UPDATE - Temporary Procedures regarding the Submission of the Basis of Claim Form in Quebec Extended Until Further Notice

March 29, 2018

The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is required if you are making a refugee claim in Canada. If you are making a refugee claim in Quebec, you must submit only the basic information outlined below for the BOC within 15 days of referral. This is a temporary procedure that will apply to all claims referred to the Refugee Protection Division in Quebec until further notice. You were provided a blank copy of the BOC by the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada at your eligibility interview.

Step 1: Providing basic information in your BOC:

Basic information that must be completed and submitted within 15 days includes:

  • Question 1: Identifying information
  • Question 8: Contact information
  • Question 9: Counsel information
  • Question 10: Language and interpreter
  • Question 11: Claimant’s declaration
  • Question 12: Interpreter’s declaration (if applicable)

If you are unable to provide answers to these questions within 15 days of referral, you must come in person to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) for a hearing to explain why you were unable to meet this time limit. The date to appear for this special hearing will be provided on your Notice to Appear.

If you do not come in person to this special hearing, your claim could be abandoned, which means you will not be able to proceed with your refugee claim in Canada.

Step 2: Providing your completed BOC:

Once you have provided this basic information, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) will send you a letter and request that you submit the remaining information for the BOC and the time limit in which you must submit the additional information. If you are not able to provide your BOC in the time limit provided, you must come in person to the IRB and explain why you were unable to meet this time limit. The date of this special hearing is on the letter sent to you from the RPD.

If you do not come in person to this special hearing, your claim could be abandoned, which means you will not be able to proceed with your refugee claim in Canada.

Please consult the complete text of the Practice Notice for more detailed information.