Are you thinking of claiming asylum in Canada? |
en français -- en espagnol |
Welcome to our information page for people who want to come to Canada to claim asylum, with specific information for people who choose to enter via Roxham Road USA.
Bridges Not Borders - Créons des Ponts is a local grassroots group in Canada. We can’t advise you about what to do, but we want to offer information to help you decide.
Bridges Not Borders - Créons des Ponts is a local grassroots group in Canada. We can’t advise you about what to do, but we want to offer information to help you decide.
URGENT MESSAGE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS: If you have applied for asylum in the USA (or in the United Kingdom, New Zealand or Australia) you are no longer entitled to the full independent refugee determination process in Canada. Instead you only have access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) hearing conducted by a government official. You will be able to have a lawyer or immigration consultant present with you. You need to be aware that the PRRA is a much less thorough process and has a low success rate. However, if you are successful you will be recognized as either a refugee or a protected person in Canada. Please consider this carefully before deciding to enter Canada either via Roxham Road or at an official Port of Entry.
HELP IN THE USA
- We work closely with Plattsburgh Cares, a volunteer organisation in Plattsburgh (New York State), which gives information and support to people wanting to leave the US to seek asylum in Canada. Their refugee support page is here: Plattsburgh Cares Refugee Support. You can contact them for support at : support@plattsburghcares.org or call them at 518-243-8292 or 518-240-8866. Plattsburgh Care volunteers visit the border at Roxham Road 5 - 6 afternoons a week and give out free warm things in winter.
- Legal Advice in USA: the New York Immigration Coalition works for all immigrants and asylum seekers in New York State. Here is a list of legal service providers on their website: https://www.nyic.org/providers/.
- You can call here for free legal advice: NYS Office of New Americans Immigration Hotline: 1-800- 566- 7636.
CANADA
INFORMATION SHEETS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS:
The United Nations Refugee Agency in Canada has prepared 8 one-page information sheets for people who want to apply for asylum (see list of info sheets below). They are available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic and Creole. For the Arabic links click on the UNHCR publications link below and then on the Arabic links for the 8 sheets.
Find these 8 one-page information sheets here: https://www.unhcr.ca/newsroom/publications/.
Or click on the direct links below:
The United Nations Refugee Agency in Canada has prepared 8 one-page information sheets for people who want to apply for asylum (see list of info sheets below). They are available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic and Creole. For the Arabic links click on the UNHCR publications link below and then on the Arabic links for the 8 sheets.
Find these 8 one-page information sheets here: https://www.unhcr.ca/newsroom/publications/.
Or click on the direct links below:
- What is the Basis of Claim Form?
- What Happens When You Claim Asylum at the Border At official border crossings and at irregular border crossings such as Roxham Road
- Who is Eligible to Claim Asylum in Canada?
- How to Prove Your Link to Family Members in Canada
- Claiming Asylum in Canada The stages of the process
- Who Can Claim Asylum at the Official Border? At any official border crossing, according to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the USA
- Who Can Get Refugee Protection in Canada?
- Winter in Canada
BRIDGES NOT BORDERS - CRÉONS DES PONTS: Sunday Visits to Roxham Road, US
Every Sunday afternoon Bridges Not Borders volunteers go to Roxham Road in New York State to welcome people who come to Canada to claim asylum. On hot summer days we offer water and during the winter we give out free hats, scarves, mittens and gloves. We always try to have children’s sizes in stock.
When we are at the border, we also note how the Canadian police officers (called RCMP) deal with people crossing into Canada. We are in regular contact with the police about what we observe during our border visits.
Every Sunday afternoon Bridges Not Borders volunteers go to Roxham Road in New York State to welcome people who come to Canada to claim asylum. On hot summer days we offer water and during the winter we give out free hats, scarves, mittens and gloves. We always try to have children’s sizes in stock.
When we are at the border, we also note how the Canadian police officers (called RCMP) deal with people crossing into Canada. We are in regular contact with the police about what we observe during our border visits.
CROSSING AT ROXHAM ROAD
Taxis in Plattsburgh can charge a maximum of $92 per trip to take you from the Plattsburgh bus station or train station to the Canadian border.
Taxis in Plattsburgh can charge a maximum of $92 per trip to take you from the Plattsburgh bus station or train station to the Canadian border.
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When you arrive at the border at Roxham Road, wait on the US side until the Canadian police officer speaks to you and asks if you understand. You can then cross into Canada.
Police officers are told to say these three things to asylum seekers: 1. It is illegal to cross here. 2. If you want to cross legally into Canada you can go to the official border crossing at St Bernard de Lacolle. 3. If you cross here you will be arrested. *Officers should say these three things only and should not add personal remarks. Although you will be arrested when you cross into Canada at Roxham Road, this is temporary. Because you are seeking asylum, you will not be charged with illegal entry. This is written in Canadian law and international law. |
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Please Note: If you decide to go to the official border crossing you may not be able to enter Canada because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA). If you are refused entry you may be transferred to the custody of US border officials. See information about the STCA here: http://www.bridgesnotborders.ca/why.html. |
Despite the police directive, according to UNHCR and Canadian legal experts it is not illegal to cross into Canada this way. See more here: http://www.bridgesnotborders.ca/myths-and-facts-2.html) |
After the police interview at Roxham Road, you will be taken to immigration offices at St Bernard de Lacolle. There you will be interviewed by a Canadian Border Services Agent about your refugee claim (this is what it is called in Canada) and also go through security screening. Normally, you will then be released and able to travel by bus to Montreal.
At the moment (November 2018) the average waiting time to appear before the person deciding your refugee claim is 21 months.
At the moment (November 2018) the average waiting time to appear before the person deciding your refugee claim is 21 months.
If you decide to come here to seek asylum, we hope you will be able to make
a good and safe life for yourself and your loved ones in Canada.
a good and safe life for yourself and your loved ones in Canada.
