After you submit your claim

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:
  • the Information for Refugee Claimants pamphlet
  • the Interim Federal Health Program pamphlet

What to expect at your appointment

An 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 at home

You and every member of your family will also be asked to provide:

• original passports and travel documents
• any other identification documents you may have

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 us until a final decision is made on your claim.

What to expect after your appointment

If your claim is determined eligible, it will be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

The IRB will schedule a hearing for your claim and will decide if you meet the definition of a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

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

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, your claim will not be referred to the IRB and you will be referred to CBSA for removal from Canada.