Claiming asylum means asking Canada for protection because it’s not safe for you in your own country. Asylum is another word for protection and “claiming asylum” means asking for refugee protection.

You may be able to ask for refugee protection if you can prove that returning to your home country will mean

• a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
• a danger of torture
• a risk to your life

Claiming refugee protection (asylum) from within Canada

 You may be able to claim refugee asylum if you are already in Canada

Claiming refugee protection (asylum) at the border

You may be able to make a claim for refugee protection at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada. Port of entry means an airport, seaport or land border, and is considered to be in Canada.