The Basis of Claim (BOC) Form is the most important document in your refugee claim. In your BOC Form you provide details about who you are and the reasons why you are seeking protection in Canada.
Your BOC Form must be submitted on the IRCC Portal.
A Member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada – Refugee Protection Division (IRB-RPD) will use the information in your BOC Form, together with your testimony and other evidence, to decide if you are a Convention Refugee or Person in Need of Protection. You will be asked questions about your BOC Form at your refugee hearing.
Considerations the Basis of Claim Form
Keep the following in mind when completing your BOC Form:
- Download the BOC Form here.
- Read the BOC Form instructions and the Claimant’s Guide
- The BOC Form can only be filled in English or French. If you do not have strong English or French skills, find a competent interpreter to assist you
- Understand each question before answering it. Your answers must be true, correct and complete
- Answer all questions on the BOC Form. Do not leave any blanks
- Write “N/A” (Not Applicable) if a question does not apply to you
- If you are not sure about dates or other information, you should say this in your BOC Form
- You may choose to provide additional information to the BOC Form. This is in your narrative
- The information on the BOC Form should agree with the information you provide on the IRCC Portal and any narrative or documents that you attach to your BOC Form
- Be sure to print out and keep a copy of your BOC Form, and every other document or form that you submit
- Complete a separate BOC Form for each family member claiming refugee protection in Canada
- Each child 6 years old or younger who is claiming refugee protection with a parent: Complete only the “WHO YOU ARE” section of the BOC Form. A parent or the Designated Representative signs for the child
- Each child 7 to 17 years old who is claiming refugee protection with a parent: Complete the entire BOC Form. A parent or the Designated Representative signs for the child
- A child of any age under 18 who does not have an adult with them: A Designated Representative named to represent the child in their claim must complete the entire BOC Form.