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MY HEARING EXPERIENCE AND TIPS - MUST READ

spamed

Star Member
Oct 10, 2023
152
41
24
Montreal
Category........
Other
Hello Beautiful People!

I wanted to come on here and share my experience from my hearing today (October 17th) at 1 PM EST. I believe it's important to be open about my case details in the hope that it might assist others facing similar situations. Before my hearing, I was also desperately searching for posts like this, hoping for guidance.

My case centered around my sexual orientation and the persecution I faced from my relatives in my home country, a Muslim nation where homosexuality is both religiously and legally condemned. As a result, I faced mistreatment and multiple life threats.

As I joined the virtual hearing, I went through technical checks for audio and video, confirmed my current address and phone number with the tech guy, and met my interpreter/translator. As you can see I speak fluent English and don't really need an interpreter, however, having an interpreter was highly advised by my lawyer and other people. It did allow me time to think through my answers while the interpreter translated the board member's questions. The board member was not present during this initial phase.

After the technical checks, the board member joined the meeting. She asked me, my lawyer, and the interpreter to introduce ourselves and confirm we were in a private room. She verified my pronouns and had me take an oath. Before questioning, she provided instructions, including the option to ask for question repeats, request breaks, or seek clarification on translations. She also asked for my full legal name and citizenship.

The total amount of time spent on questioning/answering during the full hearing was about 1 hour 15 minutes. The board member inquired about my reasons for seeking refugee protection, how I discovered my sexuality, who I feared in my home country, details about my family, my experiences in Canada, societal attitudes towards homosexuality in my home country, and whether I knew others persecuted for their sexual orientation.

At 2 PM, we took a 15-minute break. Upon returning at 2:15 PM, the board member asked one final question about how I discovered my same-gender attraction. After answering, she granted a 1-hour break at 2:18 PM. During this time, my lawyer hinted that the outcome might be positive since the board member hadn't asked the lawyer any questions or requested additional documents so far.

When we resumed at 3:18 PM, the board member informed me that my case was approved, which was incredibly uplifting!! She explained her decision for 15 minutes, explaining her reasons for approving my case (mostly related to my story and national documentation from my country found on the immigration website). Then she asked if I had any further questions to which I replied "no questions, but I would like to thank you for your time and approving my claim". She congratulated me. Throughout the hearing, she seemed super friendly. She was even smiling and laughing on multiple occasions.

My advice is to remain composed during the hearing, as crying/breaking down might not always demonstrate credibility (unless you can't help it, which is okay). Focus on your narrative, as most questions will stem from your story. For instance, if your account includes a specific incident, expect questions related to it. I recommend using online AI bots like ChatGPT to generate potential questions based on your story and preparing for all of them. Lastly, emphasize the danger you faced in your home country and the ongoing life threats if you were to return as much as you can since that places you under the true definition of a conventional refugee!!

I hope this was helpful. I send my best wishes and positive energy to all of you hardworking individuals! :) You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3
 

Saralynn97

Hero Member
Mar 7, 2018
391
77
Hello Beautiful People!

I wanted to come on here and share my experience from my hearing today (October 17th) at 1 PM EST. I believe it's important to be open about my case details in the hope that it might assist others facing similar situations. Before my hearing, I was also desperately searching for posts like this, hoping for guidance.

My case centered around my sexual orientation and the persecution I faced from my relatives in my home country, a Muslim nation where homosexuality is both religiously and legally condemned. As a result, I faced mistreatment and multiple life threats.

As I joined the virtual hearing, I went through technical checks for audio and video, confirmed my current address and phone number with the tech guy, and met my interpreter/translator. As you can see I speak fluent English and don't really need an interpreter, however, having an interpreter was highly advised by my lawyer and other people. It did allow me time to think through my answers while the interpreter translated the board member's questions. The board member was not present during this initial phase.

After the technical checks, the board member joined the meeting. She asked me, my lawyer, and the interpreter to introduce ourselves and confirm we were in a private room. She verified my pronouns and had me take an oath. Before questioning, she provided instructions, including the option to ask for question repeats, request breaks, or seek clarification on translations. She also asked for my full legal name and citizenship.

The total amount of time spent on questioning/answering during the full hearing was about 1 hour 15 minutes. The board member inquired about my reasons for seeking refugee protection, how I discovered my sexuality, who I feared in my home country, details about my family, my experiences in Canada, societal attitudes towards homosexuality in my home country, and whether I knew others persecuted for their sexual orientation.

At 2 PM, we took a 15-minute break. Upon returning at 2:15 PM, the board member asked one final question about how I discovered my same-gender attraction. After answering, she granted a 1-hour break at 2:18 PM. During this time, my lawyer hinted that the outcome might be positive since the board member hadn't asked the lawyer any questions or requested additional documents so far.

