New laws in Canada may affect your refugee claim eligibility, even if you have already submitted your application. Some information on this website is out of date. We are updating it. Speak with a lawyer or trusted settlement service provider. Learn More

My Refugee Claim Journey (21)

4.8IRCC Portal

Understand the IRCC Portal If you are already inside Canada when you start your refugee claim, you will submit your refugee claim using a website called the IRCC Portal. You […]

4.6Eligibility Interview

After you make your refugee claim, a CBSA or IRCC officer will ask you questions to decide if you can make a claim in Canada. This is called an eligibility […]

1.2Meet the Three Government Agencies

[…] with refugees. Each agency has different roles and responsibilities: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC)  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) These agencies […]

7.8Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

[…] involved in the PRRA process. CBSA will invite you to apply for a PRRA, and IRCC will make the decision on your PRRA application. You may be told you can […]

7.3Apply for Permanent Residence

[…] Important! Ask a legal representative to look at your PR application before sending it to IRCC. If you do not have a legal representative, contact a local settlement agency for […]

4.10Work permit

[…] government. This lets you work in Canada with certain conditions. Work permits are managed by IRCC. How to apply for a work permit Tip If you want to check on […]

7.9Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Application

A Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application is a request to IRCC for special permission to become a permanent resident of Canada. You might make an H&C application when you do […]

4.4Inland Claim

If you are in Canada, you start your refugee claim using a website called the IRCC Portal.  Understand the process of making a claim inside Canada You must complete the […]

4.5Biometrics Appointment

[…] licenses). CBSA will give you certified copies of any documents they take. Biometrics appointment with IRCC in-land If you make your claim through the IRCC portal, IRCC will send you […]

4.9Basis of Claim and Narrative

[…] the BOC Form deadline. Unless you are told to complete your refugee claim through the IRCC Portal, you have 45 days to complete and send your BOC Form to the […]

1.1Refugee Claim Process Explained

[…] in Canada.  If you are inside Canada: complete and submit your online application on the IRCC portal, or If you are at the border, airport, or detention centre: tell a […]

4.7Immigration Medical Exam

[…] Exam Tip The medical exam must be done by a doctor who is approved by IRCC. Find a list of IRCC approved physicians in your area. All refugee claimants must have […]

7.4Protect Your Refugee Status

[…] Person in Canada, and have to leave Canada, even if you become a permanent resident. IRCC or CBSA may apply to the IRB-RPD to have your Convention Refugee or Protected […]

3.2Work with Your Legal Representative

[…] or information they give you. Share with them any documents or letters you get from IRCC, CBSA or IRB-RPD. Make sure they know your current contact information and where to […]

2.2Prepare Your Information

[…] applications, and letters that you or your legal representative give to the IRB, CBSA or IRCC Any letters, documents, or appointment notices that the IRB, CBSA, or IRCC send to […]

3.4Work with Your Interpreter

[…] you might have an interpreter are: During meeting with your legal representative During interviews with IRCC or CBSA At your IRB-RPD hearing If you have a legal aid lawyer, legal […]

2.1Start your Refugee Claim

[…] have to tell your story many times to different people. They could be CBSA officers, IRCC officers, your legal representative, and the IRB-RPD Member at your hearing. This may make […]

7.2Your Refugee Claim is Accepted

[…] a refugee or a protected person, you must apply for a Refugee Travel Document with IRCC. If the Minister has appealed, do not leave Canada. Important! You cannot use the […]

6.2Who Will Be at Your Refugee Hearing?

[…] your hearing. Minister’s Counsel The Minister’s Counsel is an employee of either the CBSA or IRCC. The Minister’s Counsel is not involved in everyone’s refugee claim. They will become involved […]

4.3Port of Entry Claim

[…] refugee claim forms – you may be told to complete these forms online through the IRCC portal After you have returned for an eligibility interview, if your claim is found […]

Other (2)

Important Government Contacts

[…] for the: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC) Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Western Region Areas […]

New Laws Affecting Refugee Claim Eligibility

[…] IRB, unless you meet an exception to the STCA.  For more detailed eligibility information, see IRCC’s website: Port of Entry claim (airport or official border crossing) Inland claim (from within […]