travel refugee document canada

Travel outside of Canada for refugees

People in Canada as refugees can travel outside Canada, but until they become Canadian citizens, they need to be aware of several considerations. This applies to resettled refugees (whether privately sponsored or Government-Assisted) who mostly receive permanent residence status as soon as they arrive in Canada. It also applies to people who are determined to be refugees (Protected Persons) within Canada, either by the Immigration and Refugee Board, or through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.

Refugee Travel Document

It is important that a person who has come to Canada through a refugee resettlement program or has been recognized in Canada as a refugee no longer use a passport from their home country because it could cause their status to be revoked through cessation (see below).

Once refugees meet the necessary requirements, they can apply for Canadian citizenship and, once they are citizens, they can travel with a Canadian passport. However, in the meantime, whether they have permanent residence or not, they need to apply to the Government of Canada for a Refugee Travel Document in order to travel outside Canada.

A Refugee Travel Document can be used as a passport to travel to other countries (but not to the person's country of origin). However, it is not the same as having a Canadian passport. Some countries which allow Canadians to enter visa-free require a visa from a person travelling with a Refugee Travel Document. It is the person’s responsibility to contact the consulate or embassy of the country where they would like to travel to check any visa requirements.

The processing time for the travel document can vary so it is a good idea to wait to make firm travel plans (such as buying an airplane ticket) until the document has been received - and any necessary visas obtained.

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, fill out the application under ‘Travel document applications for stateless and protected persons in Canada’. See here for more information. 

Loss of refugee status (cessation)

Canada offers protection to refugees because they have shown that they are in danger in their home country. However, Canadian government has the right to remove someone’s refugee status if it believes that the person accepted the protection of their home country (known as “re-availment”) after obtaining refugee status in Canada.

This could happen if a person:

• Travels to their home country (even for a short visit)
• Travels using the passport of their home country
• Applies for a new passport from their home country

If a person has done one of the above-mentioned things, it may not automatically be a problem. It is up to the Canada Border Services Agency to decide which cases to pursue. If they pursue the case, and the person loses their refugee status, they may also automatically lose their permanent residence (if they have it).

As this is a very serious issue, it is important to understand which actions to avoid. For more information please see the CCR's resource: Basic Information about Cessation .

Re-entry into Canada with a permanent resident card

For people who have permanent residence, a permanent resident card is required to return to Canada. See here for more information. 

Check to make sure that your permanent resident card will not expire while you are on your trip. It is possible to get a Permanent resident travel document while you are overseas, but it can be a hassle.

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Can I apply for an eTA with a Refugee Travel Document?

No. Most people using a Refugee Travel Document to travel to Canada will  need a visitor visa .

Exceptions:

• If you have a valid  Canadian Refugee Travel document , you are exempt from both the visa and eTA requirements.
• If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States and don’t have a passport, you can travel to Canada with your valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571) and official proof of your lawful permanent resident status.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [green card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Claimant's Guide (Print version)

​​Version 5 - 2018

Table of contents

About this guide, an introduction to refugee protection in canada, definitions, at a port of entry, at an inland office, getting a truthful and completed boc form submitted on time, responsibilities regarding documents and hearing, keeping your contact information and your counsel’s contact information up to date with the irb, once you have a scheduled hearing date, which language will the rpd use with me, when can the rpd declare that my claim has been abandoned, can i withdraw my refugee protection claim, what is a basis of claim form (boc form), how long do i have to complete my boc form , if you made your claim at a port of entry, if you made your claim at an inland office, what language can i use to complete my boc form , do children need to complete a boc form , do i need a designated representative (dr), what happens if i do not give my completed boc form on time, what happens if i do not give my contact information on time, can i make changes to my boc form , do i need counsel to represent me in my claim, who can be counsel, what if my counsel wants to represent me in the other official language, how do i get my documents if my counsel is no longer representing me, how will i know when my hearing will be held, if you are not available on the hearing date, can i change the official language i asked the rpd to use with me after submitting my boc form , what will happen if i change the official language i asked the rpd to use with me, can i change the language to be interpreted at my hearing after submitting my boc form , do i have to give the rpd any documents, when does the rpd need to receive my documents, do my documents need to be translated, what other documents will the rpd use to decide whether to accept my claim, what do i need to show in order for my claim to be accepted.

• Can I attend an information session about RPD hearings?

Who will make a decision about my claim?

Will an interpreter be provided for me, do my children need to come to the hearing, can i bring witnesses.

• You will take a solemn affirmation
• You will testify
• Witnesses will testify
• Comments (representations) will be made about your case
• A decision will be made

If your claim is allowed

If your claim is rejected, getting help.

This guide is for people who are claiming refugee protection in Canada. It will give you basic information about:

• how decisions are made about refugee protection in Canada;
• what the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) does; and
• what you need to do.

The IRB is an independent tribunal responsible, through its Refugee Protection Division (RPD), for deciding refugee protection claims in Canada.

You can be given refugee protection in Canada if you meet the United Nations (UN) definition of a Convention refugee, or if you are a person in need of protection. The UN defines Convention refugees as people who have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Membership in a particular social group can include, but is not limited to, sexual orientation, gender identity, women who fear domestic violence and HIV status. Persons in need of protection must show that if they return to their home country, they will face a danger of torture, a risk to their life or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

This guide provides general information about the refugee protection process. It is not a legal document. For more precise legal information, please see the Immigration and Refugee   Protection Act , the Immigration and Refugee Protection   Regulations and the Refugee Protection Division Rules .

You can find all of these documents on the IRB website at: www.irb-cisr.gc.ca

Abandoned claim : If you do not do everything necessary for the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) to make a decision about your claim, the RPD may decide that you do not want to continue with your claim. For example, this can happen if you do not provide your Basis of Claim Form on time, if you do not go to your hearing, or if you do not contact the RPD when you are asked to do so.

If the RPD declares your claim abandoned, you will not be allowed to continue with your claim or make another claim in the future.

Basis of Claim Form ( BOC Form ) : The form in which you give information about yourself and about why you are claiming refugee protection in Canada.

Convention refugee : A person who meets the definition of “refugee” in the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. You are a Convention refugee if:

• you have left your home country (your country of nationality or, if you do not have one, the country where you usually lived in the past);
• you have a well‑founded fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group; and
• you are unable or, because of your fear, unwilling to try to get the protection of your home country.

Contact information: this is the information needed to be able to contact you or your counsel. It includes your current full address and your phone numbers where you can be reached. Your counsel’s contact information must also include his or her fax numbers and email address.

Counsel : A person who represents you in the refugee protection process.

If your counsel is charging you a fee or receiving other payment, they must be a member in good standing of a provincial law society (lawyers and paralegals, in a province that allows paralegals to be members of the law society), of the Chambre des notaires du Québec, or of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants​.

Counsel can also be a family member, a friend or a volunteer who represents you without charging you a fee.

Designated country of origin (DCO) : A country designated as a DCO by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/reform-safe.asp).

Designated foreign national : A person who is part of a group that the Minister identified as an “irregular arrival.”

Designated representative  (DR) : A person who is responsible for protecting the interests of a child less than 18 years old or of an adult who is unable to understand what the refugee protection process is about. The designated representative is also responsible for explaining the refugee protection process to that person. In the case of children less than 18 years old, the designated representative is usually the child’s parent. However, another family member, a legal guardian, a friend or a worker from a social services agency can also be the designated representative if they meet the requirements.

Eligibility / eligible to be referred : This is the first step in the refugee protection claim process. An officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides whether your claim meets certain basic conditions. If it does, the officer sends (“refers”) it to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB , which will make a decision on your claim for refugee protection.

Excluded person : A person who cannot be considered a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection because he or she has committed a serious, non‑political crime outside Canada, a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, and people who are guilty of acts that are contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It also includes people who do not need protection because they live in a country where they have rights and obligations that are similar to those of a citizen of that country.

Inland office: Any office of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inside Canada.

Legal aid : A service offered by some provincial or territorial governments in Canada, in which the government may pay for certain legal services for some people who do not have enough money to pay a lawyer.