When we resumed at 3:18 PM, the board member informed me that my case was approved, which was incredibly uplifting!! She explained her decision for 15 minutes, explaining her reasons for approving my case (mostly related to my story and national documentation from my country found on the immigration website). Then she asked if I had any further questions to which I replied "no questions, but I would like to thank you for your time and approving my claim". She congratulated me. Throughout the hearing, she seemed super friendly. She was even smiling and laughing on multiple occasions.

My advice is to remain composed during the hearing, as crying/breaking down might not always demonstrate credibility (unless you can't help it, which is okay). Focus on your narrative, as most questions will stem from your story. For instance, if your account includes a specific incident, expect questions related to it. I recommend using online AI bots like ChatGPT to generate potential questions based on your story and preparing for all of them. Lastly, emphasize the danger you faced in your home country and the ongoing life threats if you were to return as much as you can since that places you under the true definition of a conventional refugee!!

I hope this was helpful. I send my best wishes and positive energy to all of you hardworking individuals! :) You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3
Congratulations, so happy to read post like this, I had my hearing on September 6th and it lasted around 1 hour and 15min the member was super nice and calm I got a positive NOD onsite, like you say, stay calm, don’t break down in tears unless you can’t help it and know your story. Good luck everyone
 

OFC632

Star Member
Feb 2, 2023
112
21
Hello Beautiful People!

I wanted to come on here and share my experience from my hearing today (October 17th) at 1 PM EST. I believe it's important to be open about my case details in the hope that it might assist others facing similar situations. Before my hearing, I was also desperately searching for posts like this, hoping for guidance.

My case centered around my sexual orientation and the persecution I faced from my relatives in my home country, a Muslim nation where homosexuality is both religiously and legally condemned. As a result, I faced mistreatment and multiple life threats.

As I joined the virtual hearing, I went through technical checks for audio and video, confirmed my current address and phone number with the tech guy, and met my interpreter/translator. As you can see I speak fluent English and don't really need an interpreter, however, having an interpreter was highly advised by my lawyer and other people. It did allow me time to think through my answers while the interpreter translated the board member's questions. The board member was not present during this initial phase.

After the technical checks, the board member joined the meeting. She asked me, my lawyer, and the interpreter to introduce ourselves and confirm we were in a private room. She verified my pronouns and had me take an oath. Before questioning, she provided instructions, including the option to ask for question repeats, request breaks, or seek clarification on translations. She also asked for my full legal name and citizenship.

The total amount of time spent on questioning/answering during the full hearing was about 1 hour 15 minutes. The board member inquired about my reasons for seeking refugee protection, how I discovered my sexuality, who I feared in my home country, details about my family, my experiences in Canada, societal attitudes towards homosexuality in my home country, and whether I knew others persecuted for their sexual orientation.

At 2 PM, we took a 15-minute break. Upon returning at 2:15 PM, the board member asked one final question about how I discovered my same-gender attraction. After answering, she granted a 1-hour break at 2:18 PM. During this time, my lawyer hinted that the outcome might be positive since the board member hadn't asked the lawyer any questions or requested additional documents so far.

When we resumed at 3:18 PM, the board member informed me that my case was approved, which was incredibly uplifting!! She explained her decision for 15 minutes, explaining her reasons for approving my case (mostly related to my story and national documentation from my country found on the immigration website). Then she asked if I had any further questions to which I replied "no questions, but I would like to thank you for your time and approving my claim". She congratulated me. Throughout the hearing, she seemed super friendly. She was even smiling and laughing on multiple occasions.

My advice is to remain composed during the hearing, as crying/breaking down might not always demonstrate credibility (unless you can't help it, which is okay). Focus on your narrative, as most questions will stem from your story. For instance, if your account includes a specific incident, expect questions related to it. I recommend using online AI bots like ChatGPT to generate potential questions based on your story and preparing for all of them. Lastly, emphasize the danger you faced in your home country and the ongoing life threats if you were to return as much as you can since that places you under the true definition of a conventional refugee!!

I hope this was helpful. I send my best wishes and positive energy to all of you hardworking individuals! :) You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3
congratulations.
can you give me any link to the AI bots where we can find our answers. thank you
 

Twioflife

Full Member
Oct 31, 2022
21
5
Hello Beautiful People!

I wanted to come on here and share my experience from my hearing today (October 17th) at 1 PM EST. I believe it's important to be open about my case details in the hope that it might assist others facing similar situations. Before my hearing, I was also desperately searching for posts like this, hoping for guidance.

