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Aug 17, 2018
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I'm from Colombia and I arrived here in Canada with my wife in April/17. In Oct/17 we applied for renewing our Visitor Status and it was ok, and in April/18 we applied for renewing our Visitor Status and it was ok Again. Our Visitor status will end in Oct/18. My country (colombia) is very dangerous .Everyday dozens of people are murdered in robbers, by gangs, thieves and silly fights. My cousin, a firefighter was murdered two years ago. I don't have work permit and I don't feel safe to come back with my wife to Colombia. Can I apply for Asylum here in Ottawa at IRCC Office?
 
Yes you can but you. will have to show why you didn't apply when you first arrived and show proof that you were personally persecuted. You can't just say that the whole country is dangerous unless there is a war going on. You should also show how you have taken steps to solve the problem in your country like moving, going to the police, etc.
 
You have to wait for the first hearing. Given that you have been in Canada as visitors and must have showed you were able to support yourselves you may not be granted a work permit.
 
Unfortunately, the system is overloaded and that is the result. How have you managed to survive in Canada thus far without a job?
 
You will likely be granted a work permit within the first 6 months but that will be dependent on your financial status.
 
It is more complex than this. You have to be deemed eligible for asylum and not have the savings to be able to sustain yourself. Given that you have remained visitors for so long your previous financial savings will be taken into consideration. You either need asylum or don't you can't be preoccupied by these details. The system is constantly changing because of the large influx of asylum seekers so nobody can give you exact timelines.