Canada has changed the way refugee claims are completed through the IRCC Portal.
As of November 3, 2026, people starting a refugee claim from inside Canada must use the updated online application process. The change is particularly important for people who started a claim before November 3 but did not submit it by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2.
Those applicants have not lost their claims. However, they must now review the information they previously entered and answer new questions before submitting.
For people seeking refugee protection in Canada, accuracy matters. Information entered at the beginning of a claim can later become important when eligibility, credibility and the underlying refugee case are assessed.
What changed on November 3, 2026?
IRCC has updated the online application used to make refugee claims from inside Canada.
If you had an unfinished claim in the IRCC Portal when the new system took effect:
your personal information remains saved;
you must review your previous answers;
you must answer the new questions in the updated application; and
you must complete the remaining requirements before submitting your claim.
If you submitted your refugee claim before the November 3 transition, you do not need to complete the new questions solely because the system changed, unless IRCC asks you for additional information.
What happens to an unfinished refugee claim?
| Your Situation | What Happens Now? |
|---|---|
| You started an inland refugee claim but did not submit it before November 3 | Your personal information remains saved. You must review your previous answers, answer the new questions and complete the updated application before submitting. |
| You started your claim with CBSA at a border or airport and were told to finish it online | You must link the claim to your IRCC Portal account, review the information collected by CBSA and complete the new questions. |
| You submitted your claim before November 3 | You do not need to complete the new questions simply because the portal changed, unless IRCC asks you for more information. |
What documents do you need for a refugee claim?
Each person making a refugee claim generally needs to prepare a Basis of Claim (BOC) form and provide identification documents such as a passport, travel document or other available identity evidence.
Applicants can also provide documents supporting the risks they say they face, including:
police or court records;
medical or psychological reports;
evidence of threats or mistreatment;
political or organizational membership records;
news reports or human rights documentation; and
other evidence relevant to the claim.
If someone is representing or assisting you with your application, the appropriate representative documentation must also be completed.
Ayodele Law's Refugee Claim Lawyer services explain the broader refugee claim process, including preparation of the Basis of Claim and representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Does the new portal change who qualifies for refugee protection?
No.
The November 3 change affects how a refugee claim is submitted, not the legal test for refugee protection.
A person must still establish that they meet the requirements to be recognized as a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
IRCC or CBSA also assesses whether the claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board.The online application is therefore only the beginning of the refugee claim process.
Why is reviewing an unfinished application important?
Applicants should not simply click through their old answers to finish the updated application quickly.
The information submitted through the portal becomes part of the immigration record.
Details about your identity, family, travel history, previous immigration applications and the circumstances underlying your refugee claim should be complete and accurate.
Inconsistencies between the portal, your Basis of Claim, documentary evidence and later testimony can create credibility issues. If something you entered previously is incorrect or incomplete, consider obtaining legal advice before submitting the updated claim.
What if you started your refugee claim at the border?
If you began your claim with the Canada Border Services Agency at an airport or land border and were instructed to complete it online, you must use the IRCC Portal to continue the process.
You will need information from the documents CBSA provided, including your application number, Unique Client Identifier and date of birth.
Once the claim is linked, you should confirm that the correct applicants and family members appear and carefully review the information previously collected. You will then complete the additional questions and upload the required documents.
What should you do now if your claim is unfinished?
If your refugee claim was still incomplete when the system changed on November 3:
Sign in to your IRCC Portal.
Review all previously entered information.
Complete the new questions.
Confirm that your family information is correct.
Prepare your Basis of Claim and supporting documents.
Review the entire application before submitting it.
Do not submit information you know is inaccurate simply to complete the application quickly.
Need help completing a refugee claim?
A refugee claim is more than an online application.
The information submitted at the beginning of the process can affect eligibility, your Basis of Claim, the evidence required and ultimately the hearing before the Refugee Protection Division.
Ayodele Law represents refugee claimants throughout Canada from the initial application through hearing preparation and, where necessary, appeals.
If you have an unfinished refugee claim or are preparing to make a new claim under the updated process, book a consultation with Ayodele Law to have your case reviewed before submission.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Refugee eligibility, application requirements and procedural deadlines depend on individual circumstances. The information reflects IRCC's refugee claim process in effect as of November 3, 2026 and may change.