Resources and Information
How to use this list Making a refugee protection claim can be a complicated process. The organizations below provide official information, free legal help and settlement support. External links open in a new tab and are checked regularly — report a broken link via our contact page.
01
Government & official information
IRCC — Claim refugee protection from inside Canada
Official government process, eligibility and forms.
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
The tribunal that decides refugee claims — forms, guides, policies and case status.
IRB Claimant’s Guide
Plain-language explanation of every step and form of the claim process.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Information about ports of entry and in-land claims.
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Temporary health coverage for protected persons and refugee claimants.
02
Legal information & help
CLEO — Steps to Justice
Step-by-step legal information on claiming refugee protection in Ontario.
Refugee Law Facts (lawfacts.ca)
Clear explanations of refugee law and hearings for claimants.
Ready for My Refugee Hearing (refugeeclaim.ca)
Preparation guide for refugee hearings.
Kinbrace — Refugee Hearing Preparation
Community guide to preparing for your hearing.
Refugee 613
Plain-language refugee information and updates for Ottawa and beyond.
Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR)
Network of organizations; rights and policy information.
Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL)
Directory to find refugee lawyers across Canada.
03
Community organizations
FCJ Refugee Centre
Support for refugee claimants in Toronto: housing, legal referrals, orientation.
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT)
Support, counselling and community for survivors of torture.
COSTI Immigrant Services
Settlement, employment and language services across the GTA.
OCASI — Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Directory of immigrant-serving agencies in Ontario.
UNHCR Canada
The UN Refugee Agency — global protection information.
Canadian Red Cross
Emergency and humanitarian support.
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