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Regulation 95 — Convention refugees abroad — class

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations r 95 Canada Compilation: 2026-03-17 Verified: 2026-05-23

Text of provision

[Repealed, SOR/2016-316, s. 5]

Plain English

Regulation 95 provides that a foreign national is a member of the Convention Refugees Abroad class if they are outside Canada, have been determined by the UNHCR or by a foreign state to be a Convention refugee, and are seeking resettlement. The person must not be a protected person in Canada and must not have durable solutions available to them in their country of refuge.

Practical effect

The Convention Refugees Abroad class is the primary pathway for resettlement of persons recognised as refugees by the UNHCR who are referred to Canada. IRCC officers assess these applicants at immigration offices abroad. Unlike in-Canada refugee claims, resettlement applicants are assessed before arriving in Canada — they must establish both Convention refugee status and the unavailability of durable solutions. UNHCR referral is not the only pathway — people may also access the resettlement program through Group of Five private sponsorships or government-assisted pathways.

Information only. Nothing on this page is immigration advice or legal advice. Only an authorised representative (RCIC or immigration lawyer) may give immigration advice in Canada.

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