Refugees are foreign nationals who fear persecution, who are at serious risk of harm and cannot get protection in their own country. Justifiable fear of persecution is based on 5 grounds: race, religion, political opinion, nationality, and being part of a social group, such as women or people of a particular sexual orientation
Refugees may seek refuge in Canada. People who are recognized as refugees are allowed to stay in Canada and may apply for permanent residence status, and eventually may apply to become Canadian citizens.
Canada’s history of providing refuge predates 1950. Given its long record of welcoming newcomers and refugees, it has been heralded as a global leader in providing safe haven, and its refugee policy and practice has evolved to become one of the finest refugee protection regimes in the world.