Refugee Claims

You are not alone

If you are seeking protection in Canada because you fear persecution, torture, or threats to your safety in your home country, you've come to the right place.

At Fireweed, we understand that making a refugee claim is one of the most difficult and frightening experiences a person can face. You may be far from home, separated from family, traumatized by what you have endured, and uncertain about your future. We want you to know: you are not alone, and we are here to help you.

Your story matters. Your safety matters. And you deserve to have your claim heard with dignity, respect, and the strongest possible representation.

As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, we provide professional, compassionate advocacy for individuals and families seeking refugee protection in Canada. We will stand beside you throughout this process, ensure you understand what is happening at every stage, and fight for your right to safety and protection.

How We Can Help

If you are in Canada and fear returning to your home country, you can make a refugee claim. We guide you through every step of this process:

We will make sure your story is heard and that you have the strongest possible representation.

What we can do:

• Assess your eligibility to make a refugee claim

• Prepare your Basis of Claim (BOC) form—the document that tells your story

• Gather supporting evidence and documentation

• Prepare you for your hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)

• Represent you at your RPD hearing

• Present your case clearly and powerfully to the decision-maker

• Support you through to a final decision

Who we help

• Seeking refugee protection in Canada due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion

• Fleeing violence, torture, or threats to their life in their home country or country of habitual residence

• LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression

• Women and girls fleeing gender-based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, or domestic violence

• People fleeing war zones or armed conflict where their safety cannot be guaranteed

• Individuals facing removal from Canada who fear for their safety

• Protected persons seeking to reunite with their spouse or dependent children in Canada

• Failed refugee claimants exploring alternative pathways to remain in Canada on humanitarian grounds

No matter your circumstances, no matter where you come from, no matter what you have experienced—you deserve to be heard, and we are here to ensure you have that opportunity.

We provide services to individuals and families who are:

What to expect

Step 1: Filing Your Claim You make your refugee claim either at a port of entry when you arrive in Canada, or from within Canada at an IRCC office. You will receive a Basis of Claim (BOC) form.

Step 2: Basis of Claim Form This is the detailed form where you explain why you are seeking protection. This document is critical—it tells your story and explains why you fear returning to your country. We help you complete this thoroughly and accurately.

Step 3: Gathering Evidence We work with you to gather supporting documents: identity documents, country condition reports, medical records, photos, letters from witnesses—any evidence that supports your claim.

Step 4: The Hearing You will have a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board. A decision-maker will hear your testimony, ask you questions, and review the evidence. We will be with you, representing you and advocating for your protection.

Step 5: The Decision After your hearing, the RPD will issue a written decision. If your claim is accepted, you will become a protected person in Canada and can apply for permanent residence. If refused, we will discuss next steps, including appeals or alternative applications.

Timeline: Refugee claims can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog at the IRB. We understand this waiting period is difficult, and we will keep you informed throughout.

How We Work With Refugee Claimants

Trauma-Informed & Culturally Sensitive

Your Story, Your Voice

We understand that many refugee claimants have experienced significant trauma. We approach every case with sensitivity, patience, and respect for your experiences. You will never be rushed, pressured, or judged.

We also recognize that cultural background shapes how people experience and communicate about trauma. We work to understand your perspective and honor your cultural context throughout the process.

Telling your story can be painful, but it is also powerful. We will help you articulate your experiences in a way that decision-makers will understand, while always respecting your dignity and your right to tell your story in your own words.

We will never:

• Pressure you to share details you're not ready to share

• Make you feel judged for your experiences

• Rush you through the process

• Dismiss your fears or concerns
  

We will always:

• Listen to you with respect and compassion

• Believe you

• Treat you with dignity

• Fight for your right to protection

• Stand beside you throughout the process

Refugee hearings can be intimidating, but preparation makes all the difference. We will:

• Prepare you thoroughly for your hearing so you know what to expect

• Conduct practice sessions so you feel more comfortable

• Explain the types of questions you may be asked

• Help you organize your thoughts and your story

• Gather all supporting evidence and documentation

• Ensure you are as ready as possible for your hearing day

On hearing day, we will be there with you, representing you and advocating for your protection.

