RCIC News. 
Understanding your refugee claim journey after submission
On This Page You Will Find:
- Immediate confirmation steps you'll receive after submitting your refugee claim through the IRCC Portal
- Timeline expectations for eligibility interviews, biometrics, and IRB referrals
- Work permit eligibility and how to start working legally in Canada while your claim is processed
- Critical deadlines you cannot afford to miss (including the 90-day application window)
- Step-by-step breakdown of the entire review process from submission to refugee board hearing
Summary:
If you've just submitted your refugee claim through the IRCC Portal, you're probably wondering what comes next. The waiting period between submission and your eligibility interview can feel uncertain, but understanding the process helps you prepare. After IRCC receives your claim, you'll go through a structured review process that includes biometrics collection, an eligibility interview, and—if approved—referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Most importantly, eligible claimants can apply for an Open Work Permit once their claim reaches the IRB, allowing you to work for any Canadian employer while your case proceeds. Here's everything you need to know about the post-submission journey, including timelines, required steps, and how to protect your eligibility.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You'll receive email confirmation within 5 days after submitting your refugee claim through the IRCC Portal
- IRCC conducts an eligibility review and in-person interview to determine if your claim can be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
- Eligible claimants receive a Refugee Protection Claimant Document (brown paper) and have 45 days to submit their Basis of Claim form
- You can apply for an Open Work Permit immediately after IRB referral—no employer restrictions while your claim is processed
- New eligibility rules took effect June 3, 2025 that may impact your claim, so understanding current requirements is critical
You Don't Need to Resubmit Your Claim
If you're reading this after already submitting your refugee claim, take a breath—you've completed the first major step. You don't need to submit a new refugee claim through the IRCC Portal. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your existing claim and determine whether it's eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
This is important because some claimants worry they've missed a step or need to reapply when they hear about portal updates. The system that existed before September 2023—the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP)—was fully decommissioned on September 18, 2023. If you submitted through either the CRPP or the current IRCC Portal, your claim is in the system.
What Happens Immediately After Submission
Confirmation Email (Within 5 Days)
Once IRCC receives your refugee claim, they'll send you an email confirmation. This typically arrives within 5 days of submission. Don't panic if you don't see your application appear in your IRCC Portal account immediately—it can take up to 5 days for the system to update and display your submitted claim.
Keep this confirmation email. It serves as proof that IRCC received your claim and establishes your submission date, which matters for calculating deadlines later in the process.
The 90-Day Application Window
Here's something critical to understand: once you start your portal application, you have 90 days to complete and submit it. If you don't finish within that 90-day window, the system won't save your progress—you'll need to start completely over.
If you're reading this before submitting, make sure you have all necessary documents ready before you begin. If you've already submitted, you're past this hurdle.
The IRCC Review Process: What They're Looking For
After you submit your claim online, IRCC reviews it to ensure it's complete and uses the information you provided to determine eligibility. This isn't the full refugee hearing—that comes later if you're found eligible. Right now, IRCC is checking whether your claim meets the basic requirements to be referred to the IRB.
During this review, IRCC officers examine:
- Completeness of your application: Did you answer all required questions and provide necessary documentation?
- Identity verification: Can you prove who you are?
- Eligibility criteria: Does your situation fall within Canada's refugee protection framework?
- Admissibility factors: Are there any legal reasons you cannot make a refugee claim in Canada?
This review process happens behind the scenes. You won't receive daily updates, but IRCC will contact you when they need you to take action.
Your Eligibility Interview and Biometrics Appointment
The In-Person Requirement
After IRCC completes their initial review, they'll contact you to schedule two critical in-person appointments:
- Biometrics collection: Your fingerprints and photograph
- Eligibility interview: A formal interview with an IRCC officer
These appointments might happen on the same day or separately, depending on the IRCC office handling your case and their scheduling capacity.
What Happens During the Eligibility Interview
The eligibility interview serves three main purposes:
Identity Verification: Officers will confirm you are who you claim to be. Bring any identity documents you have—passport, national ID cards, birth certificates, or other government-issued identification. If you don't have documents, be prepared to explain why and provide as much detail as possible about your identity.
Security Screening: IRCC conducts background checks to ensure you don't pose a security risk to Canada. This includes checking against international databases and reviewing your travel history.
Eligibility Determination: The officer will assess whether your claim is eligible to be referred to the IRB. This involves reviewing your reasons for seeking refugee protection and checking whether any legal barriers prevent your claim from proceeding (such as having made a claim in another country or having been convicted of serious crimes).
Preparing for Your Interview
The eligibility interview can feel intimidating, but preparation helps. Be ready to:
- Clearly explain why you're seeking refugee protection
- Provide details about your identity and background
- Answer questions about your travel route to Canada
- Explain any gaps or inconsistencies in your documentation
- Discuss any previous refugee claims in other countries
Honesty is absolutely critical. Inconsistencies or false information can result in your claim being found ineligible or rejected later in the process.
