What to expect at the border
To start a claim at the border, you must tell the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officer you would like to claim asylum or make a refugee claim.
If you are already in Canada, and did not start your refugee claim when you entered Canada, learn how to make a claim online.
1. Prove your identity
You, and every member of your family who is claiming asylum will be asked to provide:
- original passports and travel documents
- any other identification documents you may have
You will receive certified copies of your documents.
Your travel documents will be held by CBSA until a final decision is made on your claim.
If you don’t have any documents to identify you, you may be detained until your identity is verified.
2. Give your biometrics
CBSA will collect your biometrics. This means they will take scans of your fingerprints (for people over 14 years of age) and photographs of you and every member of your family.
3. Complete your interview
A CBSA Border Services Officer will interview you to make sure your claim meets the eligibility requirements. They will ask you about:
- your background
- why you came to Canada
- what dangers you face in your home country
4. After your interview
If your claim is determined eligible, it will be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
The IRB will schedule a hearing for your claim and will decide if you meet the definition of a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
Learn how to prepare for your hearing in the IRB’s Claimant’s Guide.
You will be given
- instructions on how to:
- fill out and submit a complete copy of the IRB’s Basis of Claim (BOC) form
- complete your Immigration Medical Exam and a Medical Report form (IMM 1017E)
- a Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), which confirms who you are and that you are waiting for a decision on your refugee (asylum) claim
- certified copies of your identity and travel documents being held by CBSA
- copies of any forms you have already filled out while with the CBSA
- notes from your interview that were sent to the IRB
- an information package providing key information related to your claim. This package includes:
- the Information for Refugee Claimants pamphlet
- the Interim Federal Health Program pamphlet
You may be asked to complete your claim online
If CBSA tells you to complete your refugee (asylum) claim application online, you will have to create an IRCC Portal account.
The CBSA Border Services Officer will give you instructions on how to continue your refugee (asylum) claim online.
You may be asked to come back for your interview.
In some circumstances, a CBSA Border Services Officer may ask you to come back to complete your claim at a later date.
If this happens, you will be given an appointment date and will be allowed to enter Canada while you wait. While you are waiting, you can complete your online refugee (asylum) claim application.
You will be given a document called an Acknowledgement of Claim instead of the Refugee Protection Claimant Document.
If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, your claim will not be referred to the IRB and you will be referred for removal from Canada.
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