In Canada, there are different types of refugees. There are refugee claimants, government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees. 

As a Refugee, you can: 

• Receive limited health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program 
• Attend any high school in Ontario (Catholic or public)
• Work (under special circumstances)
• Attend College or University (under special circumstances)
• Receive protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

You must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

As a refugee, you cannot:

• Vote or run for political office 
• Hold certain jobs that have a high-level security clearance requirement
• Remain in Canada if you are convicted of a serious criminal offence and have been told to leave the country
• Get OSAP to pay for your post-secondary education (this only applies to refugee claimants)

You can lose your status as a refugee claimant if you are convicted of a serious crime. In that case, you may be deported.