4. Prepare to answer questions

When you make a refugee claim in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer interviews you to decide if you're eligible.

If you want to use the family member exception, your family member should be at the when you enter Canada. And they must bring their valid and original identity documents.

You should also bring a printed copy of your family member's documents with you. You might not be able to use your phone during the interview.

Prepare to answer questions

The immigration officer asks you questions about you and your family member. The officer may also do other things to get more information. For example, the officer may ask your family member questions, review their immigration file, and search for them online.

Both you and your family member should be prepared to answer the officer's questions. You will likely be interviewed separately. For example, the officer may ask about:

your identities
your relationship
your family member's work history, or other information from their previous immigration applications
other family members, such as where they live, and their birthdates

The officer may also ask you and your family member questions about each other, for example:

where each of you lives and works
details about your immigration history

A lawyer can tell you what questions the officer may ask and help prepare you and your family member for the interview.

The officer might decide that you do not meet the family member exception if you or your family member cannot prove your identity or your relationship. This can also happen if either of you give information that is:

not consistent with each other's answers, or
is different from what is in your family member's immigration file.

If this happens, Canada returns you to the U.S. and you detained there. Your refugee claim also ends, and you can never make another refugee claim in Canada.

Answering questions

Answer the officer's questions truthfully. 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. Your ability to speak English or French is not important to your refugee claim. But you must understand the questions you're asked and the information in any forms you sign.

Risk of detention

You might be detained at your interview. If you're detained, you have the right to:

know why you're being detained
have a hearing within 48 hours of being detained
get help from a lawyer or other licensed representative