1. Gather your evidence
Question and answer
How do I prepare for my refugee hearing?You must give to support your refugee claim. The (RPD) Member will look at your evidence to decide whether to accept your claim.
Ask your lawyer or other licensed representative what evidence you need. It depends on the facts of your case. Have your lawyer or licensed representative review any evidence you plan to file. In general, you must give evidence that shows:
- who you are
- how you came to Canada
- why you left your country
- how you meet the definition of a Convention Refugee or
Your evidence includes:
- your Basis of Claim (BOC) form and narrative
- what you say at your hearing
- any other evidence you file like documents that prove your identity and the risk you face in your country
- what any witnesses you bring say at your hearing
The Member compares that evidence to the information in your immigration file, including your:
- immigration forms,
- refugee portal submission,
- past interview answers, and
- any prior immigration or refugee applications.
If the evidence and information is not consistent, the Member may not believe what you say. You and your lawyer or licensed representative should compare the evidence you plan to file to the other evidence and information in your claim. Tell your lawyer or licensed representative if any information is missing, inconsistent, or incorrect and ask if any documents need to be corrected.
Anything evidence that's not in English or French needs to be translated, following the RPD’s translation rules.
It is your choice whether to have witnesses at your hearing. Witnesses can also give evidence as a written statement that you can file with the RPD. Discuss any potential witnesses with your lawyer or licensed representative. Your lawyer or licensed representative must prepare any witnesses.
Meet the deadline
You must file copies of all your documents and a list of any witnesses with the RPD registry office that your file is with at least 10 days before your hearing. Do not miss the deadline.
Start collecting evidence early because it can take a long time to prepare and translate your documents. If you have a lawyer or licensed representative, they should review all your evidence and submit the evidence to the RPD for you following the formatting rules.
Late evidence
If you miss the deadline, get legal help right away. Sometimes the RPD might accept a document late, but you need to make a request in writing using the RPD’s form as soon as possible. In the form, you need to say:
- why the document is important
- a good reason why it's late
- what you did to try to submit it on time.
How to file
You can send documents to the RPD:
- electronically by email or the My Case portal depending on your situation
- by mail, courier, or fax, or in-person in some cities
There are rules you must follow for each one. Read: How do I submit documents to the RPD or RAD?
Learn more
Talk to your lawyer or licensed representative about what evidence you need. Get more information about collecting evidence to support your refugee claim at What evidence do I need for my refugee claim?
Use our printable tipsheet to help you gather your evidence.