Estimate for Refugee Hearing Date for Refugee Claim Filed 2025

[lessirafim]

Hello,
I am seeking guidance regarding the expected timeline for a refugee hearing in Toronto.

I submitted my refugee claim from within Canada on April 15, 2025, with legal assistance. I have been residing in Canada since 2018. Below is a brief overview of the steps completed so far:

• April 16: Received Acknowledgment of Claim, medical exam request, and IFHP coverage
• April 25: Received interview call, scheduled for May 6
• May 3: Completed and passed medical exam
• May 6: Attended interview, completed biometrics, had documents collected, received brown paper, and was informed that my claim was referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)

As of now, the portal still shows that my background check is in progress, and there have been no updates regarding a hearing date.

While I understand that delays are common, I’ve seen a wide range of estimates online—from late 2025 to late 2026—and was hoping to get a more accurate sense of current timelines, particularly in Toronto.

Could anyone familiar with recent trends or similar cases share insight on:

• How long it typically takes to receive a hearing date in Toronto
• Whether claims submitted this year are being scheduled within 2025 or later
• Any steps that may help ensure the file is progressing properly

I would appreciate any information or personal experiences. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

 

[canuck78]

Hello,
I am seeking guidance regarding the expected timeline for a refugee hearing in Toronto.

I submitted my refugee claim from within Canada on April 15, 2025, with legal assistance. I have been residing in Canada since 2018. Below is a brief overview of the steps completed so far:

• April 16: Received Acknowledgment of Claim, medical exam request, and IFHP coverage
• April 25: Received interview call, scheduled for May 6
• May 3: Completed and passed medical exam
• May 6: Attended interview, completed biometrics, had documents collected, received brown paper, and was informed that my claim was referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)

As of now, the portal still shows that my background check is in progress, and there have been no updates regarding a hearing date.

While I understand that delays are common, I’ve seen a wide range of estimates online—from late 2025 to late 2026—and was hoping to get a more accurate sense of current timelines, particularly in Toronto.

Could anyone familiar with recent trends or similar cases share insight on:

• How long it typically takes to receive a hearing date in Toronto
• Whether claims submitted this year are being scheduled within 2025 or later
• Any steps that may help ensure the file is progressing properly

I would appreciate any information or personal experiences. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

Could be anywhere from a year if prioritized for a variety of reasons to 2-3+ years if normal processing due to the backlog of applications.

 

[lessirafim]

Could be anywhere from a year if prioritized for a variety of reasons to 2-3+ years if normal processing due to the backlog of applications.

That seems extremely long, is it really that bad ? Are there ways I could prioritize this ?

 

[Copingwithlife]

That seems extremely long, is it really that bad ? Are there ways I could prioritize this ?

There’s no way to prioritize

Everyone feels there case should take priority

 

[canuck78]

That seems extremely long, is it really that bad ? Are there ways I could prioritize this ?

There is an extremely large backlog. The only way you may get priority processing is if IRB targets longterm residents claiming asylum. That may be good but potentially very bad as well for many who claimed asylum after being in Canada for many years but typically ran out of options to get PR. The asylum system is very tough and has serious longterm consequences even if you get approved. It is should always be the last option.

 

[lessirafim]

There’s no way to prioritize

Everyone feels there case should take priority

yeah that makes sense, i’m just worried because i’m at risk with my situation and the threats are getting worse

 

[lessirafim]

There is an extremely large backlog. The only way you may get priority processing is if IRB targets longterm residents claiming asylum. That may be good but potentially very bad as well for many who claimed asylum after being in Canada for many years but typically ran out of options to get PR. The asylum system is very tough and has serious longterm consequences even if you get approved. It is should always be the last option.

i thought very hard before even applying because i didn’t think my situation even qualified for asylum but now im at risk with all these threats and im scared that it’ll take too long and something could happen to me during the process

 

[wiener]

Hello,
I am seeking guidance regarding the expected timeline for a refugee hearing in Toronto.

I submitted my refugee claim from within Canada on April 15, 2025, with legal assistance. I have been residing in Canada since 2018. Below is a brief overview of the steps completed so far:

• April 16: Received Acknowledgment of Claim, medical exam request, and IFHP coverage
• April 25: Received interview call, scheduled for May 6
• May 3: Completed and passed medical exam
• May 6: Attended interview, completed biometrics, had documents collected, received brown paper, and was informed that my claim was referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)

As of now, the portal still shows that my background check is in progress, and there have been no updates regarding a hearing date.

While I understand that delays are common, I’ve seen a wide range of estimates online—from late 2025 to late 2026—and was hoping to get a more accurate sense of current timelines, particularly in Toronto.

Could anyone familiar with recent trends or similar cases share insight on:

• How long it typically takes to receive a hearing date in Toronto
• Whether claims submitted this year are being scheduled within 2025 or later
• Any steps that may help ensure the file is progressing properly

I would appreciate any information or personal experiences. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

It depends on province in which you applied and your country of origin (some claims from unstable countries are fast tracked). I heard it is faster in the western region (BC, AB, SK, MB). Still, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2years.