Clear Communication in Your Language

The refugee claim process can be confusing, especially if English is not your first language. We explain everything in clear, simple terms and ensure you understand what is happening at every step.

Language services:

• We speak English, Spanish, and French

• We can arrange professional interpreters for other languages

• All important documents and decisions will be explained to you in a language you understand

Thorough Preparation

What it comes to Refugees, our mission is to uphold Canada's humanitarian tradition by providing empowering, culturally sensitive support to those seeking protection. We understand that the path to protection can feel impossibly difficult. But you are not alone, and we will fight for you every step of the way.

We do not give up on our clients. We believe in your right to safety, and we will advocate for you with everything we have.

Fighting for You When the Odds Feel Overwhelming

Our Services for Refugee Claimants

How We Can Help You

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

If your refugee claim has been denied and you face removal from Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). This is an application that assesses whether you would face danger if returned to your country.

How we can help:

• Assess your eligibility for a PRRA

• Gather new evidence or evidence of changed circumstances

• Prepare comprehensive written submissions

• Present your case to IRCC for reconsideration

• Advocate for your right to remain in Canada where you are safe

Even if your refugee claim was refused, there may still be options. We will explore every available pathway to protect you.

Refugee Claims (Refugee Protection Division)

If you are in Canada and fear returning to your home country, you can make a refugee claim. We guide you through every step of this process:

What we do:

• Assess your eligibility to make a refugee claim

• Prepare your Basis of Claim (BOC) form—the document that tells your story

• Gather supporting evidence and documentation

• Prepare you for your hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)

• Represent you at your RPD hearing

• Present your case clearly and powerfully to the decision-maker

• Respond to any concerns or questions raised during the hearing

• Support you through to a final decision

We will make sure your story is heard and that you have the strongest possible representation.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to be a refugee?

A refugee is someone who has fled their home country because they have a well-founded fear of persecution and cannot return there safely. Under international law, refugees are people who face serious harm based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (such as LGBTQ+ individuals, women fleeing gender-based violence, or members of ethnic minorities). Refugees are not simply migrants seeking better opportunities—they are people whose safety and lives are at risk. Canada, as a signatory to various international agreements, has a legal and moral obligation under international law to protect refugees and assess their claims fairly and compassionately.

What happens if my claim is accepted?

If your claim is accepted, you become a protected person in Canada. You can apply for permanent residence, apply for a travel document, sponsor your spouse or dependent children to join you, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

What is a refugee claim?

A refugee claim is a request for Canada's protection because you fear persecution, torture, or threats to your life in your home country. If accepted, you become a protected person and can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

What happens if my claim is refused?

A refusal does not necessarily mean the end. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), apply on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds, or seek judicial review. We will review your options with you.

Who is eligible to make a refugee claim?

You may be eligible if you have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and your government is unable or unwilling to protect you. Some people are ineligible, including those who have already been granted protection in another country or who arrived via the Canada-US border (with some exceptions). Contact us to assess your eligibility.

Where can I learn more about you?

You can explore other sections of this website, such as the "About Us" page or our blog, to learn more about our company, mission, and team.

What is the process for receiving refugee status?

You will need to file your claim, complete a Basis of Claim (BOC) form telling your story, gather evidence, and attend a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board, before receiving a decision. The process typically takes several months to over a year. We guide you through every step.

Confidentiality and Safety

Your Information Is Safe With Us

We understand that safety and confidentiality are paramount for refugee claimants.

Your privacy is protected:

• All communications with us are strictly confidential

• We are bound by professional standards of confidentiality

• We will never share your information without your consent

• Your case details are stored securely

If you are concerned about your safety:

• You can speak with us confidentially about any safety concerns

• We can discuss secure methods of communication

• We will work with you to ensure your safety throughout the process

You Deserve Safety. You Deserve Protection. You Deserve a Future.

Making a refugee claim takes immense courage. You have already survived so much, and now you are taking steps to build a safe future for yourself and your family.

Canada has protected countless refugees over the years—people who have gone on to build new lives, contribute to their communities, raise their children in safety, and find peace after unimaginable hardship.

You deserve that same chance.

Your story matters. Your safety matters. And we are here to help you achieve both.

You are not alone. Contact us today.

Email

info@fireweedimmigration.com