If Your Claim Is Found Eligible
The Refugee Protection Claimant Document
If IRCC determines your claim is eligible, you'll receive a Refugee Protection Claimant Document—commonly called "the brown paper" because of its distinctive color. This document is incredibly important. It proves you have a valid refugee claim in process and serves as temporary identification while your claim proceeds.
Keep your brown paper safe. You'll need it to access services, apply for a work permit, and prove your legal status in Canada.
Referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board
When your claim is found eligible, IRCC refers it to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), specifically to the Refugee Protection Division (IRB-RPD). The IRB-RPD is an independent tribunal that will hold a hearing to determine whether you meet Canada's definition of a refugee or person in need of protection.
The IRB-RPD receives a copy of all the information you submitted to IRCC, so they already have your initial claim details before your hearing.
The 45-Day Basis of Claim Deadline
Here's where timing becomes critical again. After your claim is referred to the IRB-RPD, you have 45 days to complete and submit your Basis of Claim (BOC) form.
The BOC form is much more detailed than your initial IRCC Portal submission. It requires you to:
- Provide your complete personal history
- Explain in detail why you're seeking refugee protection
- Describe what you fear will happen if you return to your home country
- List all family members and their locations
- Detail your travel history and route to Canada
- Provide supporting documents and evidence
Many refugee claimants work with lawyers or legal aid clinics to complete their BOC form because it's so comprehensive and important. This document forms the foundation of your refugee hearing, so accuracy and completeness matter enormously.
Missing the 45-day deadline can have serious consequences for your claim, so mark this date on your calendar as soon as you receive your brown paper.
Your Right to Work in Canada
Open Work Permit Eligibility
Here's some genuinely good news: eligible refugee claimants don't have to wait until their IRB hearing to work in Canada. Once your claim is referred to the IRB-RPD, you can apply for an Open Work Permit.
An Open Work Permit has no employer restrictions. Unlike many other work permits that tie you to a specific employer, an Open Work Permit allows you to:
- Work for any employer in Canada
- Work in any sector or industry
- Change employers without applying for a new permit
- Work full-time or part-time
This flexibility is crucial because refugee hearings can take months or even years to schedule, depending on the IRB's backlog. Being able to work legally means you can support yourself and your family while your claim proceeds.
Applying for Your Work Permit
You can apply for an Open Work Permit as soon as your claim is referred to the IRB. You don't need to wait for your hearing date to be scheduled. The application process involves:
- Completing the work permit application form
- Paying the application fee
- Providing your Refugee Protection Claimant Document
- Submitting proof of your IRB referral
Processing times vary, but many claimants receive their work permits within a few weeks of applying. Once approved, your work permit typically remains valid until your refugee claim is finalized.
Understanding the Timeline
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
This is the question everyone asks, and unfortunately, there's no single answer. The timeline from initial submission to final refugee determination varies significantly based on:
- IRCC processing capacity: How quickly they can schedule eligibility interviews
- Complexity of your case: Claims requiring additional security checks take longer
- IRB hearing backlog: The waiting time for hearings varies by region and case complexity
- Completeness of your application: Missing information causes delays
Some claimants receive their eligibility determination within weeks, while others wait months. After IRB referral, hearing wait times can range from several months to over a year in some cases.
What You Can Do While Waiting
Waiting is difficult, especially when your future feels uncertain. Here's how to use this time productively:
Gather Evidence: Collect documents, witness statements, news articles, or other evidence supporting your refugee claim. The more evidence you can provide at your hearing, the stronger your case.
Prepare Your Testimony: Think carefully about your story. Practice explaining your experiences clearly and chronologically. Consider working with a lawyer or settlement worker who can help you prepare.
Learn About the IRB Process: Understanding what happens at a refugee hearing reduces anxiety. Many settlement agencies offer information sessions about the IRB process.
Build Your Life in Canada: Apply for your work permit, find employment, connect with community resources, and establish stability. Demonstrating that you're building a life in Canada can be relevant to your claim.
Take Care of Your Mental Health: The refugee claim process is stressful. Many communities have counseling services specifically for refugees and asylum seekers. Don't hesitate to seek support.
Important Changes for 2025
New Eligibility Rules
If you made your asylum claim on or after June 3, 2025, new eligibility rules apply. These updated regulations may affect:
- Which countries' citizens can make refugee claims in Canada
- Previous refugee claims in other countries
- Safe third country considerations
- Admissibility criteria
If your claim was submitted after June 3, 2025, it's especially important to understand how these new rules might impact your case. Consider consulting with a lawyer or accredited immigration consultant who stays current on the latest regulatory changes.
