There are three government agencies that work 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 are separate and do not automatically share information with each other.
Role of IRCC
IRCC is responsible for administering Canada’s immigration programs.
If you start your refugee claim 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 IRB-RPD.
IRCC is also responsible for:
- Work permits
- Interim Federal Health Insurance
- Permanent residence applications
- Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID)
Role of CBSA
CBSA is responsible for enforcing Canada’s immigration laws.
If you start your refugee claim at a Port of Entry (land border, airport, or seaport) or from a detention centre, you tell a CBSA officer that you want to make a claim.
After talking to you, CBSA may decide that your claim is eligible to be referred. They show you how to start your claim. CBSA will then send your claim to the IRB-RPD.
CBSA also:
- controls Canada’s borders and decides who can enter Canada
- removes refugee claimants who cannot stay in Canada.
CBSA can put you in a detention centre if:
- they cannot be sure of who you are,
- they believe you are dangerous, or
- they believe you will not follow immigration laws.
If 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 can be released.
See If You Are Detained for more information.
Role of the IRB
The IRB is responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters.
After IRCC or CBSA decides you can make a refugee claim they will send your claim to the IRB. The IRB is the main government agency responsible for reviewing and deciding your refugee claim. The IRB’s Refugee Protection Division (RPD) decides if you can get refugee protection in Canada.
The IRB-RPD:
- Reads your Basis of Claim (BOC) Form and your other documents and evidence
- Conducts your refugee hearing
- Decides whether to accept your refugee claim
The IRB has three other parts. You may also be involved with:
Keep your address up to date
Change your address with the IRB-RPD
If you have a legal representative:
Tell your legal representative right away if your address, phone number, or email changes. They will update your information with the IRB-RPD through My Case.
If you are self-represented:
Fill in the Notification of Client Contact Information form. Submit the form to the IRB-RPD using My Case. If you don’t have My Case yet, send it by email.
Change your address with IRCC
To change your address with IRCC, go to the Webform and follow the steps to put in your new address.
Tips for filling in the Webform:
- Where it says “Type of application/enquiry” select “Change of contact information.”
- Find your UCI number on your Refugee Protection Identity Document or on any letters from IRCC.
Change your address with CBSA
If CBSA is involved in your refugee claim you need to keep your contact information up to date with them as well. An officer will give you instructions on how and where to update CBSA if your contact information changes.