Member : The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) decision-maker who hears your claim and decides whether to accept it.

Minister’s participation : When the Minister of Public Safety or the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship decides to participate in your claim and becomes a party in the refugee protection process. A representative from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (Minister’s counsel) acts for the Minister before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).

Party : The claimant and, if the Minister participates in your claim, the Minister.

Permanent resident : The right to live, work, study and remain in Canada under specific residency obligations.

Person in need of protection : A person in Canada who would be subjected personally to a danger of torture, a risk to their life, or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if they were returned to their home country (their country of nationality or, if they do not have one, the country where they usually lived in the past).

Port of Entry (POE): An airport, a seaport or a Canada-United States border crossing.

Refugee Appeal Division (RAD): The Division of the IRB that decides appeals of decisions made by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). In most cases, the RAD will proceed without a hearing, on the basis of the documents provided by the parties and the RPD record .

Refugee protection : The protection given by Canada to a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

Refugee Protection Division (RPD): The division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) that hears claims for refugee protection made in Canada and decides whether to accept them.

Vulnerable person:   Vulnerable persons are individuals whose ability to present their cases before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is severely impaired. Such persons may include, but would not be limited to, the mentally ill, minors, the elderly, victims of torture, survivors of genocide and crimes against humanity, women who have suffered gender-related persecution, and individuals who have been victims of persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Vulnerable persons can apply to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) for procedural accommodations at their hearing.

Withdrawing : If you decide not to continue with your refugee protection claim, you must tell the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) in writing that you are withdrawing your claim. If you withdraw your claim, you will not be permitted to make another claim for refugee protection in Canada.

Working days: Days which do not include Saturdays, Sundays or other days on which the Board offices are closed.

Claiming Refugee Protection

How do i make a claim for refugee protection.

You can make a claim for refugee protection by speaking to an officer at any port of entry when you arrive in Canada, or at an inland office .

The officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will decide whether your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). If your claim is eligible, it will be sent (“referred”) to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB to start the claim for refugee protection process.

If you make your claim at a port of entry , you will be given a Confirmation of Referral and a Basis of Claim Form ( BOC Form ) to complete. You must give your completed BOC Form to the RPD no later than 15 days after the date your claim was sent to the RPD . At a later date, the RPD will send you a Notice to Appear for a Hearing that will tell you when and where your claim will be heard.

If you make your claim at an inland office , you must give your completed BOC Form to the officer who decides whether your claim is eligible. That officer will give you a Confirmation of Referral. At a later date, the RPD will send you a Notice to Appear for a Hearing that will tell you when and where your claim will be heard.

At your hearing, an RPD decision-maker called a member will decide whether your claim should be allowed or not.

What are my responsibilities?

• You must give information that is complete, true and correct in your BOC Form .
• You must provide this BOC Form to the officer if you are claiming inland.
• You must provide this BOC Form to the RPD within 15 days of your claim being sent to the Board, if you made your claim at a port of entry.
• You must make sure that the RPD receives all of the documents it asks you for, including your BOC Form , on time.
• You are responsible for obtaining and providing any documents that may support your protection claim. You must make arrangements now to get these supporting documents without delay.
• You must go to your hearing.
• You must read all of the documents the RPD sends you and make sure that the RPD receives an answer on time if one is asked for or is needed.
• You must give the RPD your current address and phone number. If you did not give your address to the CBSA or IRCC officer at your eligibility interview, you must give it to the RPD no later than 10 days after you receive your Confirmation of Referral.
• If you move, you must give your new address to the RPD immediately.
• If you have counsel, you must give the RPD your counsel’s address and telephone number immediately.
• You must tell the RPD your new counsel’s contact information if you change counsel.

Changing the language of your hearing

• You must tell the RPD if you want to change the official language (English or French) you chose for your hearing at least 10 days before the hearing.
• You must tell the RPD if you want to change the language or dialect to be interpreted at your hearing at least 10 days before the hearing.

Changing the location of your hearing

• You may ask the RPD to change the location of your hearing. You must ask at least 20 days before your hearing. The RPD will only agree to change the location of the hearing in certain circumstances.
• (a) whether you are residing in the location where you want the hearing to be held;
• (b) whether a change of location would allow the proceeding to be full and proper;
• (c) whether a change of location would likely delay the proceeding;
• (d) how the change of location would affect the Division’s operations;
• (e) how a change of location would affect the parties;
• (f) whether a change of location is necessary to accommodate a vulnerable person; and
• (g) whether a hearing may be conducted by means of live telecommunication with the claimant.

Changing the date or time of your hearing

• You may ask the RPD to change the date or time of your hearing. You must ask at least 3 working days before the hearing. The RPD will only agree to change the date or time of your hearing in exceptional circumstances.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. You can choose which official language you would like the RPD to use with you (for example, during your hearing and in documents) in the “Language and Interpreter”section of your BOC Form .

If you do not understand English or French, the RPD will have an interpreter for you at your hearing. You must write the language and dialect you want to use in the “Language and Interpreter”section of your BOC Form .

The RPD may declare that your claim has been abandoned if you:

• do not provide a completed BOC Form on time;
• do not provide your current and correct contact information;
• do not go to your refugee protection claim hearing; or
• do not go to your special hearing on the abandonment of your claim, if you are required to do so.

If your claim is declared abandoned, it will not be heard. This also means that you will not be allowed to make another refugee protection claim in the future and you will most likely be required to leave Canada.

Before your hearing, if you decide that you do not want to continue with your claim, you must tell the RPD in writing that you are withdrawing your claim.

Basis of Claim Form and Paperwork

The purpose of the BOC Form is to present your refugee protection claim to the RPD . In the BOC Form , you will give details about yourself (your identity, family, documents and travel history) and about why you are claiming refugee protection in Canada. The questions in the form will help you include the most important parts of your life experience. It is important that you include all important facts and events and tell the truth.

At your hearing, a member may ask you questions about anything you have included in your BOC Form and may ask you other questions about things not included in your BOC Form . The RPD will use the information in your BOC Form when it makes a decision about your claim. Therefore, it is important for everything in your BOC Form to be complete, true and correct.

You must sign and date your BOC Form . By signing your BOC Form , you are declaring that the information in it is complete, true and correct.

It depends on where you made your claim.

If you made your claim at a port of entry, you must give the original and one copy of your completed BOC Form to the RPD no later than 15 days after the date the IRCC or the CBSA sent your claim to the RPD to start the refugee protection process. You can bring your BOC Form to the RPD yourself, or you can send it by courier. If you have fewer than 20 pages in total, you can also send the form by fax. If you do not provide your original BOC Form to the RPD , such as if you send it by fax, you will have to provide the original at the beginning of your hearing.

Do not send your BOC Form by regular mail.

If you made your claim at an inland office, you must give your original completed BOC Form and one copy of it to the IRCC or CBSA officer on the day of your eligibility interview. The IRCC or the CBSA will give your completed BOC Form to the RPD .

You must complete your BOC Form in either English or French. If an interpreter helps you complete the form, the interpreter must also sign it. If no interpreter helps you, you must sign a statement (which is part of your BOC Form ) that means that you have read and that you understand the information on the BOC Form in the language (English or French) in which you completed it.

All the members of your family who are claiming refugee protection must provide their own BOC Form . For children who are six years old or younger, you only need to complete Part 1 of the BOC Form (“Who you are”). Children older than six and all children who do not have an adult with them must answer all of the questions. If you complete the BOC Form for a child in your care who is less than 18 years old, you or the person named by the RPD as the child’s designated representative must sign the child’s BOC Form .

A designated representative (DR) is a person who is responsible for protecting the interests of a child less than 18 years old or of an adult who is unable to understand what the refugee protection process is about. The designated representative is also responsible for explaining the refugee protection process to that person.

In the case of accompanied children less than 18 years old, the designated representative is usually the child’s parent. However, another family member, a legal guardian, a friend or a worker from a social services agency can also be the designated representative if they meet the requirements.

