Individuals can claim refugee status if they feel that they would be in danger of persecution or death if they were to be returned to their country of origin. Examples of this include the following:

• A woman who is being subjected to spousal abuse in a country that condones violence against women
• Someone who practices a religion that is violently opposed by the government
• A member of the LGBTQ2 community in a country where homosexuality is punishable by death
• An individual who is at risk of being subjected to harmful religious rituals as a result of having a disability
• An individual who is at risk of death or imprisonment for speaking out against government abuses
• A member of an ethnic group that is routinely subjected to discrimination at the hands of the government or citizens
• The witness of a massacre or other incident that the government wants covered up
• A girl who is attempting to get an education in a country where this is discouraged
• Citizens of a country whose government is unable to protect them from the actions of a violent rebel group

Successful refugee claimants become protected people in Canada, with the right to apply for permanent residents. Those whose refugee claims are unsuccessful may apply for a judicial review, and they can request a pre-removal risk assessment, during which they can give a written account of the dangers they believe they will face if returned to their country of origin.