Seeking Asylum in Canada: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to go to the land border between Canada and the U.S. to apply for asylum (political asylum) or if someone has painted a rosy picture for you about applying for asylum, you must meet one of the exceptions under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

Those who do not qualify will be sent back to the U.S. In some cases, if immigration authorities suspect identity fraud or have security concerns, you may be temporarily detained while your asylum claim is reviewed.

🔹 What is Asylum?

Asylum is another way of referring to protection, and “seeking asylum” means requesting protection as a refugee.

Canada’s asylum system helps those who have fled their home countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution. This means some people may be granted refugee protection if returning to their home country would put them in danger. However, applying for asylum does not guarantee that you can stay in Canada.

🚨 Seeking asylum is not a shortcut to bypass immigration regulations and procedures.

1. Who Can Apply for Refugee Protection?

You may be eligible to apply for refugee protection if you can prove that returning to your home country would put you at risk of:
✔ Torture
✔ Threats to your life
✔ Cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

Refugees are different from immigrants. Immigrants choose to settle permanently in another country, whereas refugees are forced to flee their home country for their safety.

2. Canada’s Asylum System

🔹 Educate yourself about Canada’s asylum system before risking your life.
🔹 The asylum system is not a fast-track way to immigrate to Canada.
🔹 Not all asylum claims are accepted.
🔹 Asylum seekers undergo strict screening processes.
🔹 No one can guarantee that your asylum claim will be approved. If your claim is rejected, you will be deported from Canada.
🔹 Wanting a stable job or a better education for your children is not a valid reason for seeking asylum.
🔹 If the Canadian government determines you do not need protection, you will be deported.

3. Be Aware of the Risks

⚠ Do not trust people who ask for money to bring you to Canada – they may put you in dangerous situations or even threaten your life.
⚠ Beware of misinformation about seeking asylum in Canada. There is no guarantee that your asylum claim will be accepted.
⚠ Do not risk everything based on false promises or lies.

4. Consequences of a Fraudulent Asylum Claim

❌ You may be banned from returning to Canada permanently.
❌ Your family may become ineligible to come to Canada in the future.
❌ You must enter Canada at an official port of entry (border, airport, or seaport). Crossing illegally outside official entry points is dangerous and against the law.

5. Asylum Claim Process

To determine whether you truly need refugee protection, the Canadian government will assess your claim under Canadian laws and international regulations. The decision-making process is strictly based on legal criteria.

If you apply for asylum in Canada, you must:
✔ Undergo security, criminal, and medical screening
✔ Complete a mandatory medical examination
✔ Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photos)
✔ Submit concrete evidence of persecution and danger in your home country
✔ Declare whether you are working with a representative, even if you are not paying them

🚨 Providing false information in your asylum application is considered fraud, and your claim may be denied.

⚠ Important: If You Enter Canada from the U.S.

If you are coming to Canada from the United States, you are not eligible to apply for asylum and will be sent back to the U.S.

Under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the U.S., you must seek asylum in the first country you arrive in. This means you cannot cross the U.S.-Canada border to claim asylum in Canada.

🚨 You will be deported from Canada if your asylum claim is invalid or if you do not qualify to apply. The asylum process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.

Seeking asylum is not a shortcut to permanent residency. Wanting a better job or a stable life is not a valid reason! Do not fall for false promises that put you at risk. 🚨