Tanya Bloomfield says being transgendered makes her a target for hate in Europe. (CBC)

A transgendered Nova Scotia woman who is originally from Ireland said she will claim refugee status if immigration officials try to send her home.

Tanya Bloomfield says being transgendered makes her a target for hate in Europe.

Bloomfield has been in Canada since 2006, but immigration officials are now asking her to leave.

"This is just the latest temporary residence permit that we've applied for, which they're now questioning and wishing to issue the voluntary departure order on," she said Thursday.

"I have a lot invested in Canada. I have a lot of friends here, I have a business."

Bloomfield became a local hero earlier this year when she raised money for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community by running the Scotiabank Blue Nose marathon barefoot.

She owns and operates a computer business outside Chester, N.S., but said the immigration department has continued to refuse to issue her a temporary work permit.

Her lawyer, Lee Cohen, now says Bloomfield will seek refugee protection.

"She has indicated her intentions to claim refugee status in Canada, primarily on the grounds of seeking protection as a transgendered person," Cohen said.

Returning to Europe, Bloomfield says, could be dangerous.

"There are statistics [that] show that there is increasing hate crimes within the European Union."

If the refugee application is accepted, Bloomfield's stay in Canada could be extended to 18 months. If not she will have to leave by the end of August.