IRCC launched the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal
On October 6th, IRCC announced the launch of the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP). This portal will be the primary means of submitting a claim for refugee protection.
In the past, people submitted claims for refugee protection via email or Connect. However, after October 6th, individuals can only make a new claim through CRPP.
How to make a refugee claim through the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal
If you are inside Canada and would like to file a refugee claim (with or without the assistance of a representative) you need to create a secure CRPP account. Then, you need to complete a questionnaire and submit supporting documents, including their completed basis of claim form, online.
You can start this process for yourselves and your in-Canada dependants. You can also authorize a legal representative to create an account (in your name) and submit a claim, on your behalf.
Please be aware that a representative can either help you complete your claim or submit a claim for you. Whoever creates the portal account is the person who must sign and submit the claim.
What if you already made a claim
If you made a claim via email or started the process via Connect, you do not need to resubmit your documents. You can continue using Connect to submit the required documentation.
If the officer tells you to come back to the port of entry or an inland office
The portal can also be used by claimants furthered inland from a port of entry, using the application number found on the acknowledgement of claim document provided by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Benefits of the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal
The CRPP improves client service by allowing individuals to submit their claim online. The Canadian Refugee Protection Portal also ensures that clients submit complete information, which reduces correspondence between the department and clients. Of course, this also allows IRCC to make faster eligibility decisions.
Also, IRCC staff will be able to use the portal to contact applicants. IRCC can request additional information or to clarify potential errors. New claimants will then be scheduled for an appointment at their nearest office to provide fingerprints, attend an interview and receive the refugee protection claimant document.
In addition, clients can receive correspondence through the CRPP, such as a request to attend a refugee claim interview with an officer. Moreover, they can receive immigration medical examination (IME) instructions.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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