For many people escaping danger, persecution, or instability, Canada represents a safe and welcoming new beginning. Canada’s asylum system offers protection to individuals who qualify as refugees under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. But the process can be complex. One wrong step can lead to unnecessary delays—or worse, a rejected claim.
If you're planning to seek asylum in Canada or are already in the process, understanding common mistakes and how to avoid them can improve your chances of success. Let’s explore the five most frequent missteps asylum seekers make—and what to do instead.
One of the biggest mistakes asylum seekers make is providing incomplete or inconsistent information in their application or interview. This can happen unintentionally due to language barriers, memory gaps, or lack of documentation. However, discrepancies—no matter how small—can raise red flags and result in your claim being denied.
For example, if your written claim says you left your home country in March, but you tell an officer in an interview that it was April, it could be seen as a credibility issue. Your story needs to be consistent across all forms and interviews.
How to avoid it:
Take time to prepare your full story before submitting your Basis of Claim (BOC) form. Write down important dates, places, and events. If you’re unsure about a date or detail, explain why in your form. Seek help from an immigration lawyer or certified consultant to ensure your narrative is both accurate and clearly presented.
Once you make your refugee claim at a port of entry or inside Canada, you are required to submit the BOC form within 15 days. This form outlines the reasons you are seeking asylum and supports your claim.
Many claimants miss this deadline due to confusion, difficulty accessing support, or even postal delays. Missing the deadline without a valid explanation can lead to the automatic dismissal of your claim.
How to avoid it:
As soon as you receive your asylum documents, mark the BOC deadline on your calendar and begin working on it immediately. If you cannot complete it in time, request an extension in writing with a valid explanation and supporting proof. Remember: it’s better to file something than nothing.
The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) decides your case based on your story and the evidence you provide. Many asylum seekers don’t understand how important documentation is. Letters, reports, photos, or medical records from your home country can help prove your risk and strengthen your case.
Some claimants assume they only need to share their story, but that alone is not always enough. A lack of supporting evidence can result in rejection, even if your fear is genuine.
How to avoid it:
Gather as much supporting evidence as possible before and after submitting your claim. This could include police reports, arrest warrants, hospital documents, letters from family or witnesses, news articles about persecution, or social media posts that put you at risk. If you cannot get certain documents, explain why.
The refugee hearing is your chance to present your story and convince the IRB member that you qualify for protection. Unfortunately, many claimants are unprepared or nervous, and this can negatively affect their credibility.
Some make the mistake of not reviewing their own BOC form before the hearing, leading to contradictions or forgotten details. Others bring new evidence at the last minute, which may not be considered.
How to avoid it:
Treat your refugee hearing like a court case—it’s that serious. Read your BOC form several times and make sure your answers match what you’ve written. Practice answering possible questions clearly and calmly. Ideally, consult a legal representative who can help you prepare effectively. Also, submit any new evidence well before the hearing date.
Navigating the asylum process alone can be overwhelming. Some claimants don’t know they’re allowed to get help, while others fear they can’t afford it. This leads to avoidable mistakes, from missed deadlines to misfiled documents.
Canada offers legal aid and settlement services in many provinces to assist refugee claimants, including free or low-cost legal support, translation services, housing help, and counselling.
How to avoid it:
Don’t try to go through the process alone. Reach out to community organizations that help refugees in your city. Contact Legal Aid to find out if you qualify for support. Even if you’re confident in your claim, professional guidance can make all the difference.
This might seem basic, but losing important papers like your asylum registration, identity documents, BOC form, or letters from IRCC can create chaos during your process. Missing documents can delay your claim or confuse the hearing.
What to do:
Create a folder (physical or digital) where you store every single paper related to your asylum case. Make photocopies or scan your documents and keep backups in case something gets lost.
Claiming asylum in Canada can be a life-changing opportunity. But it’s also a legal process that requires careful planning, honesty, and strong preparation. Avoiding these five common mistakes can make the journey smoother and improve your chances of success.
Always remember—help is available. Whether through legal clinics, community organizations, or support groups, you’re not alone in this. Taking the right steps today can build a safer and more stable future for you and your loved ones in Canada.
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