The IRCC Portal: A Brief History
Understanding the system's evolution helps clarify any confusion about different portals and processes.
On September 13, 2022, IRCC launched the new asylum online application (eApp) through the IRCC Portal. This replaced the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP) as the primary method for making inland refugee claims.
For about a year, both systems operated simultaneously as IRCC transitioned claimants to the new platform. On September 18, 2023, the CRPP was fully decommissioned, meaning all new claims must now be submitted through the IRCC Portal.
If you submitted your claim through either portal, your application is valid and will be processed. The underlying review process remains the same regardless of which portal you used.
Common Concerns and Questions
What If I Don't Hear From IRCC?
If more than 30 days have passed since you submitted your claim and you haven't received any communication from IRCC, check your spam folder first. Then check your IRCC Portal account to verify your contact information is correct.
If everything appears correct but you still haven't heard anything, you can contact the IRCC Contact Centre. Have your application number ready when you call.
Can I Travel While My Claim Is Being Processed?
Traveling outside Canada while your refugee claim is in process is extremely risky. If you leave Canada:
- Your claim may be considered abandoned
- You may not be allowed to return to Canada
- Any travel to your home country strongly suggests you don't actually fear persecution there
There are very limited exceptions for emergency travel. If you're facing a genuine emergency requiring international travel, consult with a lawyer before making any decisions.
What If My Circumstances Change?
If anything significant changes after you submit your claim but before your hearing—such as new threats against you, changes in your home country's situation, or additional family members joining you in Canada—you must inform the IRB. Your lawyer can help you submit updated information properly.
What Happens If I'm Found Ineligible?
If IRCC determines your claim is ineligible for referral to the IRB, they'll explain why and inform you of your options. Depending on the reason for ineligibility, you might be able to:
- Apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
- Submit a humanitarian and compassionate application
- Leave Canada voluntarily
- Appeal the decision (in limited circumstances)
Ineligibility doesn't always mean you have no options, but it does mean your path forward becomes more complicated. Legal advice is essential if you receive an ineligibility decision.
Moving Forward With Confidence
The refugee claim process is complex, lengthy, and often stressful. But understanding what happens after you submit your claim helps you prepare for each stage and take appropriate action when needed.
Remember these key points as you move forward:
Stay organized: Keep copies of all documents, note all deadlines, and maintain a file with everything related to your claim.
Meet deadlines: The 45-day Basis of Claim deadline is non-negotiable. Missing it can seriously harm your case.
Seek legal help: Refugee law is complicated. If you can access a lawyer or accredited representative, do so. Many legal aid clinics serve refugee claimants at low or no cost.
Be honest: Inconsistencies or false information damage your credibility and can result in your claim being rejected.
Take care of yourself: This process takes time. Build a support network, access available services, and remember that many people successfully navigate this system every year.
You've taken the first step by submitting your claim. Now you know what comes next and how to prepare for each stage of the journey ahead.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to hear back from IRCC after submitting my refugee claim through the portal?
After submitting your refugee claim through the IRCC Portal, you should receive an email confirmation within 5 days. However, this is just the initial acknowledgment—not your eligibility decision. The timeline for your actual eligibility interview varies significantly based on IRCC's processing capacity and your case complexity. Some claimants receive interview invitations within weeks, while others wait several months. During this period, IRCC is conducting background checks, reviewing your application for completeness, and scheduling resources. Your application may not appear in your IRCC Portal account immediately, which is normal and can take up to 5 days. If you haven't received any communication after 30 days, check your spam folder and verify your contact information in the portal is correct. Keep monitoring your email regularly, as IRCC will use this to schedule your critical biometrics and eligibility interview appointments. The key is to remain patient while ensuring your contact details stay current so you don't miss important notifications.
Q: What exactly happens during the eligibility interview, and how should I prepare?
The eligibility interview is a formal in-person meeting with an IRCC officer who determines whether your refugee claim can be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The officer has three primary objectives: verifying your identity, conducting security screening, and assessing your eligibility under Canadian refugee law. You'll be asked detailed questions about why you're seeking protection, your travel route to Canada, your background, and any previous refugee claims. Bring all available identity documents—passport, national ID, birth certificates, or any government-issued identification. If you lack documents, be prepared to explain why in detail. Preparation is essential: practice clearly explaining your reasons for seeking protection, review your portal application to ensure consistency, and organize any supporting documents chronologically. Honesty is absolutely critical—inconsistencies can result in ineligibility or later rejection. Consider consulting with a lawyer or settlement agency beforehand to understand what questions to expect. The interview isn't your full refugee hearing; it's a gatekeeping step to ensure your claim meets basic requirements for IRB referral.
Q: When can I legally start working in Canada after submitting my refugee claim?
