Claim refugee status from inside Canada: How to apply

To make a refugee claim, you must

• meet the eligibility requirements
• be in Canada right now

If you make a claim and you’re not eligible or you’re not in Canada right now, we will refuse your application.

On this page

• How to make a refugee claim
  • when you arrive in Canada
  • if you’re already inside Canada
• Work or study while waiting for a decision on your refugee claim
• Go to your hearing
• If your claim is not eligible

How to make a refugee claim

To make a refugee claim, you need to submit a complete application from inside Canada. Your application will help us understand

• your background
• your family
• why you want to make a refugee claim

The instructions to submit an application depend on your situation. When you make your refugee claim, you can also apply to work or study while you wait for a decision.

Submit your claim when you arrive in Canada

You can apply for refugee status at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada. This means an airport, seaport or land border.

We give you the application package when you arrive, if you don’t already have it.

If the officer decides your refugee claim is eligible, they give you

• a confirmation of referral letter
  • This letter confirms that we referred your claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
• a basis of claim form
  • You have 15 days to complete this form and submit it to the IRB Refugee Protection Division office shown on your confirmation of referral letter.

Submit your claim after you arrive in Canada

If you’re already in Canada, you can submit your claim online.

Send us an email to start a refugee claim

If you’re already in Canada, you can tell us you want to start a claim by sending us an email. After we get your message, we’ll invite you to a secure online account to continue your claim and communicate with you about your application.

We use Canada Post’s epost Connect™ service to make sure your application stays secure and your privacy is protected throughout the application process.

To join Canada Post epost Connect^TM

1. Prepare an email with this information only:
   • Subject line: Request to make a Refugee Claim in Canada: (your unique client identifier [UCI] or Passport number)
   • The body of the email should only include
     • your name
     • the email address you want to use to communicate
     • your UCI, which is found on your visa or permit, or your passport number
       • If you don’t have either number, explain why in your email.
     • the country you’re living in now

2. Send your email to IRCC.RefugeeClaim-Demandedasile.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.
   • We only respond to emails about starting a refugee claim.
3. You’ll get an automatic reply to confirm we got your message.
4. You’ll get an email from Canada Post asking you to sign up for an account.
   • Check your spam folder to make sure you don’t miss it.
   • Add this email domain to your safe sender list: connect@md-hs.epost.ca
5. Follow the instructions to set up your account.

After you set up your Canada Post epost Connect account, we’ll use it to communicate with you about your application. You can also submit your application and supporting documents using your account.

Once your account is set up, you’ll get an email from Canada Post whenever we add a message for you.

To submit your application

1. Complete all forms in the application package.
   • You can apply to work or apply to study while you wait for a decision.
2. Upload the forms to your Canada Post epost Connect account.
3. One of our immigration officers will make sure your application is complete. If it is, we’ll
   • give you an acknowledgement of claim letter
   • give you instructions to complete your immigration medical examination
   • schedule you for an interview
4. If your application is incomplete, we’ll let you know what’s missing.

During your interview, we review your application and decide if your claim is eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

After the interview, we give you a refugee protection claimant document that fits our decision. If your claim is eligible, we also give you a confirmation of referral letter that confirms we referred your claim to the IRB.

Work or study while waiting for a decision on your refugee claim

If you want to work or study while waiting for your refugee claim decision, let us know by using the “Schedule 12 – Additional information” form available in your application package. You don’t need to submit a separate application or pay extra fees.

If you’re eligible and we approve your permit, we mail it to you after you pass your medical exam.

Who can get a work permit

You and your family members may be eligible for open work permits if you’re making a refugee claim and

• you need a job to pay for food, clothing and shelter
• the family members you want permits for
  • are with you in Canada
  • plan to work
  • are also applying for refugee status

Who can get a study permit

You and your family members may be eligible for study permits if

• each person makes their own refugee claim
• you have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution

If you have an acceptance letter, you can apply at the same time you apply for refugee status by including it with your application.

Go to your hearing

If you’re eligible to make a refugee claim, the IRB will send you a notice to appear for a hearing. This notice will tell you

• where to go for your hearing
• when to get there
• when it starts

Find out how to prepare for your hearing in the IRB’s Claimant’s Guide.

After your hearing, the IRB will approve or refuse your refugee claim. Find out what to do after you get a decision.

If your claim is not eligible

If we find that you’re your claim is not eligible, you’ll be issued a removal order.