Claims (Port of Entry) and Inland Claims—and outlines the steps that individuals must take when they arrive in Canada and seek refugee status.
POE Claims (made at border, airport, or seaport)
- Eligibility Determination: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will decide if your claim is eligible. They will also assess if you can make a refugee claim immediately or if you need to return the next day.
- Forms: You'll need to fill out several forms including:
- Schedule 12 (Additional Information)
- Generic Application Form (IMM008)
- Schedule A - Background Declaration
- Basis of Claim (BoC) Form
- Basis of Claim Form (BoC): It's crucial to submit this form within 15 calendar days after your claim is referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). Failure to meet this deadline could result in a hearing to explain why the form wasn't submitted on time.
- CBSA Procedure: The CBSA officer will keep your documents and give you copies.
Inland Claims (made at a CIC office within Canada)
- Eligibility Determination: A Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will decide whether your claim is eligible.
- Forms: Similar to the POE process, you'll need to submit the BoC form and other documents including the Refugee Intake Form and Generic Application Form.
- Eligibility Interview: This interview is important as it determines if your claim is eligible to proceed to the RPD for a hearing. It’s crucial that you attend on time, as the interview will not be rescheduled if missed.
- Bring your passport or travel documents.
- Complete all forms fully, as incomplete submissions will result in you being asked to come back later.
Key Considerations
- Eligibility: Your claim can be found ineligible if:
- You’ve claimed refugee status in Canada before.
- You’ve been granted refugee protection by another country.
- You arrived from a “Safe Third Country” without meeting exceptions.
- You are inadmissible due to criminality or security concerns.
- Minister’s Designations: Some countries are categorized as Designated Countries of Origin (DCO) or Designated Foreign Nationals (DFN), which may result in a faster, more expedited process for claims from these countries.
Next Steps After Eligibility
If your claim is accepted, it is referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) for a hearing, which will determine whether you are granted refugee protection in Canada.
services
Once you are determined to be a refugee claimant in Canada, you will gain access to several essential services to help you navigate your claim and settle in the country. These services are designed to provide support in various areas of your life, ensuring that you have the resources needed for a safe transition.
Key Services Available for Refugee Claimants
1. Emergency Shelter and Housing
- Temporary accommodation and housing assistance will be provided while your claim is being processed. Organizations like WeCare International Ministries, for example, provide emergency shelters for refugees, offering a safe place to stay.
2. Legal Assistance and Refugee Claim Support
- Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal assistance through Legal Aid Ontario or other provincial legal aid programs. Legal counsel can help with the refugee claim process, including preparing your Basis of Claim (BoC) and representing you in hearings.
- Refugee Protection Division (RPD): If your claim is eligible, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) will hear your case. Legal support will help you navigate the RPD hearing.
3. Health Services
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): This program provides coverage for health care, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medication while you wait for provincial health insurance to be available.
- You can also be referred to local medical services or clinics that cater specifically to newcomers and refugees.
4. Settlement and Integration Support
- Settlement Agencies: Many agencies offer free settlement services, including assistance with finding housing, enrolling children in school, and connecting you with community resources. They also provide information on your rights and responsibilities in Canada.
- Language Programs (ESL): Refugee claimants can access English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to help integrate into Canadian society and improve communication skills.
5. Financial Assistance
- Interim Federal Assistance (IFA): If you do not have sufficient income, you may qualify for IFA, which provides financial support for your basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
- Social Assistance: In some provinces, refugees may also access provincial or territorial social assistance programs if needed.
6. Employment Services
- Refugee claimants may receive support with job search efforts, resume writing, and employment preparation programs. There are also various programs that help connect newcomers to employers looking for workers.
7. Counseling and Mental Health Support
- Refugee claimants, especially those who have experienced trauma, may be referred to mental health services or counseling to support their emotional well-being. There are specific programs that offer trauma-informed care for those recovering from experiences such as violence or war.
8. Education and Schooling for Children
- Refugee children can be enrolled in local public schools, and there are programs to support their integration into the Canadian educational system. Some programs also provide language support for students who need assistance in English or French.
9. Community and Social Support Networks
- Various community organizations and religious groups offer social support and integration programs. These can provide a sense of belonging, help with navigating Canadian culture, and assist in building social connections.
10. Follow-up Services
- After your claim is processed, follow-up support may be available through social services or settlement agencies to ensure that you successfully adapt to life in Canada, especially if you have been granted refugee status.
Accessing These Services
- Initial Contact: It is often recommended that you get in touch with settlement agencies, refugee support organizations, and legal services as soon as possible after you have made your claim.
- Referral Systems: Many of these services are accessed through referrals from immigration offices, legal advisors, or community organizations that specialize in supporting refugees.
Conclusion
The Canadian government, along with community organizations, offers a wide range of services to help refugee claimants settle and integrate into Canadian society. Accessing these services can significantly improve your chances of successfully adapting to life in Canada and receiving protection.
If you are a refugee claimant or know someone who is, it is important to be aware of the resources available and how to access them to ensure a smooth transition. Would you like help finding specific services or more details on any of these options?
