How to apply for refugee status in Canada

If you have a claim for refugee protection pending before the Refugee Protection Division, you must keep​ yo​ur contact information up to date with the IRB. If your contact information changes, you must immediately inform the IRB of the changes in writing. The IRB will not be able to reach you without your correct contact information.

You can be given refugee protection in Canada if you meet the definition of a Convention refugee, or if you are a person in need of protection.

The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is responsible for deciding if you qualify for refugee protection. Before this can happen, you must make a claim, and if you are eligible, you will be referred to the ​ RPD ​for a decision. To make a claim for refugee protection, you may either:

1. Make a claim at any port of entry (airport, seaport, land border)

You can make a claim for refugee protection when you arrive in Canada at any port of entry by completing an eligibility interview with an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), completing the application package, and providing fingerprints and a photograph.

Normally, you will complete the forms – which are provided by the CBSA officer – in-person when you arrive. However, it is possible that the officer tells you to come back to the port of entry or an inland office for an interview at a future date. If this occurs, the officer will give you:​

• an information pamphlet
• an acknowledgement of claim letter (which will help you get access to the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada)
• instructions about completing your medical exam

The officer may also tell you to submit your refugee claim online. If you’re told to complete your claim online, you’ll need

• the application number on your acknowledgement of claim letter (described above)
• the interview location given to you by the officer

After your claim has been submitted, if the officer decides that your claim is eligible, it is referred to the RPD for a decision. Once your claim has been referred to the RPD you will be given:

• A Refugee Protection Claimant Document, which will help you get access to the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada.
• A Confirmation of Referral letter, which confirms your claim has been referred to the IRB. Along with a Confirmation of Referral, the referring officer will provide you with a copy of the Claimant's Guide.  Refer to Important Instructions for Refugee Claimants for additional information.
• You will also be given a Basis of Claim Form (BOC Form). You must submit one completed BOC Form to the RPD for each family member, no later than 15 days after the date your claim was referred. Refer to the Completing Your Basis of Claim Form page for information about the BOC Form and what is required.
  

2. Make a claim after arriving in Canada​

You can also make a claim for refugee protection after arriving in Canada. If you choose to make a claim after arriving in Canada, you must submit a complete application including all supporting documentation, as well as the BOC Form, when you make your claim. Refer to the Completing Your Basis of Claim Form page for information about the BOC Form and what is required.

To make your claim after arriving in Canada, you should submit your refugee claim online. If you have already made a claim, you don’t need to resubmit it through the portal. To submit your claim online, you’ll need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents. You will also need to create your online account, which can be used to submit your claim, and also to check on the status. If you are unable to submit your claim online after arriving in Canada, you may request to submit your refugee claim on paper from inside Canada.

• If you are working with a representative that is helping you with your claim, they can either help you complete your claim or submit a claim for you. Whoever creates the portal account is the person who must sign and submit the claim. If your representative is submitting a claim for you, both you and your representati​ve must sign a declaration form and upload it to the portal account, authorizing them to make a claim on your behalf.
  

After your claim has been submitted, if the officer decides that your claim is eligible, it is referred to the RPD for a decision. Once your claim has been referred to the RPD you will receive:

• A Refugee Protection Claimant Document, which will help you get access to the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada.
• A Confirmation of Referral letter, which confirms your claim has been referred to the IRB. Along with a Confirmation of Referral, the referring officer will provide you with the Claimant's Guide. Refer to Important Instructions for Refugee Claimants for additional information.

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