You can apply for an Open Work Permit immediately after your claim is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which happens after IRCC finds your claim eligible. You don't need to wait for your hearing date to be scheduled. This Open Work Permit is employer-unrestricted, meaning you can work for any Canadian employer, in any industry, full-time or part-time, and change jobs without applying for a new permit. To apply, you'll need your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (the brown paper), proof of IRB referral, and to pay the application fee. Processing times vary but many claimants receive permits within weeks. This is crucial because refugee hearings can take months or even years due to IRB backlogs. The work permit typically remains valid until your refugee claim is finalized. However, you cannot work legally before receiving this permit—working without authorization can negatively impact your claim. If you need financial support while waiting for your work permit, contact local settlement agencies about emergency assistance programs available to refugee claimants in your area.
Q: What is the Basis of Claim (BOC) form and why is the 45-day deadline so critical?
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is a comprehensive document that forms the foundation of your refugee hearing at the IRB. After IRCC refers your claim to the IRB-RPD, you have exactly 45 days to complete and submit this detailed form. Unlike your initial IRCC Portal submission, the BOC requires extensive information: your complete personal history, detailed explanations of why you fear returning to your home country, descriptions of persecution or harm you've experienced or fear, all family members and their locations, your complete travel history, and supporting evidence. This document is significantly more detailed than your portal application and typically runs many pages. Missing the 45-day deadline can have severe consequences—it may be considered abandoned or you could lose the opportunity to present certain evidence at your hearing. Many refugee claimants work with lawyers or legal aid clinics to complete the BOC because errors or omissions can seriously harm your case. The IRB uses this document to understand your claim before your hearing, and the hearing officer will reference it when questioning you. Start working on it immediately after receiving your brown paper, gather all supporting documents early, and don't wait until the deadline approaches.
Q: What is the Refugee Protection Claimant Document (brown paper) and why is it so important?
The Refugee Protection Claimant Document, commonly called "the brown paper" due to its distinctive color, is the official document proving you have a valid refugee claim in process in Canada. IRCC issues it after determining your claim is eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board. This document serves multiple critical functions: it's your temporary identification while your claim proceeds, proof of your legal status in Canada, required documentation for applying for your Open Work Permit, necessary for accessing certain settlement services and healthcare, and verification for potential employers that you can legally work once you receive your work permit. Keep it in a safe place but accessible—you'll need to present it frequently. If you lose it, report the loss immediately and apply for a replacement, as being without this document can create significant complications. The brown paper also contains important information about your claim, including your IRB file number and referral date. This date is crucial because it starts the 45-day countdown for submitting your Basis of Claim form. Treat this document as carefully as you would a passport—it's your most important identification until your refugee claim is finalized.
Q: Can I travel outside Canada while my refugee claim is being processed?
Traveling outside Canada while your refugee claim is in process is extremely risky and generally strongly discouraged. If you leave Canada during the claim process, several serious consequences may occur: IRCC or the IRB may consider your claim abandoned, meaning you lose your refugee protection claim entirely; you may be denied re-entry to Canada; and most importantly, traveling to your home country creates a presumption that you don't actually fear persecution there, which can lead to your claim being rejected. Canadian immigration authorities view leaving Canada as inconsistent with genuinely fearing for your safety. There are very limited exceptions for emergency travel (such as a dying immediate family member), but even these require careful consideration and proper legal advice. If you're facing a genuine emergency requiring international travel, consult with an immigration lawyer before making any decisions or purchasing tickets. Some claimants mistakenly believe their brown paper or work permit allows unrestricted travel—it does not. Your refugee claim is specifically about needing Canada's protection because you cannot safely be in your home country. Leaving contradicts this fundamental premise and puts your entire claim at serious risk of being withdrawn or denied.
Q: What are the new eligibility rules that took effect on June 3, 2025, and how might they affect my claim?
On June 3, 2025, Canada implemented new eligibility regulations that may significantly impact refugee claims submitted on or after that date. While specific details of these changes require consultation with current legal resources, such regulatory updates typically affect several key areas: which countries' citizens can make refugee claims in Canada (potentially designating certain countries as "safe"), considerations regarding previous refugee claims in other countries (expanded information sharing between nations), updated Safe Third Country Agreement provisions that may affect who can claim asylum, and modified admissibility criteria that could make certain individuals ineligible. If you submitted your claim before June 3, 2025, you're generally subject to the previous rules. However, if your claim was submitted on or after this date, understanding how these new regulations apply to your specific situation is critical. The changes may affect processing procedures, evidence requirements, or eligibility criteria that weren't factors in earlier claims. Given the significance of these updates, claimants affected by the new rules should strongly consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or accredited consultant who stays current on regulatory changes. Settlement agencies and legal aid clinics can also provide information about how the new rules are being interpreted and applied in practice.
