4. If you’re eligible, gather documents and prepare for your hearing

If the immigration officer decides you're eligible, they send your refugee claim to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

The RPD decides if you're a Convention Refugee or person in need of protection, usually after a refugee hearing.

You can stay in Canada as a refugee claimant until your claim is decided.

The officer gives you documents including:

• Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID) that confirms your identity and eligibility for healthcare through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
• Confirmation of referral letter stating that they sent your case to the RPD

Keep these documents safe and do not lose them.

All refugee claimants also get a removal order that's only enforced if your claim is refused.

And the officer asks you to sign a document with conditions. For example, some of the conditions are that are usually included are:

• update your address with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the RPD before you move
• attend appointments, hearings, and your removal from Canada if your claim and appeals are unsuccessful.

Hearing date

It can take time to get your refugee hearing date. The RPD sends a Notice to Appear with your hearing date, time, and location. The Notice may come by mail.

If you have a lawyer or other representative the RPD sends all communications to them only.

Always update your address with CBSA, IRCC, and the RPD before you move.

The RPD can accept some less complex cases without a hearing. They send you a letter if they consider doing that in your case.

Gather evidence

Your evidence is due 10 days before your hearing. Ask your lawyer or other licensed representative  what you need and start gathering documents early.

It can take a long time to translate documents and have them reviewed. It's important that your lawyer or licensed representative reviews your portal submission and immigration forms, your eligibility interview notes, and any evidence you plan to file.

They should also prepare you for your hearing and represent you at your hearing.