We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> A complete guide to Canada\u2019s refugee protection and humanitarian resettlement routes, including eligibility, process, rights, family options, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-03-22<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada\u2019s \u201cRefugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Route\u201d is not one simple visa. It is a group of legal pathways under Canada\u2019s immigration and refugee protection system for people who need protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadly, there are two major protection situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These routes exist because Canada has domestic and international legal obligations to protect certain people facing persecution or serious harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within Canada\u2019s immigration system, this route sits mainly under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)<\/strong> and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR)<\/strong>. It is administered mainly by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is commonly described using several official labels, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not in the ordinary tourist\/work\/student sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the stream, it may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So this is best understood as a hybrid protection and immigration route<\/strong>, not a standard sticker visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is meant for people who genuinely need protection, not people who simply prefer to live in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is usually not<\/strong> the right route for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should instead look at the correct Canadian route, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Refugee protection is not a substitute for a denied visitor, study, or work visa. If a person does not genuinely need protection, using this route can lead to refusal and serious immigration consequences.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This route is used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is not for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person cannot simply call themselves a refugee because they want to live in Canada while working online. Protection requires a legal basis tied to risk and eligibility, not lifestyle preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriage to someone in Canada does not automatically make a person a refugee. Family sponsorship and refugee protection are separate legal frameworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route can lead to long-term residence or permanent residence, but only through recognized refugee\/protected person mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada does not package this as one single visa code for the public. The official naming depends on stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> A humanitarian application is not the same as a refugee claim. They are different legal processes with different tests.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Eligibility depends heavily on the exact stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person may be eligible to make a refugee claim in Canada if they are in Canada and fear return to their country due to risks recognized under Canadian law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada assesses whether a person is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can involve fear of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person may be found ineligible to have their claim referred to the IRB for reasons set out in law, including certain prior claims or protection findings, serious criminality, security issues, or previous claims in certain partner countries. Exact legal eligibility rules are technical and must be checked in the current official law and IRCC\/CBSA guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For resettlement, Canada generally requires that the person:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no universal nationality list<\/strong> for refugee protection like a normal visa waiver chart. Eligibility depends on the facts of the case, legal criteria, and sometimes country conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, rules can vary in practice due to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A valid passport may help identify the person, but some applicants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada recognizes that refugees may not be able to obtain normal travel documents. Lack of a passport does not automatically end<\/strong> a protection case, but identity must still be established as far as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No universal age minimum or maximum applies to refugee protection itself. Minors can claim protection or be included, but extra documentation and custody\/consent issues arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not required<\/strong> for refugee eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a points-based immigration route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sponsorship is relevant mainly for private refugee sponsorship<\/strong> and related resettlement streams. It is not the same as employer sponsorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not generally relevant in the usual visitor-visa sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Required where family members are included or later sponsored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable unless the person separately seeks study authorization later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no standard \u201cbank balance threshold\u201d like visitor or student visas for refugee protection. But financial capacity may matter in private sponsorship arrangements because sponsors must show they can support the refugee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May be relevant in sponsorship and settlement planning but not usually as a classic visa requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually relevant in the normal visitor visa sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical examinations may be required depending on stream and stage. Refugees can still be processed even if they have health needs; the rules differ from some economic immigration contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Security, criminality, and admissibility screening apply. Serious criminality can create major barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not a standard front-end eligibility requirement for refugee status. Settlement health coverage depends on stage and programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often required, depending on application type, age, and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a \u201ctemporary stay with return intent\u201d route. The person is asking for protection or resettlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relevant for overseas resettlement streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May apply after arrival depending on status and benefit access, but Canada does not have a universal alien registration rule in the same form some countries do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada sets annual immigration levels and resettlement targets, but individual refugee protection rights and processing are not as simple as \u201capply before a cap closes.\u201d Resettlement spaces can be program-managed and referral-dependent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overseas processing logistics can vary by region, office, and referral route. Always check the specific official instructions tied to the program and processing office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain normal immigration requirements may be relaxed or assessed differently for refugees, especially around passports and documentary access, because refugee situations are often exceptional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on stream, a person may face ineligibility or refusal due to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common refusal pattern is a mismatch between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a multi-year inadmissibility bar. Always disclose old refusals, removals, or identity issues honestly.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Benefits depend on stream and stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some refugees and protected persons may access settlement and support services. Exact entitlements vary by status, province, and program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is highly protective, but it has serious legal and practical limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protected persons and refugees should be very careful with international travel, especially to the country from which they sought protection. This can create serious legal issues, including questions about whether protection is still needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because this is not one standard visa, there is no single validity rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The normal tourist \u201coverstay\u201d concept does not map neatly onto an active refugee claim. But failing to maintain other immigration obligations or ignoring removal orders after refusal can create severe consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Re-entry depends on the person\u2019s status and travel documentation. Refugee claimants do not have unrestricted travel rights. Protected persons\/permanent residents need proper travel documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Document needs vary greatly by stream. Below is a practical master checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To establish identity, nationality, family links, and travel history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually less central than in visitor\/student visas, but may still be relevant for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Useful where they support the persecution narrative or identity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Useful where they support identity, timeline, or persecution narrative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n More relevant to resettlement\/sponsorship logistics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For private sponsorship and related streams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n May include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada generally requires documents not in English or French to be submitted with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apostille is not universally required for Canadian immigration files. Only provide legalization\/notarization when specifically requested or when needed to establish authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If photos are requested, follow the exact current IRCC instructions for size and format on the applicable application page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> If a document cannot be obtained safely, explain why in writing and submit alternative evidence.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For refugee protection itself, there is usually no standard applicant bank balance threshold<\/strong> like a visitor or student visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sponsors usually need to show they can support the refugee or refugee family for the required sponsorship period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may still need resources for document collection, travel, communications, translations, and settlement logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of financial ability can matter in family-related follow-on steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even without a classic funds threshold, applicants may face costs for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fees vary significantly by stream and can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Check the latest official IRCC fee page before filing. Some refugee-related applications have no fee, while related applications such as permanent residence, biometrics, travel documents, or permits may have fees.