Your refugee hearing is the main part of the refugee claim process. At or after your hearing, you will find out if your refugee claim is accepted or rejected.
Your hearing is your chance to tell your story and explain why you need Canada’s protection. It will be private and safe.
Your hearing might seem like a court but it is less formal. The decision makers are called Members and are specially trained to decide refugee claims. A Member will decide your claim fairly.
Hearings usually take around 3-4 hours, but can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. Most hearings are virtual (online), and some are in-person at the IRB office.