Section 1 – Refugee Claim Process
Refugee Claim Hearing
The IRB (Immigration & Refugee Board) will study the PIF and any other documents that you can provide to show that you need protection in Canada. Then the IRB will send you a letter to tell you the date and time of your refugee hearing. You must attend.
At the hearing
The purpose of the hearing is to verify WHO you are and WHY you need protection here.
A member of the IRB (similar to a judge) is in charge of the hearing and will ask you questions about anything you stated in the PIF and why you fear to return to your home country. They may also ask about how you came to Canada.
You have a right to legal counsel e.g. a lawyer, to represent you during the Refugee Hearing.
If you do not speak English of French fluently, the IRB will provide an interpreter.
- You must inform the IRB of your choice of language or dialect AT LEAST 20 DAYS BEFORE the hearing so they can make arrangements.
- If you do not understand the interpreter clearly, you should tell the IRB member immediately.
Privacy of information
By law, IRB hearings are usually held in private. Your personal information is private and confidential. This information can only be shared under strict rules or given to others only after you have given permission. It will not be shared with the authorities of your home country.
IMPORTANT –The IRB makes a decision on your claim and your responsibility is to:
· Respect all deadlines set by the IRB.
· Appear at any interviews or hearings you are called to.
· Respond to the IRB when asked to do so.
· Inform the IRB AND CIC whenever you change your address, so that any communication will reach you.
