• Before You Start
• Getting Started
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• Refugee Hearing
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Section 1 – Refugee Claim Process

Getting started  - Making a refugee claim in Canada (called an “ Inland Claim ”)

For an Inland claim, go to the Canada Immigration and Citizenship office.

(N.B If you made a claim at the border or at the airport, the process will be a little different.  You are interviewed and receive the package immediately.)

·         Go to the CIC office at 1148 Hornby Street in Vancouver  and ask for a Refugee Claim application.

·         Complete it and return it to CIC. Processing hours:  8 – 10 a.m., Monday – Friday only

·         Take original ID documents and 8 passport size photos.

CIC will give you:

a) the Eligibility Forms, which VRSA staff can help you with

b) medical exam forms (see explanation of process below)

c) a date for an interview. Immigration will provide an interpreter just for that appointment. (This is not your refugee hearing.)

d) IFH Interim Federal Health coverage document. See “health section”.

To prepare for the eligibility forms, you must:

·         Write out a list of your immediate family members (spouse, siblings, parents, dependents) their birth dates and where they live.

·         Write a list of the activities (i.e. working, studying, travelling, unemployed) you have had for the last 10 years – NO gaps in time are allowed. 

·         Also list all the places were you have lived in the last 10 years (address, city, country).

Immigration Medical exam:

The IFH will cover the cost of your medical exam but some doctors may charge a small administration fee. CIC will give you a list of doctors where you can go.  It is advisable to use the Bridge Health Clinic that specialises in service for refugees.

When you see the doctor, take your medical letter; medical report; Interim Federal Health Certificate (*IFH-link to Glossary) – all included in the application kit from CIC- plus 4 additional passport-sized photos.