Submitting your Basis of claim (BOC)

 It is strongly recommended to complete the BOC with a legal representant . Click here to get information on how to find legal representation.

What is the Basis of claim (BOC)?

The Basis of Claim (BOC) Form is the critical document in your refugee application. It provides essential information about your identity and the reasons you are seeking protection in Canada. 

You can download the BOC form here

When should I deposit my BOC?

1. If you asked for asylum when you enter Canada, you have 45 days after you receive your brown paper to deposit the BOC
2. If you are asking for asylum within Canada, you have to submit your basis of claim with your asylum application in your IRCC portal 

What if I did not find a lawyer to help me file my BOC within 45 days?

You can request an extension to the IRB to be granted more time to be able to find legal representation. At the end of the application add a detailed explanation of why you were not able to submit your BOC on time (for example, your limited financial resources to pay a lawyer, details about the steps you did to find a representant, the language barriers you are experiencing, health problems, etc).

Online

https://irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/forms/Pages/rpd-application-extend-time-submit-boc.aspx

Tips to apply when completing the BOC

• Language: The Basis of Claim must be in English or French. 
• Translation Help: If you do not know English or French, find a translator to help you or if you use any free online translation services, you can write a sentence at the end of your narrative explaining that you used an online translator to translate the information. 
• Answer All Questions: Answer all the questions on the BOC. If there are questions that do not apply to you, write N/A. Do NOT leave any question blank.
• Consistency: Make sure all the information in the BOC is the same information you gave immigration in your IRCC portal or in the interviews.
• Additional Document: Attach a separate document with your narrative if you do not have enough space to answer all the questions on the form.
• Interpreter’s Signature: If an interpreter helped you complete the form, they must signed at the end of this form.
• Copy of the BOC: Keep a copy of the BOC and the narrative 
• Form for Each Family Member: Each member of the family needs to submit a BOC, no matter the age of the child. 

How to fill out the Basis of Claim for minors?

• Child 6 years old or younger: If the child is applying with a parent, complete only the “Who you are” section of the basis of claim. The parent must sign the form.
• Child 7 years old to 17 years old: If the child is applying with a parent, complete the full BOC form. The parent must sign the form.
• Children 18 years and older must sign their own BOC Form.

How and where can I submit the BOC?

• Paper copy: You must give the original and one copy of your completed BOC Form to the RPD. You can bring your BOC Form to the regional office or you can send it by courier.

  In Montreal

  200 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, East Tower, Room 102, Montréal, QC H2Z 1X4) ,

  
  

    By fax: If you have fewer than 20 pages in total, you can also send the form by fax

  514-283-0164

  
  

  By email

  [e-mail]​

We suggest making sure IRB receives your BOC by calling them at 514-283-7733. Also to bring them a paper copy, and to send it either by email or fax in addition to the paper copy.

Making changes to the form after it is submitted?

You can make changes to your BOC up to 10 days before your hearing, especially after you receive more advice from a legal representative to do so. For example, if new events or threats happen after you deposited your first version, it can be possible to add them to your narrative before the hearing. Also, at the beginning of your refugee claim hearing, the commissioner will ask you if your BOC is complete : it is very important to present orally at that moment any missing events or facts that were not included in the written version that might be relevant : we encourage to discuss this with your legal representative

For more information about this visit After you send in your BOC Form - My Refugee Claim

If for medical reasons, you were unable to submit the Basis of claim

The Medical Certificate form (PDF, 1.18 MB) is available for use by claimants before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) who were unable or will be unable, for medical reasons, to attend a hearing or submit a Basis of Claim (BOC) form on time. This form must be signed by a doctor.

For more information visit https://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/forms/Pages/MC_form_RPD.aspx