1. Decide where to apply
There are two ways to apply for refugee status in Canada:
Apply at a port of entry
You can apply for refugee status at any port of entry. This means an airport, seaport or land border.
The officer you make your refugee claim to will decide if your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB. If your claim is eligible you will:
- be given a date for your IRB hearing, and
- have 15 days to complete all forms in the application package and submit them to the IRB.
Apply at an IRCC office
You can make a refugee claim in Canada at certain
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices. If you choose to apply at an IRCC office, you:
- must have all forms in the application package completed and with you.
- will not be scheduled for an interview with an immigration officer until you show in person that you have completed all the forms.
If the officer decides that your refugee claim is eligible, you will be given a date for your IRB hearing.