There are Key Contacts you will need to meet during your refugee claim process:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

If you start your refugee claim from within Canada you will submit your application to IRCC.

IRCC’s role in your refugee claim process: 

• decides if you are eligible to make a refugee claim 

• if you are eligible, sends your refugee claim information to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
  
  

IRCC is also responsible for:  

• issuing work permits

• providing interim federal health insurance (IFHP)

• processing permanent residence applications

• granting citizenship and

• issuing travel documents, such as passports

Visit website →

Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA)

If you start your refugee claim at the border, airport, marine port, or from immigration detention, you will make your refugee claim to a CBSA officer.

CBSA’s role in your refugee claim process: 

• decides if you are eligible to make a claim 

• if you are eligible, sends your refugee claim information to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

CBSA is also responsible for: 

• controlling Canada’s borders and deciding who can enter Canada and who must leave 

• removing Refugee Claimants from Canada who have received a negative decision on their refugee claim and have no other legal options to remain in Canada

• detaining refugee claimants under the law. If you are detained, please ask a CBSA officer to book you an appointment with a Settlement Worker or a Lawyer

Visit website →

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

After you have been told you are eligible by either IRCC or CBSA, your refugee claim application will be sent to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

The Refugee Protection Division (IRB-RPD) will process and make a decision on your claim. 

IRB-RPD’s role in your claim process: 

• reviews your documents and evidence submitted in support of your refugee claim

• conducts your refugee hearing 

• decides whether your refugee claim is accepted or rejected 

You may receive calls and emails from people who introduce themselves as IRCC, CBSA, or IRB officers. It is possible that these calls are scams. For more information about common scams, please go to the Top Tips page. 

Also, you can talk to your Settlement Worker if you are not sure about the call or email that you have received. 

If you plan to start a refugee claim, visit the Legal page for more information or connect with a Settlement Worker. If you don’t have a Settlement Worker, you can find one at the Get Help page.

Visit website →