Seeking refugee status

[Mchd12]

Hello dear people,

I am planning to ask for refugee status in Canada but I know virtually nothing about it.

I live in Venezuela. Fear of being murdered or kidnapped, Corruption, crime rates, political persecution and food scarcity has me on my nerves all the time.

Do I qualify as a refugee? what are the steps I must take in order to apply for this? please bare in mind I know nothing about this, I would appreciate a really-detailed step-by-step description.

Thanks

 

[scylla]

In order to have a successful refugee claim, it's not enough to prove that you have a fear that something is going to happen. You have to demonstrate that you yourself have somehow been impacted by the situation in your country and that your specific life is in danger. You will be expected to support your claims through proof like police reports, hospitalization reports, etc.

To initiate a refugee claim, you would have to obtain a TRV (tourist visa) to Canada and then make a refugee claim when you arrive here.

 

[Mchd12]

In order to have a successful refugee claim, it's not enough to prove that you have a fear that something is going to happen. You have to demonstrate that you yourself have somehow been impacted by the situation in your country and that your specific life is in danger. You will be expected to support your claims through proof like police reports, hospitalization reports, etc.

To initiate a refugee claim, you would have to obtain a TRV (tourist visa) to Canada and then make a refugee claim when you arrive here.

I have police reports as well as some pics that prove that I have been politically harrased. I don´t know if I need to translate them.

 

[darkpro]

legal aid translate documents

 

[Mchd12]

legal aid translate documents

I can't really afford leagal aid. I'm on my own here.

What are my optins here? How does the process start? do I tell the immigration officer about my intention? after or before he seals my passport? Soooo many questions....

Thanks for the help

 

[darkpro]

i think legal aid will be free for you ... i think if you are really in trouble then tell themm asap . dont do it late ,

 

[Taxed]

I can't really afford leagal aid. I'm on my own here.

What are my optins here? How does the process start? do I tell the immigration officer about my intention? after or before he seals my passport? Soooo many questions....

Thanks for the help

Just cross the border and settle down for few days and then go to the CIC office in your area and apply for refugee.
Bring with you a passport and any other ID you have, no need to translate any of them.
They will take your finger prints and prceed with the paper works and give you some papers ti sign.
They will give you a form to fill up and submit it to the Immigration and refugee board.
Once you are done ans they give you the refugee claiment paper document, you can use to apply for a work permit and once you receive it, you can apply for a social insurance number and the nearest service Canada.

Throughout all these steps you dont really need a lawyer at all, even if it's for free, dont take him. Do it yourself if you can communicate in English.

They will set a hearing date for you, it can be in months for years, there's so specific period. At the hearing, i adive you to represent yourself, this will give you much more credit that you are credible and that you dont need a lawyer to tell your story.

Translate every paper or police report that might help your case, even pictures of assault ( bruises) can be submitted as proof to help your case.

This is just my opinion and dont be influenced by it for whatever you decide to do. Do what you see is best for you and good luck.

 

[Mchd12]

Just cross the border and settle down for few days and then go to the CIC office in your area and apply for refugee.
Bring with you a passport and any other ID you have, no need to translate any of them.
They will take your finger prints and prceed with the paper works and give you some papers ti sign.
They will give you a form to fill up and submit it to the Immigration and refugee board.
Once you are done ans they give you the refugee claiment paper document, you can use to apply for a work permit and once you receive it, you can apply for a social insurance number and the nearest service Canada.

Throughout all these steps you dont really need a lawyer at all, even if it's for free, dont take him. Do it yourself if you can communicate in English.

They will set a hearing date for you, it can be in months for years, there's so specific period. At the hearing, i adive you to represent yourself, this will give you much more credit that you are credible and that you dont need a lawyer to tell your story.

Translate every paper or police report that might help your case, even pictures of assault ( bruises) can be submitted as proof to help your case.

