Section 1 – Refugee Claim Process
The Personal Information Form (PIF)
What is it?
CIC will give you a Personal Information Form (*PIF- link to CIC docs.) after the interview. Once you get this document you have 28 days to complete it and send it to the Immigration & Refugee Board.
It is advisable to complete it with help from an immigration lawyer but YOU are the person responsible for getting it to the IRB.
If you cannot pay a lawyer you can apply to Legal Aid. With or without a lawyer, you STILL NEED to complete the PIF within 28 days and send it to the IRB. If you have no lawyer, ask someone who speaks your language and English to help you. For more help on completing the PIF, see the document “How to Fill Out a Personal Information Form” PIF Fact Sheet. When referred to a lawyer, it is YOUR responsibility to attend the appointments you are given.
If you do not complete the PIF in 28 days, you must go to an “abandonment hearing” with the IRB to explain in person why this happened. If you do not attend this appointment, your file will be closed and you cannot continue your Refugee Claim.
NOTE: Under certain special circumstances, lawyers can ask the IRB to extend the 28 days deadline if more time is needed
Contact VRSA staff if you are in this situation. Tel: 778 328 8888, or go to #430, 411 Dunsmuir Street, on the corner with Homer Street.
ALWAYS make sure you keep a copy of your PIF.
IMPORTANT:
The PIF and the evidence you present with it are the most important documents of your Refugee Claim. When you sign the PIF you are affirming that all the information you provide is COMPLETE, ACCURATE AND TRUE.
After completing the PIF
Once you have completed your immigration medical exams and completed and submitted your PIF, you can apply for a Work Permit. Refugee Claimants do not pay for an initial work permit.
The IRB will review your PIF and will send you a letter with a date and time for a Refugee Claim Hearing. It can take several months for you to get this letter. You have to go in person to this Hearing and you will be asked questions about the information in your PIF.
If you move YOU MUST inform CIC and the IRB of your new mailing address.
