What is the Basis of Claim form?
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is a very important document that you must fill out, which will be used as evidence during the review of your asylum claim.
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is where you give information about yourself and explain why you are afraid to go back to your home country. For example, you must give details about what happened to you in your country, why you are afraid, whether you asked the police to protect you in your country, whether you moved to another part of your country to find safety and why you decided to leave at that time. It is important to tell the truth, and you should get legal help to fill it out.
When do I complete the BOC form?
If you claim asylum at a port of entry (border, airport or seaport):
- You have 15 days to give the completed Basis of Claim form to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) office that you were referred to by the Canadian authorities to manage your case.
- In Québec, the timeline requirements are different. Find more details about the procedures for providing the Basis of Claim form in Québec on the IRB’s website.
If you are already in Canada:
- You must complete the Basis of Claim form along with other asylum claim forms and submit them to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. Learn more about all the steps to submit your refugee application on IRCC’s website.
What language can I use?
English or French. If an interpreter helps you complete the form, they must also sign it.
Do children need to complete a Basis of Claim (BOC) form?
All the members of your family who are claiming refugee protection must provide their own Basis of Claim form.
- 6 years old or younger: Only complete part 1 of the Basis of Claim form (who you are).
- Older than 6 years old or children without an adult: Answer all questions.
What happens if I do not complete the Basis of Claim (BOC) on time?
It can be decided that your case is abandoned, meaning that it will be closed, and you will not be allowed to make another refugee claim. Go to your abandonment hearing and explain why you missed the deadline.
The information contained here is to be used as a guide and is not legal advice. If you have any questions, please seek legal assistance.
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