The decision to designate a representative is made by the RPD as early as possible in the process. If your children are claiming refugee protection, please fill out the Appointment of a Designated Representative for Accompanied Minors form and submit it when you submit your Basis of Claim Form.

If you do not provide your completed BOC Form on time, the RPD may declare that your claim has been abandoned. This means that your claim will not be heard. Before declaring your claim abandoned, the RPD will hold a special hearing for abandonment no later than five working days after your BOC Form was due. At this special hearing, you will have to explain why you could not provide a completed BOC Form on time and why the RPD should continue with your claim. So it is very important that you go to this special hearing.

The date for this special hearing will appear in the “Special Hearing date if the Basis of Claim Form is not received on time” section of the Confirmation of Referral.

If you did not give your address in Canada to the IRCC or to the CBSA when your claim was sent to the RPD to begin the refugee protection process, you must give it to the RPD and to the IRCC or to the CBSA (whichever sent your claim to the RPD ) no later than 10 days after the day you received your Notice to Appear for a Hearing. You must also tell the RPD as well as the IRCC or the CBSA immediately if you move. If you do not provide your contact information to the RPD on time, the RPD may not be able to contact you and may declare your claim abandoned.

Yes. If you find a mistake on your BOC Form or realize that you forgot something important, or receive additional information, you must tell the RPD . Make sure to underline the information you changed or added, sign and date the changed pages, and send the original and one copy of all the pages that have been changed to the RPD . You must also provide a declaration stating that the information in the BOC Form together with the changes and additions is complete, true and correct and that you understand that the declaration has the same force as an oath. The RPD will then forward a copy of those changed pages to the IRCC or the CBSA (whichever sent your claim to the RPD ). The RPD must receive the new pages at least 10 days before your hearing.

You may represent yourself. You are not required to have a counsel to represent you. However, you may decide that you want someone to help you present your case at your hearing. If a date has already been set for your hearing, ensure that the counsel you choose is available on the date of your hearing. You must also immediately give your counsel’s contact information in writing to the RPD and also to the IRCC or to the CBSA (whichever sent your claim to the RPD ). Contact information means address, phone number, fax number and email address, if any. If you change counsel during your claim process, you must notify the RPD by completing a new Counsel Contact Information form.

Your counsel may be:

• a member in good standing of a provincial law society (lawyer or paralegal, in a province that allows paralegals to be members of the law society);
• a member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; or
• an immigration consultant who is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants​.

Only a counsel as described above can represent you at the RPD and charge you a fee . If you decide to hire a counsel, you must hire this person at your own expense. If you do not have enough money to pay for counsel, you may contact the legal aid office in your province to find out what help, if any, is available. Please refer to the list of provincial legal aid offices included in your Claimant’s Kit.

Your counsel must give the RPD the name of the organization they belong to, as well as their membership identification number, and must also complete the Counsel Contact Information form ( IRB -101.02) included in your Claimant’s Kit. This form is also available on the IRB website.

Your counsel can also be a family member, a friend or a volunteer who may represent you without charging you a fee. In this case, you need to complete the Notice of Representation Without a Fee or Other Consideration form included in your Claimant’s Kit. This form is also available on the IRB website.

If your counsel prefers to represent you in the official language (English or French) other than the one you asked the RPD to use with you, your counsel has the right to do so. You must tell the RPD about this at least 10 days before the hearing.

If you were represented by counsel for a portion of the claim process, but you decide that you are no longer going to be represented by that counsel, it is important to get all of the documents you need in order to be completely ready for your hearing.

We encourage you to keep a copy of the BOC Form and all other documents, even if your counsel has a copy. If you did not keep a copy of those documents and were unable to get them from your former counsel, you may contact the RPD well before your hearing for copies of those documents.

If you have new counsel representing you, it is your responsibility to make sure that your new counsel receives all of the documents you have to support your claim . These include documents that were provided to your previous counsel by you, the RPD or the Minister (if the Minister is participating in your hearing).

Preparing for Your Hearing

Your hearing is an important moment in the refugee protection process because the hearing is usually when the RPD decides whether you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

The RPD will send you a Notice to Appear for a Hearing, which will tell you when and where to go. This notice will also tell you the time when your hearing will start and the time you must arrive. Please make sure that you follow the instructions you get with the Notice to Appear. Please tell the RPD if your address or telephone number changes, so that you receive all of the RPD 's notices and letters. You may use our Notification of Client Contact Information form, which can be accessed from our website at http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/forms/Pages/IrbCisr10101.aspx.

What happens if I am not available and/or my counsel is not available on the hearing date?

The RPD makes every effort to contact counsel and arrange your hearing on a date when you and your counsel are available.

Once a hearing date has been set, you and your counsel (if you have one) must be ready for the hearing on that date. However, in some cases, you can apply to the RPD to change the date and time of your hearing.

The RPD expects claimants to be ready to proceed on the date set for their hearing. The RPD will only agree to change the date or time of your hearing if there are exceptional circumstances. For example, it may agree if you are a vulnerable person who needs accommodation, if there has been an emergency or if something happened outside your control and you did everything you could to continue with your claim.

If you apply to change the date and time and do not receive an answer or if your application to change the date and time is refused, then you must go to your hearing on the date and time set by the RPD .

If you have been told that the IRCC or the CBSA will be participating in your hearing, you must send a copy of your application to change the date and time to the IRCC or CBSA representative.

When you give your original application to the RPD , you also need to include a written statement on how and when you gave a copy of your application to the IRCC or the CBSA .

You can apply to change the date or time of your hearing only if you have a very good reason why you cannot be there on the date set by the RPD . You must apply in writing immediately after receiving the Notice to Appearfor a Hearing with your hearing date. The RPD must receive your application at least three working days before the date set for your hearing. If your hearing date is less than three working days away, you must go to your hearing and apply in person.

In your application, you must explain why you want to change the date or time of your hearing. You must also give at least three new dates and times when you will be available for your hearing. These three new dates must be no later than 10 working days after the hearing date set by the RPD .

If the reason you want to change your hearing date is medical, you must attach a medical certificate to your application. This certificate must:

• be recently dated;
• be signed by a qualified medical practitioner;
• have the name and address of the medical practitioner printed or stamped on it;
• give the details of your medical condition, but not the diagnosis; and
• give the date when you will be able to go to your hearing.

If you cannot provide a medical certificate, you must include in your application:

• particulars of any efforts you have made to obtain the required medical certificate, supported by corroborating evidence;
• particulars of the medical reasons for the application, supported by corroborating evidence; and
• an explanation of how your medical condition prevents you from attending the hearing.

If you want to change the official language (English or French) you asked the RPD to use with you in your BOC Form , you need to tell the RPD in writing as soon as possible and at least 10 days before your hearing.

If you change the official language (English or French) you asked the RPD to use with you, the documents that are already part of your file will stay in the official language they were provided in. Documents the RPD sends you after you change the language, such as your final decision, will be in the new official language.

If you want to change the language or dialect of interpretation that you chose in your BOC Form , you must tell the RPD in writing at least 10 days before your hearing and include the new language and dialect you want to have interpreted.

You must give the RPD documents that support your claim. Therefore, you should begin gathering evidence to support your claim as soon as possible.

You must show the RPD evidence of who you are by giving the RPD high-quality copies of official documents with your name and date of birth on them (“identity documents”). For example, you can give a passport, national identity card, birth certificate, school certificate, driver’s licence, military document, and professional or religious membership card.

Along with identity documents, you can submit other high-quality copies of original documents that you feel are relevant to your claim, including proof of membership in political organizations, medical or psychological reports, police documents, business records, news clippings, visas and travel documents (airplane, train or bus tickets).

It is not necessary to provide the RPD with your original documents but you must be ready to produce them when requested by the RPD . You must also bring your original documents to your hearing.

If you do not provide identity documents or other documents in support of your claim, you will have to explain at your hearing why you do not have them and show that you did everything to try to get them.

The documents you provide must be typed in at least 12‑point font or be photocopies of original documents. All documents should be printed on 8½ in. by 11 in. (21.5 cm by 28 cm) paper, and all photocopies must be clear and easy to read. Make a list of all the documents you are attaching. The pages of your documents must be numbered consecutively (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4…), as if they were one document.

