2. Submit your BOC by the deadline

If you make your refugee claim at a Port of Entry (POE), you must send your completed BOC form to the (RPD). You must send it in within 45 days of being found eligible to make a claim.

It is very important that you meet this deadline. It's best to get legal help and start working on your BOC right away.

Extension request

If you cannot complete your BOC on time, you can ask for an extension but there's no guarantee you will get one. It's a good idea to get legal advice right away.

To ask for an extension, fill out the extension request form and give it to the RPD at least 3 business days before your BOC is due.

You must explain why you need more time and include how much extra time you need. For example, if you had difficulty finding an interpreter or a lawyer or representative, explain this in your request for more time.

You can send your completed form by email to irb.RPDapplications-DemandesSPR.cisr@irb-cisr.gc.ca. Or, you can deliver your form to the registry office your file is with:

in-person,
by courier, or
by fax.

Contact the registry office if you have questions about how to submit the form.

Medical reason

If there is a medical reason why your BOC is late, you must include:

a doctor's certificate that describes your condition, and
an explanation of how your condition prevents you from being able to file the BOC on time.

The RPD rules explain more about the medical certificate, what to do if you cannot get one, and what other is needed.

Abandonment hearing

If you do not submit your BOC by the deadline and the RPD did not give you an extension of time, you will have a special hearing to decide if your refugee claim is .

You must go to the special hearing with your completed BOC, explain why you missed the deadline, and ask for another refugee hearing. You should get legal help to do this.

If your refugee claim is considered abandoned, you lose the right to have your refugee claim decided and you cannot make another refugee claim.