3. Get legal help

If you're thinking about making a refugee claim, try to get legal help as soon as possible from a refugee lawyer or other licensed representative.

If you delay and do not make your claim as soon as you can, you might not be able to get refugee protection, and you'll have to leave Canada.

Your lawyer or licensed representative can:

• tell you if you're eligible to make a refugee claim and what problems you might have to prove your claim
• prepare your application without mistakes or inconsistencies that could affect your claim
• make sure you include all the important information for your claim
• tell you what evidence to get to help prove your claim
• help you prepare for your refugee hearing

They can also tell you about the refugee claim process and help you meet deadlines.

If you’ve already started your claim

Even if you have already started your refugee claim, you should still get a lawyer or licensed representative to help you. They can review what has already been submitted, fix any mistakes or inconsistencies, help you prepare for your hearing, and represent you at your hearing.

If you’re not eligible

A lawyer or licensed representative can explain what you can do if you're not eligible to make a claim. For example, you might be eligible to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) where you explain why you fear returning to your country. Or you may have other options to delay or prevent removal.