 

[wiener]

There is an extremely large backlog. The only way you may get priority processing is if IRB targets longterm residents claiming asylum. That may be good but potentially very bad as well for many who claimed asylum after being in Canada for many years but typically ran out of options to get PR. The asylum system is very tough and has serious longterm consequences even if you get approved. It is should always be the last option.

I think long term residence in Canada is element to consider, but not a decisive factor in itself. More important factor is if the applicant had returned to his/her country during long term stay in Canada (reavailment). Also, if applicant belongs to particular group, or comes from stable country.

 

[canuck78]

I think long term residence in Canada is element to consider, but not a decisive factor in itself. More important factor is if the applicant had returned to his/her country during long term stay in Canada (reavailment). Also, if applicant belongs to particular group, or comes from stable country.

These applicants are being targeted because of difficulty getting PR these days. The majority in this situation likely have no grounds and are applying in attempt to remain in Canada and continue working. The problem is a few will so IRCC is struggling with how to deal with the issue.

 

[canuck78]

It depends on province in which you applied and your country of origin (some claims from unstable countries are fast tracked). I heard it is faster in the western region (BC, AB, SK, MB). Still, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2years.

6 months is incredibly rare these days even for cases identified as high chance of approval with no hearing needed. The backlog is just too big.

 

[canuck78]

i thought very hard before even applying because i didn’t think my situation even qualified for asylum but now im at risk with all these threats and im scared that it’ll take too long and something could happen to me during the process

Not sure what you mean. There will be no change in protection you receive between being an asylum claimant and a protected person while in Canada.

 

[wiener]

These applicants are being targeted because of difficulty getting PR these days. The majority in this situation likely have no grounds and are applying in attempt to remain in Canada and continue working. The problem is a few will so IRCC is struggling with how to deal with the issue.

Do you mean not referring cases to IRB if applicant resides in Canada for long time. I think this is mentioned in proposed Bill C-2. Not sure if this constitutional or not. IRB states on their website that delay in making claim is not decisive factor in itself. One thing I noticed in bill C2 is that applicants who arrived in Canada before 2020 are not affected, it seems that IRCC does want to help them or expect that these people already got PR through other pathways.

 

[Drm2525]

Hello,
I am seeking guidance regarding the expected timeline for a refugee hearing in Toronto.

I submitted my refugee claim from within Canada on April 15, 2025, with legal assistance. I have been residing in Canada since 2018. Below is a brief overview of the steps completed so far:

• April 16: Received Acknowledgment of Claim, medical exam request, and IFHP coverage
• April 25: Received interview call, scheduled for May 6
• May 3: Completed and passed medical exam
• May 6: Attended interview, completed biometrics, had documents collected, received brown paper, and was informed that my claim was referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)

As of now, the portal still shows that my background check is in progress, and there have been no updates regarding a hearing date.

While I understand that delays are common, I’ve seen a wide range of estimates online—from late 2025 to late 2026—and was hoping to get a more accurate sense of current timelines, particularly in Toronto.

Could anyone familiar with recent trends or similar cases share insight on:

• How long it typically takes to receive a hearing date in Toronto
• Whether claims submitted this year are being scheduled within 2025 or later
• Any steps that may help ensure the file is progressing properly

I would appreciate any information or personal experiences. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

After 7 years being in canada then you claimed for refugee?!

 

[scylla]

Hello,
I am seeking guidance regarding the expected timeline for a refugee hearing in Toronto.

I submitted my refugee claim from within Canada on April 15, 2025, with legal assistance. I have been residing in Canada since 2018. Below is a brief overview of the steps completed so far:

• April 16: Received Acknowledgment of Claim, medical exam request, and IFHP coverage
• April 25: Received interview call, scheduled for May 6
• May 3: Completed and passed medical exam
• May 6: Attended interview, completed biometrics, had documents collected, received brown paper, and was informed that my claim was referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)

As of now, the portal still shows that my background check is in progress, and there have been no updates regarding a hearing date.

While I understand that delays are common, I’ve seen a wide range of estimates online—from late 2025 to late 2026—and was hoping to get a more accurate sense of current timelines, particularly in Toronto.

Could anyone familiar with recent trends or similar cases share insight on:

• How long it typically takes to receive a hearing date in Toronto
• Whether claims submitted this year are being scheduled within 2025 or later
• Any steps that may help ensure the file is progressing properly

I would appreciate any information or personal experiences. Thank you in advance for your time and support.

- Most likely your hearing date will not be in 2025.
- Most claims submitted this year are not being scheduled for 2025 hearings. Many who submitted claims in 2024 are still waiting for a date.
- Make sure anything you submit is accurate and complete and submitted on time for the file to be processes accurately.
- There is no way for you to prioritize your application.
- Yes, it's possible to claim asylum after 7 years in Canada. You will want to make sure you have strong evidence of what has recently changed in your home country that makes an asylum claum necessary now. This needs to include evidence of how you are being specifically targeted by these new threats (vs general country conditions).