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The biggest expenses are often not government filing fees, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process differs sharply by stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confirm this is the correct route<\/strong>\n – Make sure the issue is genuine protection, not ordinary immigration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Start the claim<\/strong>\n – A claim may be made at a port of entry or inland, following official procedures.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Complete required forms<\/strong>\n – This may include detailed protection forms and identity\/family information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submit identity and supporting evidence<\/strong>\n – Passports and other records should be disclosed if available.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Biometrics\/medical steps<\/strong>\n – If required, complete them promptly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Canada<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Refugee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Protection \/ humanitarian immigration route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Protection for people who fear persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, and resettlement of refugees from abroad<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n People in need of protection, resettled refugees, protected persons, privately sponsored refugees, government-assisted refugees, family members in some cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Not a single standard \u201cvisa\u201d validity; depends on stream and status stage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Can lead to permanent residence for eligible resettled refugees and protected persons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Case-specific; travel document\/visa rules depend on stage and nationality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Explain: this is generally a protection\/status pathway, not a normal temporary visa extension route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Yes\/limited\/explain: refugee claimants may apply for a work permit if eligible; protected persons and permanent residents can work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Yes\/limited\/explain: claimant\/protected person study rights depend on permit\/status; permanent residents can study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes\/explain: family members may be included or later sponsored, depending on stream and timing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Yes\/explain: resettled refugees and protected persons can generally apply for permanent residence or arrive as permanent residents depending on stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect\/explain: possible after becoming a permanent resident and later meeting citizenship requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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Is it actually a visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
People who may be appropriate for this route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who should generally not use this route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Category-by-category guidance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Should use this route?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use visitor rules, not refugee protection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use business visitor\/visitor route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seeker<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use work immigration pathways<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employee<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use work permit or PR route unless genuine protection need exists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use study permit unless genuine protection need arises<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse\/partner<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n Only if they themselves need protection or are included in a refugee\/family protection process<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Children\/dependents<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n Can be included depending on stream and family status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researcher<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use study\/work category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Refugee route is not for remote lifestyle relocation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founder\/entrepreneur<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use business immigration pathways<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investor<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use business\/investment route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retiree<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n No retirement basis here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious worker<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use religious worker\/work permit route unless protection need exists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artist\/athlete<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Use visitor\/work rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passenger<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use transit\/entry rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical traveler<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use visitor\/medical entry rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Diplomatic\/official traveler<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use diplomatic channels<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stateless person<\/td>\n Possibly<\/td>\n If protection criteria are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or inappropriate uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marriage or family reunion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long-term residence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main official program names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common internal\/public stream names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related names people confuse with this route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Refugee claims made in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Core legal protection categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Important eligibility screening issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
B. Refugee resettlement from outside Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education, language, work experience, points, job offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Admission letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Business\/investment thresholds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Onward travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character \/ criminal record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Residency outside Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Local registration rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quota\/cap requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Special exemptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Common ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Red flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Mismatch problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Potential benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Social benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Common restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Refugee claimants in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Protected persons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Resettled refugees from abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Overstay concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Re-entry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application forms<\/td>\n Official IRCC\/IRB\/CBSA forms<\/td>\n Starts legal process<\/td>\n Old version, missing signatures, inconsistent answers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Personal narrative \/ Basis of Claim or resettlement account<\/td>\n Written explanation of why protection is needed<\/td>\n Core to legal assessment<\/td>\n Vague dates, contradictions, copied stories<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Case-specific supporting statement<\/td>\n Optional explanation note<\/td>\n Clarifies gaps or unusual facts<\/td>\n Too emotional but not factual; no chronology<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Is there a minimum fund requirement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When finances matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Private sponsorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Travel and settlement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Family processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acceptable financial proof in sponsorship cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Typical cost categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Official position<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Refugee claim filing fee in Canada<\/td>\n Check current official pages; many protection procedures are not paid like visitor\/work\/study visa applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Permanent residence application for protected persons\/convention refugees<\/td>\n Check latest IRCC fee page<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics fee<\/td>\n Check latest IRCC fee page<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical exam fee<\/td>\n Paid to panel physician; varies by country\/clinic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate cost<\/td>\n Varies by issuing authority<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary cost<\/td>\n Varies by provider\/location<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa application centre\/service fee<\/td>\n Only if applicable in that stream\/location<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier fee<\/td>\n Varies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance cost<\/td>\n Usually not a standard refugee eligibility fee item<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Legal\/consultant fee<\/td>\n Optional, private cost only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Travel\/relocation cost<\/td>\n Often significant and variable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Dependent fee<\/td>\n Check latest official fee page where applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Priority fee<\/td>\n Usually not a standard feature of refugee processing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Practical cost reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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13. Step-by-step application process<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Refugee claim made inside Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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