You must attach copies of all of the documents that you have to support your claim to your BOC Form . Include certified translations in English or French for all documents that are in a language other than English or French.

If you get more documents that support your claim after you provided your BOC Form , you must immediately give two copies to the RPD . Copies of these additional documents must be received by the RPD at least 10 days before your hearing. It is best for you to send your documents to the RPD as soon as you get them.

You can provide your documents in person, by mail or by courier. If you have fewer than 20 pages in total, you can also provide them by fax.

If your documents are not in English or French, you must have them translated into the official language (English or French) that you chose for your hearing. You must provide the translations and a translator’s declaration to the RPD with the copies of the documents. The translator’s declaration must include:

• the translator’s name;
• the language and dialect, if any, translated;
• a statement that the translation is accurate; and
• the signature of the translator.

The IRB produces a National Documentation Package (NDP) for every country. The NDP is a compilation of publicly available documents that report on country conditions such as political, social, cultural, economic and human rights conditions. Each NDP provides full citations to help you locate the documents that are not available on the IRB website.

In addition, where possible, links are provided to the documents available on the website of the organization that published the document.

It is your responsibility to go to the IRB website to review the documents in the NDP for your home country as the RPD may consider them when deciding your claim. Alternatively, a paper copy of the NDP may be viewed at any IRB regional office. It is also your responsibility to check the IRB website for the newest version of the NDP for your home country prior to your hearing.

A link to the NDP s is available on the homepage of the IRB website located at http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca .

The RPD may decide to use other documents as well, for example, reports produced by the IRB Research Directorate, media articles or reports from human rights organizations. Copies of any additional documents which the RPD finds useful will be sent to you before your hearing.

You must show that you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.

• You are considered a Convention refugee if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country (your country of nationality or, if you do not have one, the country where you usually lived in the past) based on your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.
• You are considered a person in need of protection if you would be subjected personally to a danger of torture, to a risk to your life or to a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if you were returned to your home country.

Some people are excluded from refugee protection, which means that they cannot be considered Convention refugees or persons in need of protection. Excluded people include people who have committed a serious, non-political crime outside Canada, a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity, or people who are guilty of acts that are contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

It also includes people who lived in a country where they have rights and obligations that are similar to those of a citizen of that country.

Can I attend an information session about RPD Hearings?

Yes, Ready Tours are available at RPD hearing locations. The tours are done in collaboration with regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and last approximately 60-90 minutes. These information sessions, which are free of charge, offer refugee claimants:

• A tour of an RPD hearing room
• Information about what will occur at the hearing
• Information about how to prepare for the hearing
• Information about who participates in the hearing
• Information about mandatory deadlines
• An opportunity to ask questions about the refugee determination process

More information on Ready tours can be found on the IRB website.

Your Hearing

Hearings usually take half a day and are held in private.

If the RPD member cannot be in the same city as you, your hearing may take place by videoconference. This allows you to see and talk to the member through a television.

At your hearing, you will normally present your claim to one RPD member. RPD members have received special training on refugee protection.

The RPD will provide an interpreter at your hearing at no cost to you. If you need an interpreter, you must write the language and dialect you want to use in the “Language and Interpreter” section of your BOC Form . The interpretation will be provided between the language and dialect you choose and the official language of Canada (English or French) you choose in the same section of your BOC Form .

Interpreters must keep your personal information confidential. If at any time during the hearing you have trouble understanding the interpreter, tell the member immediately.

If your children are also claiming refugee protection and are 12 years of age or older, they must come to the hearing. Young children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by an adult making a refugee protection claim will not be required to appear before the RPD unless the presiding member requires their attendance. When a member determines that it is necessary for a young claimant to attend the hearing, for example, the claimant and their designated representative will be informed at the earliest possible opportunity so families can make the necessary arrangements.

Usually, young children only need to be there at the beginning of the hearing, in order to show evidence of who they are and to make sure they are properly represented by their parents, their legal guardian or another designated representative. After this, they may be allowed to leave the hearing. Please bring someone you trust with you to take care of your children in the waiting room while you finish the hearing.

In some situations, older children will need to participate in the hearing. If you have concerns or questions about your child participating in the hearing, contact the RPD before your hearing or raise your concerns with the member at the hearing.

You may bring witnesses to your hearing if you think this will help your claim. A witness is a person who knows about your claim and can provide information that will help the member make a decision. Witnesses must be ready to answer questions about the information they provide at your hearing (this is called testifying or giving testimony).

At least 10 days before your hearing , you must give the RPD the following information about each witness, in writing:

• their contact information (address, telephone number and fax number);
• a short statement on the purpose of their testimony and what it will be about;
• how long their testimony will take;
• your relationship to the witness;
• whether you want them to testify in person, by videoconference or by telephone; and
• whether they need an interpreter, and if so, the language and dialect they will use.

If the witness is an expert, you must also give information about their qualifications and include a report that is signed by the witness and summarizes their testimony.

If you have been told that the IRCC or the CBSA will be participating in your hearing, you must give a written copy of the information above to the IRCC or CBSA representative. You also need to give the RPD a written statement on how and when you sent the witness information to the IRCC or the CBSA .

It is your responsibility to make sure your witnesses come to your hearing.

What will happen at my hearing?

• You will take a solemn affirmation Before you testify, you must make a solemn affirmation, which is a promise to tell the truth.

If the CBSA is participating in your hearing because the Minister is claiming that you should be excluded from refugee protection, the Minister’s counsel will ask you questions, followed by the member and then your counsel, if you have one.

• Witnesses will testify If you bring any witnesses, they will testify after you have testified. Any witnesses you bring to your hearing will be asked to stay in the waiting room and will not join the hearing until after you have testified. The witnesses will then be asked to come in to answer questions one by one.
• Comments (representations) will be made about your case After you and any witnesses have testified, the member will ask you or your counsel to explain why you think the evidence shows that you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. If the IRCC or the CBSA is participating, the member will give the Minister’s counsel an opportunity to comment on your case as well.
• A decision will be made The RPD member will decide whether you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. The member will tell you the decision and the reasons for the decision orally at the end of the hearing, unless it is not possible to do so. In that case, you will receive the decision later by mail.

What happens after the decision?

If your claim is allowed, the RPD will send you a written Notice of Decision. The RPD will also send you an explanation of the reasons why your claim was allowed.

The IRCC and the CBSA will receive copies of the decision as they may wish to appeal a positive decision to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) or seek leave and judicial review at the Federal Court.

Unless the RPD ’s decision is appealed to and overturned by the RAD or is reviewed and overturned by the Federal Court, you will be eligible to apply to the IRCC for permanent residence. For more information, please refer to the IRCC website at http://www.cic.gc.ca .

If your claim is rejected, the RPD will send you a written Notice of Decision and an explanation of the reasons why your claim was rejected.

The Notice of Decision will tell you whether you can appeal the decision to the RAD or file an application for leave and for judicial review with the Federal Court.

Most claimants can appeal to the RAD . However, you cannot appeal to the RAD in the following cases:

• you are a designated foreign national;
• your refugee protection claim was withdrawn or declared abandoned;
• the RPD ’s decision says that your claim has no credible basis or is manifestly unfounded;
• you made your claim at a land border with the United States and the claim was sent to the RPD as an exception to the Safe Third Country Agreement ;
• the Minister applied to cease (stop) your refugee protection, and the RPD ’s decision allows that application;
• the Minister applied to vacate (cancel) the decision to allow your refugee protection claim, and the RPD ’s decision allows that application; or
• your claim was sent to the IRB before December 15, 2012.

