Regulated Canadian Immigration & Refugee Counsel

Refugee Protection Counsel

Refugee Claims in Canada

Professional advice and representation concerning refugee claim in Canada, evidence, procedure, deadlines and available remedies.

Deadlines can be short.

Refugee, appeal, reopening, removal and Federal Court matters may involve strict time limits. Obtain advice promptly after receiving a decision or notice.

A refugee claim begins a formal protection process involving eligibility screening and, if referred, adjudication by the Refugee Protection Division. Early forms and statements can shape the entire case.

Issues requiring careful review

  • Identity, nationality and immigration history
  • Detailed Basis of Claim chronology
  • Section 96 and section 97 grounds
  • State protection and internal flight alternative
  • Corroborating and country-condition evidence

How we prepare the matter

  1. Obtain the complete procedural history, decisions, notices and prior submissions.
  2. Build a detailed chronology and identify inconsistencies or missing evidence.
  3. Apply the governing legal test to the claimant’s particular facts.
  4. Develop corroborating, expert and country-condition evidence where relevant.
  5. Prepare focused written representations and hearing testimony within applicable deadlines.

Credibility and disclosure

Refugee proceedings often compare oral testimony with the Basis of Claim form, port-of-entry notes, immigration applications, documentary evidence and prior statements. An omission is not automatically fatal, but material differences should be identified early and explained truthfully with supporting evidence where available.

Frequently asked questions

Can I correct a mistake in my Basis of Claim form?

Corrections may be possible, but timing, explanation and disclosure rules matter. Obtain advice promptly rather than allowing a material error to remain unexplained.

Can a positive result be guaranteed?

No. Refugee and protection decisions are made by the responsible tribunal or authority. Representation focuses on lawful strategy, reliable evidence, procedural fairness and clear submissions.

Where can I verify the governing procedure?

See the official Canadian government or Immigration and Refugee Board information. Current rules and the complete record must be checked before taking action.

Protection decisions are fact-specific

Refugee law, procedures, country conditions and available remedies can change. Information on this page is general and is not a substitute for advice based on the complete record.

01RCIC-IRB counsel

Authorized representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board.

02Evidence-led preparation

Chronology, corroboration and country evidence developed around the legal test.

03Procedural readiness

Focused preparation for questioning, disclosure, deadlines and possible remedies.

PROTECTION MATTER OR NEGATIVE DECISION?

Speak with counsel promptly.