4. Prepare for your interview before you go to the border

If you go to an official Canada-U.S. land border crossing, called a Port of Entry, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will ask for:

• your passport or other identification, and
• the reason you came to Canada.

If you plan to make a refugee claim at the border, you must tell the CBSA officer immediately.

Eligibility interview

The officer decides if you meet an exception to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and the other eligibility requirements to make a refugee claim.

The CBSA officer will ask you questions like:

• who you are and what identity documents you have
• if you made a refugee claim in another country
• if you've ever been arrested or detained
• if you have ever committed any crimes

The CBSA officer may also ask you some questions about your refugee claim like:

• when you left your country
• why you left your country
• what happened to you
• what you fear will happen if you return to your country
• who you fear
• how you came to Canada
• why you decided to come to Canada when you did

Strong evidence

The CBSA officer reviews your documents. To use an exception to the STCA, such as the family member exception, bring very strong evidence to prove that you qualify.

Before going to Canada, have a Canadian immigration lawyer:

• tell you if you meet an STCA exception, the documents you need, and the questions the CBSA officer may ask
• review all documents you plan to give the officer
• prepare you to answer questions.

Translations

Documents not in English or French must be properly translated, by a

If the translation is not from a certified translator, you also need:

• an affidavit from the translator, and
• a certified photocopy of the original document.

The translator cannot be you, your family member, or your representative.

Answering questions

Answer truthfully and clearly. Tell the officer if you do not understand a question or do not know the answer.

Ask the officer for an interpreter if you need one. Tell the officer right away if you cannot understand the interpreter or have concerns.

The officer's interview notes can be used at your refugee hearing. Giving information that's untrue or not consistent with other evidence can harm your case.