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Refugee Protection Division Registries

Website: www.irb-cisr.gc.ca

Eastern region

Montréal Guy-Favreau Complex 200 René-Lévesque Blvd. West East Tower, Room 102 Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1X4 Telephone: 514-283-7733 or 1-866-626-8719 Fax: 514-283-0164

Area of responsibility

Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Newfoundland Nunavut Ottawa, Ontario

Central region

Toronto 25 St. Clair Ave E, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M4T 0A8 Telephone: 416-954-1000 or 1-866-790-0581​ Fax: 416-954-1165

Ontario (except Ottawa)

Western region

Vancouver 300 West Georgia Street, Suite 1600 Vancouver, BC V6B 6C9 Telephone: 604-666-5946 or 1-866-787-7472 Fax: 604-666-3043

British Columbia Yukon Northwest Territories Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Telephone: 1-888-242-2100 Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-888-576-8502 Website:  www.cic.gc.ca

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Telephone: 1-800-461-9999 Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-866-335-3237 Website:  www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

This form is to be used only to report technical issues or errors encountered on our website. As submissions are anonymous , the IRB will not respond.

Thank you for your help!

You will not receive a reply. For enquiries,  contact us .

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Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

October 1, 2022 : COVID-19 emergency border measures ended

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

On this page

Residents returning to canada, travel with children and minors, international visitors to canada, electronic travel authorization, fake websites, related links.

Planning travel to Canada? Visit COVID-19 : Entering Canada requirements checklist for information about quarantine and your admissibility to Canada.

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Other acceptable documents for establishing canadian citizenship, other acceptable documents to support identity, acceptable documents for establishing registered indian status and identity.

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

• Canadian passport
• Canadian birth certificate
• permanent residence card
• citizenship card
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship :

• NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
• Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
• Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship . Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
• Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

The following documents may be used to establish your identity :

• CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
• Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
• Provincial and territorial driver's license
• Employment or student card with photo and signature
• Provincial health insurance card
• Provincial identity card
• Canadian Forces identification
• Police identification
• Firearms acquisition certificate
• Credit card
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Vehicle registration

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act .

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

For information on Canada-U.S. border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card .

When travelling with a minor, you should:

• carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
• arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
• you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
• you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

• telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad .

More information

• Children and travel
• Our Missing Children program

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada . What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country .

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
• travellers with a valid Canadian visa
• Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA , if eligible .

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

• Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
• Get help with Electronic Travel Authorizations
• Dual citizens
• Canadian permanent residents
• Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application .

• Travelling with animals
• Lost, stolen, seized, inaccessible or damaged passports
• Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
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How to get a refugee travel document in Canada.

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Table of Contents

This step-by-step guide will help you get your Canadian Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity. We have taken the government instructions and simplified them for you!

Application for refugee travel document – let’s start…, first step: click the link below and download the application and follow our steps. .

Adult Travel Document Application – PPTC 190 for 16 years and older

Child Travel Document Application – PPTC 192 for 16 years and younger

Additional documents you may need:

Lost, stolen or damaged Travel Document – PPTC 203

Complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor – Pick up in person at the nearest Passport Canada office

IMM 5562 – Must use if applying for the first Travel Document and your home country’s passport has been taken away by Immigration Canada or CBSA.

Did you know Immigroup offers a paid service for Travel Document Applications? We can do the following:

Fill out the application make sure everything is perfectly in order & not rejected troubleshoot and answer all your questions, to learn more, click here ., section 1: refugee travel document personal information – pptc 190 or 192.

Most things in this section are straightforward, but two issues that people get stuck on are:

What is a UCI?

You can find this on your immigration documents (for example: Record of Landing paper). It will be 8 to 10 digits with one or two hyphens (-) in the middle of the number. UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is just your client identification number: the number that IRCC uses to identify you in your dealings with them.

Anticipated date of Travel: How can I get a Refugee Travel Document Urgently?

To get a travel document expedited, you will need to show proof of urgency. Not all urgencies are treated the same by IRCC. Here are the best to worst urgent reasons.

Note: IRCC states in their instructions in section A, ‘We recommend that you not finalize your travel plans until you receive the requested travel document.’ This may seem like good advice, but if you are thinking of simply requesting urgency or typing up a letter, this will, in most cases, not work .  You must show proof to increase your odds of success. As you’ll see below, any letter has to come from somewhere like a hospital or an employer and be on their official letterhead, written (and preferably signed) by an official of that organization. You’ll often need additional proof as you’ll see in the following table.

Note: All documents not in English or French will need to be translated by a certified translator. 

Section 2: Declaration of Guarantor – PPTC 190 or 192

It’s hard enough to find a guarantor that will give you the time, so make sure you have everything ready for them. (See the example below).

Your guarantor will need to sign the following:

• Fill out section 2 of the application form. Remember, they must have known you for at least 6 months.
• On the back of one of your passport photos, they must write, I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”
• They must sign their name on all supporting documents, front and back.

For more information about this subject, or If you can’t find a guarantor, read below:   

What are the guarantor requirements

• Lives in Canada,
• is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• and has known you for at least 6 months or more.

Must be one of the following occupations and still work or be licensed in their field.

nurse practitioner

dentist, medical doctor or chiropractor

principal of a primary or secondary school

senior administrator or teacher in a university

professional accountant

minister of religion authorized under provincial or territorial law to perform marriages

optometrist

veterinarian

notary public

professional engineer (P. Eng. or Ing. in Quebec)

senior administrator in a community college (in Quebec, a CEGEP)

judge, magistrate, or police officer

lawyer or notary in Quebec

If you don’t have a guarantor, what to do?

This option does not require the person to have known you.

• In Canada: Pick up at the nearest Passport Service Location, or you can contact Passport Canada at this link to request they send a copy to you.
• In the US: Pick up at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate, or you can contact Passport Canada at the same link.
• Outside Canada and the US: contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
• Must be filled out by:
• Notary Public
• Justice of the Peace
• Commissioner for oaths
• (Outside of Canada) Canadian or British diplomat. A local member of parliament or civil servant (government official) is also suggested. Check with the Canadian embassy or consulate if a local notary or lawyer is acceptable.

Important: The person you used to fill out your Lieu of Guarantor CAN’T be your same reference.

IRCC’s web page states that you can’t use the same references on the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form that you included on your passport or travel document application. In other words, if you have already used a guarantor for your passport application, you’ll have to find another guarantor for your Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form.

The government statement does not really make sense for your travel document, seeing that if you have a guarantor for your travel document you don’t need a Statutory Declaration. 

Section 3: Proof of Immigration Status in Canada – PPTC 190 or 192

Here is an excellent example from the IRCC website. If you need help finding your immigration status document number, click here .

Here are the steps:

• Fill out the section below
• Make copies of your immigration documents. Remember, your guarantor will need to sign the front and the back of the documents. You can send the original, and no signature is required, but this is not recommended.

Required Identity documents

An official translator/translation company must professionally translate any documents that are not in English or French. Look for a stamp or seal with a membership number of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad. If the seal or stamp is not in English or French, it must also be translated. 

• A copy of an original document signed by your guarantor
• If you have: a valid passport or travel document issued in your name
• 2 Passport photos (Go to a professional passport photo location) *
• On the back of one of the photos, your guarantor needs to write the following statement, “ I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”
• The photographer will need to indicate the company address and date on the back of the photos (this usually is done by the photographer’s business stamp).
• Phot size will be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high).
• Please note: A small number of photos do get refused .

Additional Documents you may need.

• Change of name document
• Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged travel document – PPTC 203
• Change of sex application – This is a provincial jurisdiction, and the relevant application for your province can be found online.

Note: If you are filing a refugee claim and your home country’s passport is taken away from you at your port of entry by Immigration Canada or CBSA, the official will fill out form BSF 698 if the document seized is a Travel Document or Identity Document, or form IMM 5265 for other documents. The official is then required to provide you with a copy of the form they have filled out. Your passport will be scanned and digitally uploaded to the government’s Global Case Management System (GCMS).

• This is done when there are concerns about the legitimacy of your refugee claim.

Section 4: Previous Canadian Travel Document – PPTC 190 or 192

You will have to return your old travel document.

Note: if you have a valid visa, you can request that your old travel document be returned. You will have to indicate this request in a letter.

FAQ – Section 4

I am renewing my refugee travel document; will i get the old one back.

You need to make a formal request to have your Travel Document returned. For most people, this request is made because your old Travel Document or Certificate of Identity still has a valid visa in it.

When should I renew my Travel Document or Certificate of Identity?

We recommend applying 6 to 9 months before expiration, but you can apply 12 months before.

Tip: If you still have a valid visa in your current travel document, you can request to have the old document returned.

I have an expired Travel document or Certificate of Identity; do I still need to return it?

All documents must be returned unless they have expired over 5 years.

I have lost my old, expired travel document; what do I do?

You must fill out a lost passport application PPTC 203

Section 5: Citizenship and Travel Documentation – PPTC 190 or 192

Do you have valid travel documents or passports.

The reason they are asking you this is because Refugee Travel Documents are for people that can’t use their home country’s passport. If you are still in possession of a valid passport, you will need to give it up and mail it in with this application.

Have you visited another country since you entered Canada?

If you have travelled, list all dates. if you need more room to put all dates, click to download the document here and attach this to your application.

Section 6: Documents to Support Identity – PPTC 190 or 192

You need to have an ID that:

1) has a photo,

2) has your signature, and

3) is valid (Date hasn’t expired).

• It can be a Provincial or Federal ID.
• It’s recommended that the ID is issued in Canada, but you can use IDs from other countries (for example, a driver’s license from your home country)
• You will need one ID. This ID must have a photo of you, and your signature and not be expired . The best document to use is a provincial Driver’s License (for alternative solutions, read below).
• Make a colour copy of this document front and back .
• Your guarantor will have to sign and date the front and back of each copy of your ID. Note: Your guarantor will have to verify the original ID with the copies, so bring everything with you.

Note: You can send original documents, but we don’t recommend this option.

What if you don’t have an ID with a photo?

If you don’t have any ID that meets the above requirements, you can apply for a Provincial ID card. Most provinces in Canada have one. See our list below.

*Some provinces may waive the fee for refugees.

Last resort, you can send in a combination of a few documents, but you will need to check with the IRCC call center to ensure these documents will be excepted. 

Section 7: Additional Personal Information – PPTC 190 or 192

Here you just need to give your address and work history for the last two years.

Section 8: Refernces – PPTC 190 or 192

You will now need to find two people who have known you for at least 6 months, or more.  

Tip: Find two people that will always pick up their phones during the daytime . The Passport Program call center will call a few times but if your references don’t answer the phone then at some point, they will simply give up and your application can be put on hold or returned to you.

Note: Ask your references to let you know when the call came in, because at this stage of the application process, this usually means you are close to getting your Travel Document.

Section 9: Emergency Contac – PPTC 190 or 192

This is in case you have an emergency while traveling. Always a good idea to have someone close to you listed here. If you don’t have anyone in Canada, you can put family or friends from outside of Canada.

Last Step: Review and Send to the government 

• Two Passport Photos
• Colour copy of proof of immigration status in Canada – signed and dated by guarantor
• Copies of ID, front and back – signed and dated by guarantor
• Original Travel Document – if applicable
• Proof of urgency – If applicable
• Canada Post Xpresspost package (keep tracking info)

Centralized Network – Certificate of Identity Section

Place du Centre,

Commercial Level 2

200 Promenade du Portage

Gatineau QC

Tip: if you are applying for urgent reason, then on the outside of the envelope write in big letters “ URGENT ”.

How to Track and communicate about your application?

This question usually gives most people the most frustration . Getting through, getting a non-templated answer from the government is not easy. What seems to work is persistence, so keep reaching out through the different channels we have listed below. 

You have 2 options in tracking or contacting: 

• Webfrom click here (Recommended)
• Calling IRCC’s call center at 1-888-242-2100 (difficult getting through) 

Note: Calling Passport Canada 1-800-567-6868, will not work. 

What is a Refugee Travel Document?

This document is issued to Protected Persons in Canada (Refugees) or persons in need of protection.

What is a Certificate of Identity?

This document is issued to Permanent Residents of Canada that meet one of the following:

• Not Protected Persons
• Are Stateless
• Can’t get a passport or travel document for their home country

What is the definition of “Persons in need of protection”: According to the IRPA a protected person is someone who is given the protections afforded a convention refugee but not may not fit the Geneva Convention’s legal definition of a convention refugee.

Protected person

(2) A protected person is a person on whom refugee protection is conferred under subsection (1), and whose claim or application has not subsequently been deemed to be rejected under subsection 108(3), 109(3) or 114(4).

Will I get a Travel Document or Certificate of Identity?  

If you are a refugee and are now a protected person in Canada, you will get a Refugee Travel Document. If you are stateless or not a protected person, you will get a Certificate of Identity.

Which Document allows me to travel more?

A travel document is better because more countries give the holder visa-free travel.

What are the limitations of these documents?

• It can’t be used to travel back to your country of citizenship (The country you claimed you needed protection from).
• Visa may be required. Once you get your document, you will need to contact each country you wish to travel to.

People that are eligible for Travel Documents or a Certificate of Identity

What are Convention Refugees:

What are Protected Persons: 

What are Stateless Persons: 

What are Permanent Residents of Canada in Special Circumstances:

Who issues Canadian Travel Documents? 

All documents are created in Gatineau, Quebec, by Passport Canada. The location where they make the passport is 210 Rue Champlain, Gatineau, QC J8X 3R5. It is officially called the Gatineau-Hull Service Canada Centre and Passport Services. IRCC is responsible for the processing, and Passport Canada creates the document.

How long is a Travel Document or Certificate of Identity valid?

Travel Document or Certificate of Identity: Typically, for 5 years but they can sometimes be valid for only 1 year.

Certificate of Identity issued in Canada: Typically, it’s issued for 1 year or more. 

Can I get a Travel Document outside of Canada?

Travel Documents are issued inside of Canada. In case of an emergency outside of Canada, you will need to contact a Canadian Diplomatic Mission (Embassy or Consulate) outside of Canada. Click here for the entire directory .

What age do I have to be to apply for a Travel Document?

You can be of any age . There are applications for adults (16 years and older) and children (15 years or younger).

Travel Document or Certificate of Identity for children.

Any parent can apply. You will need one of the following documents to prove you are the parent:

• The child’s Long Form Birth Certificate (this certificate will have the child’s information and parents on it. This is not the short form birth certificate).
• The child’s Adoption Order showing the name of both the child and the adoptive parent.
• The parent’s passport as long as the child is listed on the parent’s passport.

If Separated or Divorced:

• Divorce papers showing custody of the child or other legal document detailing any custody arrangements for the child.

Child’s legal guardian:

• Proof of legal guardianship

What is the immigration status document number?

Most immigration documents will have a document number usually located in the upper right-hand corner of the document. It helps the issuing authority keep track of the documents they issue.

Where do I find the Date of issue and date of expiry?

It depends on the document.

• On your Refugee Travel Document – if it’s in the form of a card it will be on the front near your photo. If it’s in the form of a passport (the Blue Passport) you will find that information on the inside near the beginning.
• On your Permanent Resident card, they don’t have a Date of Issue, but they do have a Date of Expiry located on front of the card in the lower middle section.
• On your Temporary Resident Permit, your date of issue and expiry date are located below your name on the upper right-hand side.

What countries can I travel to with my Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity?

Most countries will require a vis. Refugee Travel Documents is not a Canadian passport and will come with limitations.

In most cases, after you have gotten your Travel Document will need to apply for a visa to the country you are planning to travel to.

Here are the steps to take:

*see below for visa-free countries

Contact the Embassy of the countries you plan to travel to. Here is the complete list of all Diplomatic Missions in Canada .

• You must ask if a Canadian Travel Document holder is visa-free or requires a visa .
• If visa-free, what are the rules or limitations (for example, 90 days visa-free)
• If the visa is required:
• What application needs to be filled out – and where to find it?
• Processing timelines and costs
• Documents they will need from you (for example, banking information, Hotel addresses or booking confirmation).

Visa-free countries for a Canadian Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity.

The Geneva Convention of 1951 established the status of refugees and the protections that should be given to them. Some, but not most, of the countries that signed the convention allow visa-free travel for refugees with a travel document.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Can I use the eTA program with my Travel Document?

It depends.

• If you’re travelling to Canada on a refugee travel document issued abroad , you cannot apply for an eTA. Instead, you will need a Visitor Visa.
• If you have a Canadian refugee travel document , you are exempt from both visa and eTA travel requirements when travelling to Canada. However, other countries may still require a visa.
• If you are a refugee with lawful permanent resident status in the US, but without a passport, you can still travel to Canada visa-free if you have your I-571 (US Refugee Travel Document) and proof of your lawful permanent resident status. 

Do Canadian Refugee travel document holders need a visa if travelling to the United States?

Yes, you must apply for a visa to visit the US.

I am eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Should I still apply for a Travel Document?

You should apply for both. Your Canadian citizenship will take time, but once you get it, you can apply for a Canadian Passport and return your Travel Document. 

What is the fee for a Canadian Travel Document?

The fee for a Canadian Travel Document is CDN$120. If you are replacing a lost or stolen document, an additional $45 will apply. Most of the above fees are non-refundable ($25 is refundable).

What is the fee for a Certificate of Identity?

The fee for a Certificate of Identity is CDN$260. If you are replacing a lost or stolen document, an additional $45 will apply. Most of the above fees are non-refundable ($25 is refundable).

How do you pay the government fee?

• Use a major credit card – section D of the application
• Certified cheque, money order (Canada Post or Bank). Payments for Travel Documents or Certificate of Intensity must be made to Receiver General for Canada .

What is the mailing address? 

Courier with tracking: Recommended (Keep tracking information – Use Canada Post or any major courier company)

Gatineau QC 

Regular Mailing:

OSC PPT-COI

PO BOX 9783 STN T CSC OTTAWA ON K1G 5G8

How to Contact Passport Program for additional questions?

• Walk into a Passport Canada Service Center (Go to Google maps, type ‘Passport Canada near me’ or Click here ).
• To use the webform click here
• You will need to contact IRCC for tracking and general information at 1-888-242-2100

Calling Passport Canada will not work: Toll-free call 1-800-567-6868 – from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Easter Standard Time.

If you do call Passport Canada, this will be the message, “Certificate of Identity and Refugee Travel Documents should now be directed to IRCC Client Support Center.”

I sent my application, but I changed my address; what should I do?

Contact the IRCC call center. See the section, ‘How to track and communicate about your application?’ on this web page located just above the FAQ section.

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Refugee Travel Document - Questions and Answers

• Thread starter rainbowbee
• Start date Feb 8, 2016

Me: Is that forbidden now to travel using my home country’s passport? I heard that I can lose my PR status if I do. Officer: No, it’s not forbidden, you can certainly travel on your home country’s passport, it will not impact your PR status, we just not advising it. You should apply for RTD and use that to travel. Me: Why you are not advising it? Officer: Because if something happens to you while you are travelling, you will not be able to get a consular assistance from Canada using your national passport. Me: Okay, I already have a RTD and I want to continue using it, but when I applied for it on application form it says that I must return RTD once I obtain a national passport, which you just returned to me. Officer: There must have been some kind of mistake on their form, you don’t have to return it, I would suggest you contact “Certificate of Identity Section - Passport Program” department directly and ask. Click to expand...

Agent: Yes, you must return RTD and apply for Certificate of Identity, because you are no longer a refugee, you are a Permanent Resident. I am surprised CIC returned your national passport to you. Me: I believe it’s normal practice, several people I know also got their national passports back once they became PRs. I politely disagree with you on that one, I am still considered to be a refugee and PR at the same time. Click to expand...

Me: I just became a PR and CIC returned my national passport, on RTD application form it says that I must return it to you once I got my national passport back, but I have concerns regarding travelling on my national passport. Is that even allowed? When I landed, officer told me that it’s not forbidden. I spoke with call center agent before who referred my call to you and he said I need to apply for Certificate of Identity, because I am no longer considered a refugee, I disagree. Officer: It’s good that you contacted us, not many people are so proactive after they become PRs. Previous agent gave you wrong information, you don’t need to return to us your RTD and and COI is not for you. You were right, once you became a PR, it doesn’t change anything, you still considered to be a Convention Refugee. When you send us application form PPTC 190, you are going to get only one type of a document. Government is not going to decide whether you going to RTD or COI, it has already been decided, based on your status and with your status you are going to get a Refugee Travel Document, whether you are Permanent Resident or not yet. It’s not forbidden to travel on your national passport, but CBSA may strip your refugee status because of that. Me: That’s what I thought. Thank you for clarifying that information, I am glad I trusted my gut and contacted you. Officer: What you must do though, is send us your National Passport. You need to send it to us and we will keep it, It’s important to understand that you cannot have two valid Travel Documents in your possession, it’s a security risk and that’s our main concern and that’s why it says that you must return RTD in case you obtain a national passport. Me: Are you going to return my national passport back to me at some point in the future? Officer: Yes, in two cases – If it’s expired, or when you become a Canadian Citizen. Me: That makes sense Officer: And now that you became a PR, you are eligible to receive a RTD valid for 5 years! Me: That’s a great news! Thank you! I thought two years was too short in my opinion. Officer: But you must wait for your PR card in order to apply, just send us explanation letter along with your application, national passport and PR card and you should be able to get a new RTD for 5 years. PR card will be returned to you. Me: Thank you! I knew something is up, why do you think previous agent gave me wrong information? Officer: I believe it’s because you talked with Passport Canada call center which handles all calls, but they are not really trained into specifics of RTD and COI. And I am actually officer who is processing these applications. Me: Thank a lot! You made my day! Click to expand...

Dear Rainbowbee On behalf of all refugees, I must say "Thank You very Much" for sharing this detailed information. Really it will help to get the minds clear about traveling as well as the issuance of RTD. keep posting we need such kind of updates once again thanks May Allah bless you. regards  

LoveCanada10

Star member.

Thanks Ranbowbee. You did a great job providing this very important and accurate information. I'll try to translate it to Arabic so the Arab community can benefit from it too (after your permission). Now, I'd suggest we use this post to share our travel experience using our Travel Document. I'll be the first to share hoping others jump on board too. I got mine last year for 2 years too. I am still not a PR. I applied for Schengen Visa and had to travel to Ottawa for the finger print to get my visa. I received the visa by mail in 2 weeks. I traveled by air to Germany and cleared Schengen Zone with no issue. Then I traveled all around Germany using different transportation methods. I flew to Czech Republic. Rode a bus to Poland. Mini bus to Slovenia. Another bus to Hungary. Slovenia-Hungary border was the only border, they came on the bus and checked passports. Speed train from Hungary to Austria. Train from Austria to Switzerland. Train to the Netherlands. Bus to Belgium. Fly back to Canada. All went very smooth with no issue. I might be able to try different European countries again this year. However, I am thinking of going without Schengen Visa this time to save $ but don't think the risk/reward worth it specially with all the Migration issues in Europe. Let's hear from the others.  

Ottawa-applicant

Hero member.

Awesome post +1 for this. Thank you for sharing this valuable information, many people still not sure whether they can travel or not. And as you mentioned Canada is great country who care about people rights even if they’re Refuges. Thank you, Now we need someone to post about the RTD: countries where it doesn’t need visa’s, I have seen this topic floats many times.  

it s good information I just want to say RTD need visa for Europe and don't do any risk because of some money. I traveled in 2013 with RTD to Norway, I got visa and I delivered within 10 days. When I want left Canada first Question was ... do you got visa ? Anyway I left Canada without any issue but when i want to back to Canada in Amsterdam they asked me how you entered to Europe? I answered them from Paris. Officer asked me so why they didn't stamped ? I answer I have no idea why they didn't. So they hold me for 1 hour to check if it s true or not and they asked for PR card and I answered them I didn't get it yet. after 1 hour they told me u can go now we check it and everything is fine.just they stamped in Netherlands when I back.  

artin2015 said: it s good information I just want to say RTD need visa for Europe and don't do any risk because of some money. I traveled in 2013 with RTD to Norway, I got visa and I delivered within 10 days. When I want left Canada first Question was ... do you got visa ? Anyway I left Canada without any issue but when i want to back to Canada in Amsterdam they asked me how you entered to Europe? I answered them from Paris. Officer asked me so why they didn't stamped ? I answer I have no idea why they didn't. So they hold me for 1 hour to check if it s true or not and they asked for PR card and I answered them I didn't get it yet. after 1 hour they told me u can go now we check it and everything is fine.just they stamped in Netherlands when I back. Click to expand...