My case centered around my sexual orientation and the persecution I faced from my relatives in my home country, a Muslim nation where homosexuality is both religiously and legally condemned. As a result, I faced mistreatment and multiple life threats.

As I joined the virtual hearing, I went through technical checks for audio and video, confirmed my current address and phone number with the tech guy, and met my interpreter/translator. As you can see I speak fluent English and don't really need an interpreter, however, having an interpreter was highly advised by my lawyer and other people. It did allow me time to think through my answers while the interpreter translated the board member's questions. The board member was not present during this initial phase.

After the technical checks, the board member joined the meeting. She asked me, my lawyer, and the interpreter to introduce ourselves and confirm we were in a private room. She verified my pronouns and had me take an oath. Before questioning, she provided instructions, including the option to ask for question repeats, request breaks, or seek clarification on translations. She also asked for my full legal name and citizenship.

The total amount of time spent on questioning/answering during the full hearing was about 1 hour 15 minutes. The board member inquired about my reasons for seeking refugee protection, how I discovered my sexuality, who I feared in my home country, details about my family, my experiences in Canada, societal attitudes towards homosexuality in my home country, and whether I knew others persecuted for their sexual orientation.

At 2 PM, we took a 15-minute break. Upon returning at 2:15 PM, the board member asked one final question about how I discovered my same-gender attraction. After answering, she granted a 1-hour break at 2:18 PM. During this time, my lawyer hinted that the outcome might be positive since the board member hadn't asked the lawyer any questions or requested additional documents so far.

When we resumed at 3:18 PM, the board member informed me that my case was approved, which was incredibly uplifting!! She explained her decision for 15 minutes, explaining her reasons for approving my case (mostly related to my story and national documentation from my country found on the immigration website). Then she asked if I had any further questions to which I replied "no questions, but I would like to thank you for your time and approving my claim". She congratulated me. Throughout the hearing, she seemed super friendly. She was even smiling and laughing on multiple occasions.

My advice is to remain composed during the hearing, as crying/breaking down might not always demonstrate credibility (unless you can't help it, which is okay). Focus on your narrative, as most questions will stem from your story. For instance, if your account includes a specific incident, expect questions related to it. I recommend using online AI bots like ChatGPT to generate potential questions based on your story and preparing for all of them. Lastly, emphasize the danger you faced in your home country and the ongoing life threats if you were to return as much as you can since that places you under the true definition of a conventional refugee!!

I hope this was helpful. I send my best wishes and positive energy to all of you hardworking individuals! :) You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3
Hello Beautiful People!

I wanted to come on here and share my experience from my hearing today (October 17th) at 1 PM EST. I believe it's important to be open about my case details in the hope that it might assist others facing similar situations. Before my hearing, I was also desperately searching for posts like this, hoping for guidance.

My case centered around my sexual orientation and the persecution I faced from my relatives in my home country, a Muslim nation where homosexuality is both religiously and legally condemned. As a result, I faced mistreatment and multiple life threats.

As I joined the virtual hearing, I went through technical checks for audio and video, confirmed my current address and phone number with the tech guy, and met my interpreter/translator. As you can see I speak fluent English and don't really need an interpreter, however, having an interpreter was highly advised by my lawyer and other people. It did allow me time to think through my answers while the interpreter translated the board member's questions. The board member was not present during this initial phase.

After the technical checks, the board member joined the meeting. She asked me, my lawyer, and the interpreter to introduce ourselves and confirm we were in a private room. She verified my pronouns and had me take an oath. Before questioning, she provided instructions, including the option to ask for question repeats, request breaks, or seek clarification on translations. She also asked for my full legal name and citizenship.

The total amount of time spent on questioning/answering during the full hearing was about 1 hour 15 minutes. The board member inquired about my reasons for seeking refugee protection, how I discovered my sexuality, who I feared in my home country, details about my family, my experiences in Canada, societal attitudes towards homosexuality in my home country, and whether I knew others persecuted for their sexual orientation.

At 2 PM, we took a 15-minute break. Upon returning at 2:15 PM, the board member asked one final question about how I discovered my same-gender attraction. After answering, she granted a 1-hour break at 2:18 PM. During this time, my lawyer hinted that the outcome might be positive since the board member hadn't asked the lawyer any questions or requested additional documents so far.

When we resumed at 3:18 PM, the board member informed me that my case was approved, which was incredibly uplifting!! She explained her decision for 15 minutes, explaining her reasons for approving my case (mostly related to my story and national documentation from my country found on the immigration website). Then she asked if I had any further questions to which I replied "no questions, but I would like to thank you for your time and approving my claim". She congratulated me. Throughout the hearing, she seemed super friendly. She was even smiling and laughing on multiple occasions.

