Protected person status (Canada)
Statutory definition
Section 95 of the IRPA provides that a person becomes a "protected person" when: the RPD allows the claim; the RPD allows a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment claim; a positive PRRA decision is made; or the Governor in Council makes an order for the person. Protected persons may apply for permanent residence under s 21(2) of the IRPA and must meet the standard PR requirements.
Explanation
Protected person status is the milestone in the inland refugee process that opens the pathway to permanent residence. After the RPD accepts the claim, the protected person receives a COPR application kit and applies for PR. They may also apply for an open work permit (BOWP) and a travel document while the PR application is processed. The PR application for protected persons includes the Convention refugee class or protected persons in Canada class, with no skills or language requirements beyond standard admissibility.