Canada offers safety and protection to individuals who face persecution or serious harm in their home countries. Two key legal categories under Canadian immigration law are Protected Persons and Convention Refugees. While similar, these terms have distinct legal meanings and processes—and understanding them is essential if you’re making a refugee claim in Canada or assisting someone who is.
A Protected Person is someone who has been determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to need protection because they would face serious harm if returned to their home country.
Convention Refugees (see below)
Persons in need of protection – those who do not meet the Convention Refugee definition but still face risks like:
Torture
Risk to life
Risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
A Convention Refugee, as defined by the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, is someone who:
Has a well-founded fear of persecution based on:
Race
Religion
Nationality
Membership in a particular social group (e.g., LGBTQ+, women, etc.)
Political opinion
Is outside their country of origin
Cannot return home due to fear of persecution
If you are accepted as a Convention Refugee by the IRB, you are also considered a Protected Person under Canadian law.
To obtain Protected Person status, you typically follow these steps:
At a port of entry (airport, border crossing), or
From inside Canada to IRCC
IRCC determines if your claim is eligible to be heard by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB.
You present your case with evidence and testimony.
If accepted, you receive Protected Person status.
Seeking protection in Canada is a courageous step—and you deserve someone who understands not just the legal system, but your human story. Here’s why individuals trust me when everything is on the line:
1. Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach
You are more than just a file. I listen to your story with empathy and care, and I treat every case with the dignity it deserves—because I understand how high the stakes are.
2. Deep Understanding of Refugee Law & IRB Process
Whether you’re filing a claim with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), appealing a refusal, or applying for PR as a Protected Person, I bring strong knowledge of Canada’s complex refugee framework, legal precedents, and procedural rules.
3. Detailed, Evidence-Based Case Preparation
Strong cases win. I help you build compelling, credible claims supported by documentation, country condition reports, affidavits, and personal statements that align with IRB expectations.
4. Guidance at Every Step—From Claim to Permanent Residency
From the eligibility interview at the port of entry to your refugee hearing and eventual PR application, I support you through the full journey—including medicals, work permits, and travel document advice.
5. Experienced with Diverse Backgrounds
I’ve worked with clients fleeing persecution due to political views, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, war, gang violence, and more—from countries around the world.
6. Honest, Transparent Advice
I’ll never give you false hope. If your case is strong, I’ll fight with you. If it needs work, I’ll tell you exactly how to improve it. My goal is to help you succeed—with integrity.
Start your journey with April In The Rockies Immigration — your future in Canada begins here. Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward permanent residence with expert guidance every step of the way.
APRIL IN THE ROCKIES Immigration Solutions, founded and led by April Sanders, a licensed RCIC-IRB and Director, is a trusted immigration consultant in Calgary, Alberta.
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