Convention refugee

A convention refugee is a person that is outside of their country of origin and have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. They have been given permission by the Immigration and Refugee Board to stay in Canada.

Asylum claimant / Refugee claimant

An asylum claimant / refugee claimant is a person that has applied for refugee status while in Canada and is waiting for the Immigration and Refugee Board to determine whether refugee status should be given.

Canada offers refugee protection to some people in Canada who fear persecution or who would be in danger if they had to leave. Some dangers they may face include:

• torture
• risk to their life
• risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

If you feel you could face one of these risks if you go back to your home country or the country where you normally live, you may be able to seek protection in Canada as a refugee.

Learn about the process for claiming refugee status from inside Canada at this link: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website.

My Refugee Claim is a guide for people making refugee claims in Canada. It will help you:

• learn about Canada’s refugee protection process
• stay connected to people who can help
• be prepared every step of the way.

Many settlement agencies provide support to asylum / refugee claimants, please see the full list of Settlement Agencies to contact them to learn about their supports and services to help.

Other useful resources

Peel Region provides information on supporting asylum claimants in Peel region.

The Government of Canada offers information on what asylum seekers need to know.

Programs and services for refugees

Adult learning: English as a second language is a program for immigrants and refugees looking to improve their English.

Adult learning: French as a second language is a program for immigrants and refugees looking to improve their French.

Adult learning: Ontario Bridge Training Program is for skilled immigrants and refugees looking to continue their career in Canada.

FCJ Refugee Centre serves refugees and others at risk due to their immigration status, and welcomes anyone asking for advice, counsel and support regarding these issues. 

The FCJ Refugee Centre's main programs are as follows:

• Immigration Help And Refugee Protection
• Settlement And Integration
• Anti-Human Trafficking
• Youth Network

HMC Connections helps newcomers and refugees to settle and integrate into a welcoming and inclusive community.

Peel Region is assisting all refugee claimants in settling into the community, whether it is for a short period or an extended stay. If you have questions or need more information about how Peel Region can support you, please call them at 1-888-919-7800 or send an email to info@peelregion.ca.

Pre Arrival Canada offers specialized pre-arrival refugee programs designed to assist refugees and their families in preparing for life and work in Canada. 

Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) is a program designed to support the Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) of Canada, their Constituent Groups, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors on a national level (excl. Quebec). Here you can find information on how to complete IRCC refugee sponsorship forms.

Safety Net Children and Youth Services carries a variety of clothing to assist the entire family unit. Families can access the clothing bank every season, by appointment.

Settlement.org provides information on the refugee process and services available for refugees.

Steps to Justice offers general legal information about refugee law in Ontario.

Virtual Newcomer Information Centre is designed for convention refugees and permanent residents to assist them with their transition to new life in Canada.

The Virtual Newcomer Information Centre offers:

• Online one-to-one counselling sessions provided by Employment and Information Specialists
• Orientation to the job market and Canadian workplace culture
• Assistance with resume preparation
• Information& Referral services on education, training, housing, government programs, legal and social services, health care services, citizenship and more
• Online workshops and information sessions related to topics such as; Canadian workplace culture, resume & cover letter, interview skills, job search strategies, Canadian tax system and more.

211 is a freely accessible helpline, available online and by phone around the clock, every day, and in over 150 languages. It can help individuals find community and government services within the Greater Toronto area.

For more information visit Government of Canada refugee services.

Health related resources:

Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits to people in the following groups who aren’t eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance

• protected persons, including resettled refugees;
• refugee claimants; and
• certain other groups.

Refugee Health Line - 1-866-286-4770 - you can call this number to find a health service provider who can help with initial medical assessments and referrals to other health services. This is not an emergency or crisis line.

The Health Network for Uninsured Clients (HNUC) offers information on a range of healthcare services accessible to individuals without insurance, regardless of their insurance or immigration status.

Settlement.org provides information on mental health services for refugees. 

Organizations Provide Refugee Services: