Asylum claims in Canada have been on the rise since 2016, albeit with a decrease in claims during 2020 and 2021, when access to Canadian territory was limited in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since June 2024, however, the numbers have been on the decrease following different measures taken by the government. Asylum-seekers originate from more than 90 countries.  

Most asylum claims are made in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The vast majority of asylum-seekers and refugees are concentrated in urban centres; mainly Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. 

Canada lacks a formal statelessness determination procedure, making it difficult to identify and assist stateless individuals, who often face barriers to documentation, services, and legal status. Since 2009, citizenship by descent has been limited to the first generation born abroad, unless the parent is a naturalized Canadian. In 2023, this restriction was ruled unconstitutional by the Ontario Superior Court. Although the government introduced a bill to amend the law, it remains unpassed as of mid-2025. Interim measures are in place to support affected individuals. 

Canada is a major destination for resettled refugees, who are granted permanent resident status upon arrival, ensuring them access to employment, public health, and education programs. As permanent residents, refugees can apply for Canadian citizenship after three years, with high participation rates in citizenship applications. 

Canada has undertaken several significant commitments outside of traditional resettlement, including its Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, measures for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans, and its measures for extended family members of Canadians in Sudan and Gaza. Canada’s economic immigration programs also provide pathways for refugees.  

Asylum-seekers can access basic public health, primary and secondary education, social assistance benefits, and a work permit while waiting for their claims to be processed. Delays in decision-making are common. Refugees in Canada generally experience high levels of social and economic inclusion, achieving employment and educational outcomes comparable to the local population.  

Through its ongoing leadership in asylum processing and capacity development, resettlement, labour mobility, and humanitarian support, Canada remains a vital player in addressing global displacement challenges.