make a determination as to whether the applicant will receive refugee status.

In some cases, such as those involving criminality or security issues, the decision is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).