An asylum seeker is a person who has left their home country and applied for refugee protection in another country—but has not yet been legally recognized as a refugee. While waiting for a decision, they are called an asylum seeker.

In Canada, the term “asylum seeker” is rarely used in legal documents and is replaced with “refugee claimant.” Globally, however, this term is commonly used by organizations such as the UNHCR.

Asylum seekers:

• • Are in a legal process to determine whether they meet the refugee definition

• • Cannot return to their country due to fear of persecution

• • May access temporary housing, legal aid, and health services (varies by country)

UNHCR: Asylum Seekers Explained

A Protected Person is someone who:

• • Made a successful refugee claim inside Canada, or

• • Was granted protection through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

This person has been found to be either a:

• • Convention refugee, or

• • Person in need of protection

Protected Persons:

• • May apply for permanent residence

• • Cannot be deported to a country where they face danger

• • Have the right to work, study, and access provincial health care

Protected Person – IRCC

GARs are refugees who:

• • Were living outside Canada

• • Were recognized by the UNHCR or a referral organization

• • Were selected by the Canadian government for resettlement

They are supported through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) for their first year in Canada.

GARs:

• • Arrive in Canada as permanent residents

• • Receive 12 months of financial and settlement support

• • Do not need a private sponsor

Government-Assisted Refugees – IRCC

PSRs are refugees living outside Canada who:

• • Are sponsored by a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), Group of Five, or Community Sponsor

• • Receive financial and emotional support for their first year from private individuals or groups

PSRs:

• • Arrive as permanent residents

• • Often have a personal connection to their sponsors (e.g. family or LGBTQ+ support networks)

• • May be sponsored through Rainbow Refugee’s Circles of Hope initiative under the RRAP

Private Sponsorship of Refugees – IRCC

BVOR refugees are:

• • Referred by the UNHCR

• • Sponsored by a group in Canada

• • Supported through a blended model (6 months government + 6 months private sponsor support)

This program is helpful for groups who want to sponsor a refugee but may not be able to cover full financial responsibilities alone.

BVOR Program – RSTP

CUAET is an emergency program for:

• • Ukrainians fleeing war

• • Their family members, regardless of nationality

CUAET holders:

• • Are granted temporary resident status (not refugee status)

• • Can live and work in Canada for up to 3 years

• • Are not eligible for permanent residence through refugee programs but may apply through other pathways

CUAET – IRCC