If you arrive in Canada at an official port of entry, you may start a refugee claim with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
A port of entry is:
- An international airport
- An official land border crossing
- A seaport
Tell the CBSA officer you meet that you want to make a refugee claim. They will start the process with you.
Detention
CBSA may detain you (hold you in custody) when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry to make a refugee claim. This may be because CBSA:
- is not sure who you are
- does not believe you will return later for more questions
- does not believe you can make a refugee claim and wants to remove you from the country
- believes you are dangerous
- knows you have a criminal record
If you are detained, contact a legal representative to find out if you can be released. You may qualify for a free or low-cost lawyer through legal aid. Find out more about detention here.