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 Some information on this website is out of date.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 (23)

4.8IRCC Portal

[…] through the portal. IRCC uses the information you submit to decide if your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The IRB-RPD will receive […]

4.6Eligibility Interview

[…] a CBSA or IRCC officer will ask you questions to decide if your claim is eligible for referral to the IRB-RPD.This is called an eligibility interview. This interview is not […]

1.1Refugee Claim Process Explained

[…] your freedom because of who you are or what you believe. You must live somewhere else.  Asking for refugee protection in Canada is called making a refugee claim. Even if […]

7.3Apply for Permanent Residence

[…] for help finding one. Start Your Application You can apply online using the Permanent Residence Portal or send forms by mail or courier. How to start your application on the PR […]

1.2Meet the Three Government Agencies

[…] inside Canada, you submit your application to IRCC. IRCC will decide if your claim is eligible to be referred. If your claim is eligible, they will send it to the […]

4.4Inland Claim

[…] (IME) You will be contacted by IRCC to complete an in-person biometrics appointment and your eligibility interview.  If your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB-RPD, you will […]

4.9Basis of Claim and Narrative

[…] 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 IRB-RPD. […]

7.8Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

[…] tied to me personally? Can I move to another part of the country? Does everyone else in the country have the same risk? Important! Make sure any information you give […]

4.10Work permit

[…] you entered in the IRCC portal. It may also be given to you at your eligibility interview. The timeline to receive your work permit depends on the current processing time. […]

7.9Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Application

[…] hearing. How to apply The H&C Application must now be made online through the PR portal or the Authorized Representative Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If you can’t apply online, for […]

4.5Biometrics Appointment

[…] IRCC will likely take your original documents. They will give you certified copies at your eligibility interview.  Your Acknowledgement of Claim letter. Your biometric appointment notice. Two passport-size photos for […]

4.7Immigration Medical Exam

[…] Your medical exam will not affect whether your claim is accepted or not. Do not delay: you must have this exam before you can get a work permit. What to […]

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 […]

7.2Your Refugee Claim is Accepted

[…] to the Minister and to the IRB-RAD office in your region using the My Case Portal. If you do not have My Case, you can send them by email or […]

4.3Port of Entry Claim

[…] make a refugee claim, they may ask you questions to decide if your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB-RPD. They will usually also complete the refugee claim […]

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 […]

3.3Representing yourself

[…] IRB-RPD is gradually inviting self-represented claimants to use My Case. My Case is an online portal that IRB uses to send and receive documents securely. If you get an invitation, […]

2.1Start your Refugee Claim

[…] they are expired. Sometimes you or your legal representative will need them. Prepare for your eligibility interview Prepare before you tell your story at your eligibility interview. It is important […]

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 […]

5.4How to Send in Your Evidence

[…] been invited to use My Case, you must submit your evidence through the My Case portal. You can only use another method if you get permission from the IRB-RPD. If […]

Other (2)

Important Government Contacts

[…] Building 344 Slater Street, 12 th Floor Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0K1 Address for In-Person Deliveries Refugee Protection Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration Division, and Immigration Appeal Division 300 West […]

New Laws Affecting Refugee Claim Eligibility

New Laws Affecting Refugee Claim Eligibility As of March 26, 2026, new laws (Bill C‑12) impact refugee claim eligibility in Canada.  New Eligibility Rules These new rules apply to all […]