This is just my opinion and dont be influenced by it for whatever you decide to do. Do what you see is best for you and good luck.

wow very informative. Thanks

 

[Mchd12]

Just cross the border and settle down for few days and then go to the CIC office in your area and apply for refugee.
Bring with you a passport and any other ID you have, no need to translate any of them.
They will take your finger prints and prceed with the paper works and give you some papers ti sign.
They will give you a form to fill up and submit it to the Immigration and refugee board.
Once you are done ans they give you the refugee claiment paper document, you can use to apply for a work permit and once you receive it, you can apply for a social insurance number and the nearest service Canada.

Throughout all these steps you dont really need a lawyer at all, even if it's for free, dont take him. Do it yourself if you can communicate in English.

They will set a hearing date for you, it can be in months for years, there's so specific period. At the hearing, i adive you to represent yourself, this will give you much more credit that you are credible and that you dont need a lawyer to tell your story.

Translate every paper or police report that might help your case, even pictures of assault ( bruises) can be submitted as proof to help your case.

This is just my opinion and dont be influenced by it for whatever you decide to do. Do what you see is best for you and good luck.

quick questions:

a. Do they give you the refugee claiment paper document on the same day you apply for refugee status?
b. how long does it take to get a work permit?
c. How long does it take to get the Social Insurnce number?
d. Of I decide to do it at a port of entry, do I talk to the immigration officer after they seal my passport? wouldn't I risk to get deported back to my country?

 

[Taxed]

a. Yes it's handed to you same day but you still have to fill up some forms and take it back to CIC. And then when you take the first form back, they will give you another form to submit it to the IRB in 20 days, in this form you will have to write everything about your story, dont miss out any informationa at all.
b. Up to three months and dont let anyone fool you and tell you to pays th fees for work permit, it's processed for free for refugee claimants.
c. You will receive th SIN same day ( the number ) and the card in up to 14 business days.
d. You can certainly do it at the POE ans they will not deport you, they will proceed just the same so dont be scared, and yes they will seize your passport.

 

[Mchd12]

a. Yes it's handed to you same day but you still have to fill up some forms and take it back to CIC. And then when you take the first form back, they will give you another form to submit it to the IRB in 20 days, in this form you will have to write everything about your story, dont miss out any informationa at all.
b. Up to three months and dont let anyone fool you and tell you to pays th fees for work permit, it's processed for free for refugee claimants.
c. You will receive th SIN same day ( the number ) and the card in up to 14 business days.
d. You can certainly do it at the POE ans they will not deport you, they will proceed just the same so dont be scared, and yes they will seize your passport.

I really want to thank you wholeheartedly. I appreciate all this information. This is EXTREMELY kind of you.

another round of questions:

a. How long is the process from start to finish?
b. Is there anything I can do to make a living while I receive my work permit?
c. Why do they take the passport away?

 

[Taxed]

a. The process may take few months to few years, it's hard to tell.
b. You cannot work without a work permit and I'm not sure if you can get social aid for the first 3 months but i don't recommend it. Try to bring enough money to support yourself for a while or find a friend to live with for a while as well, this will reduce your spendings.
c. As a refugee claimant, you are not allowed to hold a passport for the country you claim to be persecuted in, and even if you are approved, you still cannot hold or travel to your home country as a permanent resident or it will be revoked. Also they seize it so you don't leave the country while you're awaiting your hearing.

PS. With the refugee document ID you can get a driving license.

 

[Mchd12]

a. The process may take few months to few years, it's hard to tell.
b. You cannot work without a work permit and I'm not sure if you can get social aid for the first 3 months but i don't recommend it. Try to bring enough money to support yourself for a while or find a friend to live with for a while as well, this will reduce your spendings.
c. As a refugee claimant, you are not allowed to hold a passport for the country you claim to be persecuted in, and even if you are approved, you still cannot hold or travel to your home country as a permanent resident or it will be revoked. Also they seize it so you don't leave the country while you're awaiting your hearing.

PS. With the refugee document ID you can get a driving license.

thanks! any other advice you might share with me my friend me and my family appreciate this.

You are a very kind person

 

[Taxed]

What area are you planning to settle in? I have some tips for Montreal if you are going there.

 

[Mchd12]

What area are you planning to settle in? I have some tips for Montreal if you are going there.

Montreal is EXACTLY where I'm planning to go