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 Some information on this website is out of date.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

[…] will each have your own profile in the portal.  Important! Stay in touch with your legal representative when completing your claim for refugee protection on the IRCC Portal. If your […]

4.6Eligibility Interview

[…] Have you made a refugee claim in another country? In what countries do you have legal status or citizenship? How did you travel to Canada? Who helped you come to […]

1.1Refugee Claim Process Explained

Who is a refugee? Tip Before you make a refugee claim, get legal advice to see if it is the best option for you. It may mean you cannot use […]

1.2Meet the Three Government Agencies

[…] you are put in a detention centre, you have the right to a lawyer or legal representative. There will be regular hearings to review your detention and decide if you […]

7.8Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

[…] risk in your country. Some examples are: Newspaper articles describing the situation in your country Legal documents Police documents Medical documents Written testimonies Personal letters If your refugee claim or […]

7.3Apply for Permanent Residence

[…] time. The processing times are different for each person. This is normal. Important! Ask a legal representative to look at your PR application before sending it to IRCC. If you […]

4.10Work permit

For you to be allowed to legally work in Canada, you must get a work permit from the federal government. This lets you work in Canada with certain conditions. Work […]

7.9Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Application

[…] Canadian life or how children in your life would be affected if you had to leave Canada. They might also include why you would experience hardships – meaning very difficult […]

4.4Inland Claim

[…] be referred to the IRB-RPD, you will receive: A Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID) A letter that confirms your refugee claim has been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board […]

4.5Biometrics Appointment

[…] 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 any children under 14 years of […]

4.9Basis of Claim and Narrative

[…] you completed when you submitted your refugee claim. If you can, get a lawyer or legal representative to help you prepare the BOC Form and the other documents you send […]

4.7Immigration Medical Exam

[…] your medical exam When you go to your medical exam, take: Your Acknowledgement of Claim letter if you have one The Medical Report Form An identity document, if you have […]

7.4Protect Your Refugee Status

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

3.2Work with Your Legal Representative

Choosing a legal representative is very important. Learn how your legal representative should work with you, what they should not do, and what your role is. Find out what to […]

2.2Prepare Your Information

[…] evidence to support your story.  It explains how to manage and share your important information. Learn more about evidence and supporting documents in Section 5: Prepare for Your Hearing. Write […]

3.4Work with Your Interpreter

[…] claim. Some examples of when 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 […]

2.1Start your Refugee Claim

[…] through the steps. Return to this website to help you anywhere along the way. Get legal help The refugee claim process can be long and difficult. Get legal help as […]

7.2Your Refugee Claim is Accepted

[…] appeals? Tip The appeal process is complicated. It is a good idea to find a legal representative to help you respond to all the arguments of the Minister’s appeal. The […]

6.2Who Will Be at Your Refugee Hearing?

[…] you questions during your hearing to help them make a decision on your refugee claim. Legal representative Your legal representative might be a lawyer, an immigration consultant, or a representative […]

4.3Port of Entry Claim

[…] referred to the IRB, they will give you:  A Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID) A letter that confirms your refugee claim has been referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board […]

Other (2)

Important Government Contacts

[…] Niagara Falls 4318 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6A4 Ottawa Appointments 235 Queen Street, Level C3 – Suite 005, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H5 Mailing address 365 Laurier Ave. W, […]

New Laws Affecting Refugee Claim Eligibility

[…] than one year after you first entered Canada (after June 24, 2020), even if you left the country and returned since then.  You entered Canada between official border crossings and […]