I have submitted my refugee claim and got the first-round interview invitation. I heard that the IRCC will take away our passports. Is it true? When will they take it? Can I keep my original passport? The refugee travel document is not easy to get. The requirements for a guarantor and references are very strict. Thank you for your answer
When will the IRCC take away my passport? Can I keep my original passport as a refugee claimant?
- Thread starter energy_profit
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Yes, they will retain your passports and you won't be allowed to use them. It will be the original they keep. You can probably have a photocopy, but that won't be much use.
Yes, they will take your passport. No, it's not possible to keep it.
You can apply for a refugee travel document once your claim is accepted and you are a protected person.
But when will they keep my passport? In the first round interview? Can I keep my until my refugee claim successfully apprved?
Sadly, the refugee travel document is not easy to apply. I cannot find references and a guarantor who has known me for at least 6 months in Canada. Those who I know are not eligible
You'll likely have quite a wait between the time your passport is taken and the time of your actual hearing. This may give you the opportunity to find a reference and guarantor. There is also a form you can submit if you can't find a guarantor.
You won't be able to keep your passport. So the RTD will be the only option (once you are accepted as a protected person).
Just want to clarify that you should not be using your home country passport as an asylum claimant or leaving Canada. If you are approved as a protected person you can not use your home country passport or renew your home country passport if you want to retain your status in Canada. You also can not travel to your home country until you become a Canadian citizen. Claiming asylum and becoming a protected person comes with significant benefits but comes with huge limitations as well.
Waiting is okay for me. But when can I apply for the travel document? Afer the hearing?
Once your claim is accepted after the hearing and you are a protected person, then you can apply for a travel document.
So generally there is at least a 1-2 year period where you do not qualify for a travel document and cannot leave Canada.
What? You're looking to claim asylum and then leave? You expecting visa free travel with an asylum claim? What's your hurry......it's not like you can travel back to your home country (at least not until you get citizenship in Canada, and that's quite a few year away)?