A refugee claim may be submitted if you fear that you may be persecuted in your country of nationality or citizenship. You may also submit a claim if you feel that you may be tortured or are at risk of exposure to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment in your home country. These fears must be well-founded in order to present a refugee claim or a protection claim at the Refugee Protection Division.
You must be prepared to provide documentation supporting your fear of returning home and will have to discuss the situation in full detail. The risk that you are facing must be a personal one that applies directly to you and you must show that you have tried to get help from the government in your original country. As well, you’ll need to show proof that there is no other region or city in your home country that you could return to safely.
There are many steps involved with a refugee claim so it is critical to have a lawyer working with you. This is the only way to ensure that all of the steps are followed correctly.