Submitting a Refugee claim during coronavirus pandemic
If you are inside Canada and would like to file a refugee claim, you need to visit an inland office. However, during the coronavirus pandemic and until further notice, none of the inland offices accept in-person visits. Luckily the government has come up with an interim solution.
- Submit the claim by email
- Email the documents
- Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC) and IFHP
- What about the rest of the process
Step 1: Submit the refugee claim by email
You need to send a request by email to IRCC.RefugeeClaim-demandedasile.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. However, do not use this email for any other purpose. Of course, when you are applying, you need to explain your intention briefly.
Step 2: Email refugee claim documents
Upon submitting the initial request, you will receive an automated email. Consequently, you must set up a Canada Post, ePost Connect account. You will then submit all the files and documents, such as the Basis of Claim form, via ePost Connect.
Step 3: Acknowledgement of Claim
When you submit the documents, you will receive another email in a few days. Of course, Acknowledgement of Claim is an email that marks the following:
- Confirming you have an active refugee claim with the immigration authorities
- You may now use the Interim Federal Health Program.
You also need to do a medical exam.
What about the rest of the refugee claim
You will be now in line for a refugee hearing. However, this process could take several months.
If you are inside Canada and need protection because of the fear of persecution in your home country, we could help you file a refugee claim.
Updated: Jan 28, 2021
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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
