The refugee process can be very confusing.
But there are lots of good resources than can help you.

Check the following resources to understand the refugee process and the removal process (deportation). If you like to receive Updates for Refugees by email, click subscribe and select Updates for Refugees mailing list. If you have already subscribed to our newsletter, you can still use this link to update your existing profile and be added to the mailing list.

Refugee Process Flow Chart

Source: CLEO

This flow chart will help you to visualize the refugee determination system and the different options available as you move through it.
You will see two flowchart options: inland claim or port-of-entry claim.

My Refugee Claim

Source/image credit: My Refugee Claim Website

This website is a guide for people making refugee claims in Canada. Use the eight sections to find where you are at, learn what you must do, and prepare for what is next. You can also download an Orientation Booklet to stay organize.

Hearing Decision Making

Source/image credit: MeetGary

The meetgary.ca website will help you understand how decision makers at the Immigration and Refugee Board make their decisions. Available in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic.

Steps to Justice

Source: CLEO

This website will answer many of your questions about the refugee process. Also, learn about your rights related to housing, employment, income, COVID-19 and more.

Immigration and Refugee Board

The IRB is the independent tribunal of the Government of Canada responsible for refugee determination decisions. Visit their website for updates about hearing processes, as well as information about making a claim, filing an appeals, making a complaint and more.

Your Refugee Hearing

Source/image credit: CLEO

Check out this interactive site to see what to expect in the waiting room, in the hearing room and tips and resources before, during and after your hearing.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Source: Immigration Canada

Check out the official Government of Canada information about making a refugee claim, irregular border crossings, appeals, services, avoiding fraud, statistics and more.

Attend a Ready Tour

Source/image credit: Kinbrace

Learn about the refugee hearing, including what to expect on your hearing day and how you can prepare. Register for a Ready Tour today!

Safe Third Country Agreement

Source: Canadian Council for Refugees

If you or someone you know is in USA and wants to make a refugee claim at the Canadian Border, make sure you know who is eligible and process. Not all people are eligible to make a refugee claim at the US-Canada border!

REMOVALS PROCESS:
A Guide for People with a Refused Refugee Claim

By Kathryn Tomko Dennler, Brianna Garneau, with Romero House; November 2022

This guide will help answer many of your questions about the removal process. Also learn about the different stages.

DEPORTING REFUGEES:
Hidden Injustice in Canada

By Kathryn Tomko Dennler, Brianna Garneau, with Romero House; November 2022

This report is about Immigration removals of individuals ordered to leave Canada by the Canada Border Services Agency. It also examines the coordination of information shared by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, an independent tribunal, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which supports the agency’s monitoring and enforcement of removal orders.

Receive our Updates for refugees by email

If you like to receive Updates for Refugees by email, click Subscribe and select Updates for Refugees mailing list. If you have already subscribed to our newsletter, you can still use this link to update your existing profile and be added to this mailing list.