The Rights and duties of refugees 

• Protection from being returned to your country of origin (nonrefoulement) 

This is your fundamental right if you are seeking refuge in Canada. You will not be sent back to the country where you feel threatened for your life or your freedom is in danger based on your race, nationality, religion or because you hold 

• Official Identity 

To authorize your stay in the country, the Government of Canada is responsible for providing you with official documentation regardless of your age, gender, race or sex. A formal document will be issued to you to prove your status in Canada by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) if your claim for refugee protection is accepted 

• Non-discrimination  

According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, people have: 

-       Freedom of religious thought and expression, press and peaceful assembly  

-       Right to a democratic government 

-       Right to participate in political activities 

-       Freedom to move and live in Canada, or to leave Canada 

-       Rights to life, liberty and security 

-       Equality rights 

-       Language rights 

• Banking Service 

Just like Canadians, refugees also have the right to public and private banking services which means that you can open a bank account with any bank in Canada, transfer your funds and access all the other banking services  

• Health 

Access to the same healthcare services that Canadians receive is your right as a refugee 

• Employment 

You have the right to work in Canada as a refugee but if you are a citizen or permanent residence of Canada you will have to apply for a work permit 

• Education 

If you have children under the age of 18, then they are eligible to attend school in Canada. Every child under the age of 18 has the right to attend school in Canada. If you are 18 and above and are waiting for your permanent residence, you would have to apply for a study permit to attend school 

• Freedom of movement 

You can move freely throughout Canada and choose where you wish to live and stay, it is your right, it is your right.  If you want to travel outside of Canada you will have to apply for  Refugee Travel Document. To learn more you can visit the following website. 

• Access to justice  

As a refugee in Canada, you have the right to seek legal advice, free of discrimination. You can contact Brace Law or Legal Aid in your province if you require any legal assistance. 

• Social assistant benefits 

You may be eligible for social assistance benefits depending on the regulations of your province. If you wish to learn more, visit this website. 

• Permanent residence and citizenship  

Once your asylum application is approved, you can then apply for permanent residence in Canada immediately after the decision is made. You can include your spouse and your dependent children in your application for PR, it does not matter if they are or are not in Canada. You can visit this website to get more information on the process. 

You can apply for citizenship in Canada as a refugee if you are a permanent resident and you have been physically present in the country for 3 out of 5 years. Visit this website for more information.  

• Family reunification  

You have the right to include your dependent children and spouse in your permanent residence application once you are recognized as a refugee by the Government of Canada. Family reunification is a way to reunite refugee families in cases where the relatives are not living in Canada. 

You can bring your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children or dependent child of your dependent child under family reunification. Visit the following website to learn how you can start an application process for yourself and your family member. 
 
Want to learn more about your rights as a refugee? 
If you want to learn more about refugee rights and how to invite you family to Canada, Brace Law can provide you with expert guidance and assistance. Our team of experienced professionals can help you navigate through the process.  

To get started, contact Brace Law at 905-815-6555 or email staff@bracelaw.ca. We offer consultations and services in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Russian, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu. Trust Brace Law for reliable legal support! 

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