LGBTQI Refugee Support

LGBTQI Immigration and Asylum Support

 We understand that if you are reaching out to us, you are likely feeling scared, in danger, and in need of help. We want to support you as best we can. Unfortunately, in these instances, we cannot help or provide legal advice to individuals on immigration or asylum matters. 

We have compiled resources for those both domestically and internationally who are in need of help. Please make your way through the section that corresponds with your needs and reach out to one of the recommended organizations who is better suited to help you. 

Applying from Outside of Canada  

We understand that with changing political climates and the ballooning of anti-LGBTQI hatred, calls to seek refuge in Canada are growing. To help support you at this time, please find some recommended organizations below who are experienced in LGBTQI immigration and refugee claims. 

If you are outside of Canada and have to leave your country because of persecution due to your sexual orientation, your gender identity or expression, your sexual characteristics, or your HIV status, the following organizations might be able to help you claim refugee status, support you within your home country, or assist you in resettling in Canada: 

  • Rainbow Railroad helps at-risk and displaced LGBTQI individuals and families around the world, including through emergency relocation and direct assistance. 
  • Rainbow Refugee supports LGBTQI refugees and refugee claimants who are seeking protection in Canada, including individual support in navigating the Canadian system. 
  • UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency 

Resources for Immigrating or Claiming Asylum in Canada 

Immigration Resources and Process

There are multiple pathways to immigrate to Canada. View the Government of Canada’s website on Immigrating to Canada to gain an overview on the following options available to you: 

  • Express Entry: Immigrate as a skilled worker; 
  • Provincial Nominees: Immigrate by being nominated by a Canadian province or territory; 
  • Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your relatives to immigrate; 
  • Caregivers: Immigrate by providing care for children, the elderly, or those with medical needs, or work as a live-in caregiver; 
  • Atlantic Immigration Program: Immigrate by graduating from a school or by working in the Atlantic provinces; 
  • Quebec-selected skilled workers: Immigrate as a skilled worker to Quebec; 
  • Start-up Visa: Immigrate by starting a business and creating jobs; 
  • Agri-Food Pilot: Immigrate by working in specific agri-food industries and occupations; 
  • Francophone Immigration: Live, work, or study in French in a Francophone community outside Quebec; and 
  • Out-of-status Construction Workers: A pathway to permanent residence for out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area 

The following options are available from specific geographic areas only: 

  • Family-based humanitarian program for Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans: Migrate as a national of Colombia, Haiti, or Venezuela, living in Latin America or the Caribbean, with family in Canada; and 
  • Immediate or Extended Family or De Facto Dependent of a Resettled Yazidi or Survivor of Daesh: Some family of resettled Yazidis and survivors of Daesh in Canada may be able to immigrate here. 

For guidance to better understand Canada’s immigration systems and the opportunities available to you, please consult the Government of Canada’s guidelines

Asylum Resources and Process

The Government of Canada offers specific resources for LGBTQI+ individuals seeking protection.  For an explanation of each program available, please visit the Government of Canada’s LGBTQI+ Refugee Website

  • Resettlement Program; 
  • Government-Assisted Refugees Program; and 
  • Private Sponsorship of Refugees  

There are also numerous other pathways to apply for refugee status or to seek asylum in Canada. Please visit the following Government of Canada websites and resources for an overview of these processes: 

  • Refugees: Immigrate as a refugee or become a sponsor;  
  • For an additional guide for people making refugee claims in Canada, please visit My Refugee Claim; and 
  • There are specific requirements to be considered a refugee. Please learn about Canada’s refugee system before you put the life you built at risk. 

Domestic Resources

If you are already in Canada, there are local organizations that might help you claim asylum. 

However, not all organizations listed below are dedicated specifically to LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and other sexual and gender minority) individuals, but they also help LGBTQI refugee claimants. Find more local 2SLGBTQI organizations near you.

You can reach out to any social service or community service provider in your area for further assistance. If you are in one of the following provinces, Legal Aid services might help with your refugee claim: