Who is involved?

Three government institutions are involved in the asylum process:  

  • Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law. Once you make your asylum claim with the authorities (IRCC or CBSA), the IRB will decide your asylum claim and if you qualify for refugee protection in Canada.

Regional offices:

  - Eastern Region: Montreal - Central Region: Toronto - Western Region: Vancouver - Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton
  • Telephone:
    • +1-866-787-7472,
    • or +1-604-666-5946
 

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a department of the Canadian government, processes the first step of your asylum claim if you submitted your asylum claim from inside Canada and not at a Port of Entry. It is also IRCC who processes your work permit and the renewal of your Refugee Protection Claimant Document if it has expired.
  • Telephone: +1-888-242-2100
  • Visit their website
  • Opening hours: Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm (your local time)
 

  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The CBSA is a federal law government agency responsible for border control, immigration enforcement, and customs services in Canada. If you have made an asylum claim at the airport, land border or crossed the border irregularly into Canada, CBSA will be the government organization that will start the processing of your asylum claim.
  • Telephone Calls within Canada Toll-free +1-800-461-9999 Calls outside Canada Long distance charges apply +1-204-983-3500 +1-506-636-5064
  • Email: [email protected]