Changes at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

As of December 15, 2012,

• The Basis of Claim (BOC) form replaces the Personal Information Form (PIF). People who make a refugee claim at an office in Canada must submit their completed BOC during their eligibility interview. Those who make a refugee claim at a port of entry must submit their BOC to the IRB no later than 15 days after referral of their claim to the IRB.
• Hearings at the independent Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) will be conducted by public servant decision-makers rather than people appointed by the Governor in Council (GIC)
• Hearings for most claimants will be held no later than 60 days after the refugee claim is referred to the IRB.
• For claimants from designated countries of origin, hearings will be held no later than 45 days after referral to the IRB for those who make a refugee claim at a port of entry, and no later than 30 days after referral for those who make a claim at an inland CIC or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office.

Frequently asked questions

• Can a refugee claim be rejected based on what the claimant writes in their Basis of Claim form?