My advice is to remain composed during the hearing, as crying/breaking down might not always demonstrate credibility (unless you can't help it, which is okay). Focus on your narrative, as most questions will stem from your story. For instance, if your account includes a specific incident, expect questions related to it. I recommend using online AI bots like ChatGPT to generate potential questions based on your story and preparing for all of them. Lastly, emphasize the danger you faced in your home country and the ongoing life threats if you were to return as much as you can since that places you under the true definition of a conventional refugee!!

I hope this was helpful. I send my best wishes and positive energy to all of you hardworking individuals! :) You are in my thoughts and prayers. <3
Wow! Thank you for sharing this detailed explanation, it will really help many of us still waiting . Congratulations!!
 
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spamed

Star Member
Oct 10, 2023
152
41
24
Montreal
Category........
Other
Congratulations, so happy to read post like this, I had my hearing on September 6th and it lasted around 1 hour and 15min the member was super nice and calm I got a positive NOD onsite, like you say, stay calm, don’t break down in tears unless you can’t help it and know your story. Good luck everyone
Congrats!! Have you started your PR process? I am a little confused tbh. I have filled out all the forms, waiting for NOD and then once I receive it, am I supposed to submit the forms + docs with the receipt of $600 something payment which is done online? Please let me know if you can :) Thanks!
 

Saralynn97

Hero Member
Mar 7, 2018
391
77
Congrats!! Have you started your PR process? I am a little confused tbh. I have filled out all the forms, waiting for NOD and then once I receive it, am I supposed to submit the forms + docs with the receipt of $600 something payment which is done online? Please let me know if you can :) Thanks!
Ohhh no you don’t need to fill the form, yes I sent my application the 26th of September. Go on google and type IRCC PR PORTAL, there is a new portal for PR for many stream and protected person is one of them, on the portal you will have online questions that are the forms format so you don’t need to fill the form separately, the website will guide you.
 
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spamed

Star Member
Oct 10, 2023
152
41
24
Montreal
Category........
Other
Ohhh no you don’t need to fill the form, yes I sent my application the 26th of September. Go on google and type IRCC PR PORTAL, there is a new portal for PR for many stream and protected person is one of them, on the portal you will have online questions that are the forms format so you don’t need to fill the form separately, the website will guide you.
Omg thanks!!! That saves so much time and makes it 100x easier!! Appreciate you a lot :)
 
Jul 11, 2023
21
8
Hello there, thanks for sharing this and congrats!! Mine is coming up on Monday and I have a similar story. May I know which country are you from? Not sure how updated the national documentation is on my country in the light of the most recent attacks on the LGBT community. Thanks
 

Db1000

Star Member
Aug 8, 2022
147
86
Hello there, thanks for sharing this and congrats!! Mine is coming up on Monday and I have a similar story. May I know which country are you from? Not sure how updated the national documentation is on my country in the light of the most recent attacks on the LGBT community. Thanks
Don't focus too much on that. You have to know your story inside and out and be ready for any questions they'd ask you. The national documentation helps but approval would focus on YOUR story, YOUR experience. Use the chatgpt tipgiv en, you got this!
 

inaya.i

Hero Member
Oct 25, 2023
278
75
Hello there, thanks for sharing this and congrats!! Mine is coming up on Monday and I have a similar story. May I know which country are you from? Not sure how updated the national documentation is on my country in the light of the most recent attacks on the LGBT community. Thanks
Just know your story!! Cant stress enough on that
 

inaya.i

Hero Member
Oct 25, 2023
278
75
Ohhh no you don’t need to fill the form, yes I sent my application the 26th of September. Go on google and type IRCC PR PORTAL, there is a new portal for PR for many stream and protected person is one of them, on the portal you will have online questions that are the forms format so you don’t need to fill the form separately, the website will guide you.
Hey! I just submitted my PR application today. If you dont mind can you please keep me updated whenever you hear something back because I might be hearing from them around the same time as you :) thanks and goodluck
 

Yelsew

Star Member
Apr 24, 2013
199
24
London, ON
Thank you for sharing your story here. I know a few gay people who are waiting for their claims to be heard, and I think your summary could be useful and encouraging in terms of getting an idea of what to expect.
 
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spamed

Star Member
Oct 10, 2023
152
41
24
Montreal
Category........
Other
Thank you for sharing your story here. I know a few gay people who are waiting for their claims to be heard, and I think your summary could be useful and encouraging in terms of getting an idea of what to expect.
I’m glad to be of help to all those in similar situation!!
 
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Reactions: Yelsew