Unlike an immigrant who chooses to settle permanently in another country, a refugee is forced to flee for reasons of persecution.
Canada has a system in place to deal with persons with a well-founded fear of persecution, torture or death through resettlement from abroad or the granting of asylum. There are 02 programs to this effect:
Asylum Program in Canada
It deals with people who make a refugee claim while they are in Canada. The claim is based on legitimate reasons why asylum is necessary. Claims for refugee protection are subject to a rigorous process to determine eligibility based on Canadian and international law. The Asylum Program offers protection as a refugee.
Humanitarian Resettlement Programme for Refugees and Protected Persons.
It is intended for people outside Canada who are in need of protection. These persons cannot apply directly to Canada for resettlement. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in conjunction with private groups, determines which refugees should be settled.