What can allow an applicant to become a refugee while outside their country?

To qualify as a refugee while outside their home country, an applicant must demonstrate that they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to one or more of the following five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Actions taken against an individual that place them at risk are critical in establishing their claim to refugee status. This means that if the applicant has been persecuted or has a credible fear of future persecution due to their actions, such as speaking out against an oppressive regime or being involved in politically sensitive activities, they are likely to qualify for refugee status.

Current global events, while they may create challenges or risks for individuals, do not by themselves establish individual eligibility unless they directly relate to the applicant’s circumstances. Similarly, lacking legal status in a foreign country does not inherently qualify someone for refugee status; it is the individual circumstances and actions that matter. Lastly, the applicant's relationship status is generally irrelevant to establishing refugee claims unless it ties directly into one of the protected grounds. Thus, the actions taken against an applicant that place them at risk clearly underpin their eligibility for refugee status.