What Is a Protected Person?

A Protected Person is someone who has been determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to be:

• A Convention refugee: Someone with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group;
  or

• A person in need of protection: Someone who would face a risk to life, risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, or a risk of torture if returned to their country of origin.

Once a person is recognized as a Protected Person, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for Protected Person status if:

• You are currently in Canada;

• You fear returning to your home country due to threats of persecution, torture, or risk to your life;

• You are not subject to a removal order based on serious criminality or other ineligibilities.

This is commonly done through a Refugee Protection Claim, either made at a port of entry or inland at an IRCC office. The IRB’s Refugee Protection Division (RPD) assesses the claim.

What Happens After You’re Approved?

If your claim is accepted and you're granted Protected Person status, you may:

• Apply for permanent residence (typically within a few months);

• Include immediate family members in your application;

• Access health care and work legally while waiting for your PR decision.

It’s important to apply for PR as soon as you are eligible—delays can affect your status and family reunification efforts.

How Ayodele Law Can Help

The process of claiming refugee protection or applying for permanent residence as a Protected Person can be legally and emotionally demanding. Our firm provides:

• Comprehensive representation at refugee hearings;

• Detailed application support for permanent residence;

• Advice on inadmissibility, documentation, and timelines;

• Appeals and judicial review support, if needed.

At Ayodele Law, we believe every client deserves to be heard and protected. If you or someone you know is seeking protection in Canada, reach out for a confidential consultation.

Apply to stay in Canada permanently as a Protected Person. Call Ayodele Law at (647) 937-4330 or contact us to schedule your consultation.