Countries in Europe which accept RTD without visa: 1. Germany 2. Hungary 3. Slovenia 4. Slovakia Countries in Europe which do NOT accept RTD: 1. Norway 2. Iceland 3. Spain 4. Portugal Actually there is an excel file on EU web site for what countries accept what documents. I can't find it now!!  

I just found this. I am not sure if this means Finland doesn't need a visa from us too. http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=182867&nodeid=15720&contentlan=2&culture=en-US  

Finally found it: Go here http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm and then first under info. Direct URL is: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-security/docs/part_i_travel_documents_issued_by_third_countries_and_territorial_entities_en.xlsm It seems NORWAY accepts our RTD. Only below do not accept RTD in Schengen Zone: Spain Latvia Iceland Malta This is awesome news. I am going to go to Norway this year. Anyone else active here?  

LoveCanada10 said: Hello, You traveled to Norway with RTD? Norway and Iceland do NOT accept RTD. I'd love to go to these two countries. Can you tell me how you went there? Which country did you get your Schengen visa from and if you told them you are going to visit Norway? This is very important. Thanks Click to expand...

LoveCanada10 said: Finally found it: Go here http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm and then first under info. Direct URL is: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-security/docs/part_i_travel_documents_issued_by_third_countries_and_territorial_entities_en.xlsm It seems NORWAY accepts our RTD. Only below do not accept RTD in Schengen Zone: Spain Latvia Iceland Malta This is awesome news. I am going to go to Norway this year. Anyone else active here? Click to expand...

artin2015 said: i got visa from Denmark embassy just tell them for vista friends and it s easy they give u within 10 days and u pay $80 for visa fee .remember they do the finger print in embassy Click to expand...

artin2015 said: don't be exciting because those 5 country they don't recognize Canadian RTD even they don't give u visa with RTD but others country they recognize Canadian RTD with visa so see the form Click to expand...

good lock. Of course it s easy if u get visa. do u know Cuba need visa as well for RTD?  

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Home » Refugee Claims » Travel Document for Canadian Refugees

Travel Document for Canadian Refugees

Refugees in Canada may receive travel documents. However, you must meet the requirements. Also, Canada may issue a certificate of identity for particular permanent residents in Canada.

• Who qualifies?
• The appearance of a travel document
• Application process
• Mailing address
• Let us help !

Who qualifies for a refugee travel document?

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you must be a protected person . Unfortunately, refugee claimants do not qualify. Also, you may apply for a certificate of identity if,

• You are a permanent resident of Canada, but not a protected person, and
• You cannot obtain a passport from another country.

What does a travel document look like?

A travel document is similar to a Canadian passport . However, the cover looks different. Also, your nationality will not be Canadian . Therefore, you may need visas to travel to those countries that Canadians are visa-exempt . Moreover, you may not travel to the country that you sought protection. For example, if you are from Afghanistan, you may not use a refugee travel document to visit that country.

How to apply for a travel document?

If you are a protected person and live inside Canada, you must follow these steps. Unfortunately, you cannot apply if you are outside Canada.

• Complete the application form. Of course, the form is different for adults and children .
• a photocopy of your  proof of immigration status in Canada
• the original document  or
• a photocopy of it signed by your guarantor
• any  valid passport or travel document  issued in your name
• They can handwrite this  or  use a stamp.
• Stick-on labels are  not  accepted.
• your  guarantor  must sign it  and write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”
• replacing a stolen, damaged, or lost document
• changing your name
• reflecting sex change in your travel document
• You need a guarantor and two references to include in your application package.
• Pay the necessary fees and include the receipt in your package.
• Mail the package to the appropriate address.

Of course, include any documents that could assist officers in processing your application.

Where to mail the application package

When you have a complete application package, mail it to one of the following addresses. However, these addresses are subject to change. Make sure to double-check them.

Let us help!

We can help you with your refugee travel document application. Please fill out the following form to contact us. Alternatively, please book a consultation session with me . Of course, you may also fill out our refugee form if you are inside Canada and intend to file for asylum.

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You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program.

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Custodian declaration (minor children)

If the minor requires a custodian , you must include the  Custodianship Declaration form (PDF, 1.02 MB) with your application. It has 2 pages that must be notarized (certified by a notary) and then included with your study permit application.

The custodian in Canada must sign the first page, and the parents or legal guardians of the minor child in the child’s home country must sign the second page.

Other supporting documents

Check the visa office instructions for your country or region for local requirements.

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Refugee who left UK for holiday in 2008 stranded in east Africa for 16 years

Saleh Ahmed Handule Ali, now 33, had indefinite leave to remain in UK, but Home Office failed to keep a record

A refugee who left the UK on holiday as a teenager in 2008 has been stranded in east Africa for the last 16 years in a case that senior judges have described as “extraordinary”.

Saleh Ahmed Handule Ali, now 33, arrived in the UK at the age of nine in April 2000 with his mother and two younger siblings from Somalia. They came to join Ali’s father, who had been granted refugee status by the UK government. The family were also recognised as refugees by the Home Office and Ali was given a travel document in 2004 under the refugee convention, which was valid for 10 years.

In 2008 Ali was diagnosed with tuberculosis and in December of that year decided to travel to Djibouti for a short holiday in the hope that the warmer climate would aid his recovery.

At some point after arriving in Djibouti, he lost his refugee travel document and could not get back home to his family, who live in Bristol. As there is no British embassy in Djibouti, he managed to get to neighbouring Ethiopia , and when he finally reached Addis Ababa, he tried at least twice to get assistance from the embassy, without success.

It later emerged that the Home Office had failed to keep a record on its database of the fact that it had granted him indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a refugee. According to a ruling in the court of appeal last week, he has been “stranded in Ethiopia, undocumented, ever since”.

His mother, who suffers from several health conditions, saved up money for several years to engage a solicitor to try to bring her son back home.

In June 2015, a Home Office entry clearance officer refused Ali permission to return to the UK. The family appealed the first tier and in the upper tribunal of the immigration court, but their appeals were rejected.

Ali is undocumented in Ethiopia and is living a hand-to-mouth, destitute existence, unable to work. He survives on the money his mother sends him.

“I have been crying for 16 years over the loss of my son,” his mother, Shamis Dirya, told the Guardian. “We want the Home Office to bring him back to us. But they are not listening to us. When we speak on the phone, I cry and he cries. He has not had a phone for the last three months, so it has been difficult to speak to him. Sometimes we don’t even know whether he’s alive. He went to primary school here, he went to high school here. He only went to Djibouti for a short holiday.”

In the court of appeal, the lead judge, Lady Justice Andrews, said in the ruling by three judges: “This is by any standards and in many different respects a most extraordinary case.”

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The judgment, which granted Ali’s appeal against the refusal of his case and remitted it to the upper tribunal, was critical of the judge in the first-tier tribunal, Adam Rhys-Davies, and said that a clear error of law had been made when he rejected Ali’s case.

Referring to information coming to light in 2017 that the Home Office had no information on its system recording that Ali had been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, the judgment said: “Quite how this could have happened … is difficult to comprehend.”

Khalid Khashy of Pristine Law, who represents Ali, said: “Our client understandably has suffered immensely, including from mental health and destitution, whilst living in African countries of Djbouti and Ethiopia in the hope of returning to his home and family in the UK.

“Unfortunately, his ordeal is not over, as the matter is sent back to the upper tribunal for a fresh decision, which could take months. To avoid costs and delays, it is hoped that the Home Office will concede and grant him entry clearance with a sincere apology.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is a matter of longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases.”

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