After you submit your claim
If you return to your country of persecution you risk:
- having your claim rejected (if your claim is still being processed)
- losing your protected person status (after Canada has given you refugee protection)
If your claim is incomplete, we will tell you what is missing.
If your claim is complete, we will send you:
- an “Acknowledgment of Claim” letter to confirm we have received your claim
- instructions for getting a medical exam and a Medical Report form (IMM 1017E)
- instructions for your in-person appointment, with information related to your claim and an information package that includes:
What to expect at your appointment
An IRCC immigration 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
You and every member of your family claiming asylum will also 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 biometrics will be collected. This means that the officer will take scans of your fingerprints (for people over 14 years of age) and photographs of you and every member of your family.
Your travel documents will be held by IRCC until a final decision is made on your claim.
What to expect after your appointment
If your claim is eligible, we’ll give you a confirmation of referral letter that shows we sent your claim to the IRB.
We’ll also give you a refugee protection identity document (RPID), which confirms who you are and that you made a refugee claim.
These documents will help you:
- prove you made an asylum claim in Canada
- access the Interim Federal Health Program
The IRB will schedule a hearing to make a decision on your claim and will decide if you meet the definition of a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
Learn how to get ready for your hearing(opens in a new tab) .
If your asylum claim is ineligible
If your claim is ineligible, we’ll send you a refusal letter that says:
- your claim is not eligible to be sent to the IRB
- we’re sending your case to the CBSA
The CBSA will start the removal process. This includes:
- confirming if you’re eligible for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA)
- issuing your removal order
Working after you get a refusal letter
Temporary new rules mean you can:
- keep working if you already have a valid work permit (until it expires)
- apply for a work permit and pay the $155 non-refundable fee right away if you’ve received an RPID