Basis of Claim

Basis of Claim (BOC) Form

In your Basis of Claim Form (BOC Form), you will present your claim by providing details about who you are and why you are seeking protection in Canada.

A decision-maker (known as a “Member”) at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) will use the information provided in your BOC Form, together with your testimony at the hearing and other evidence, to decide if you qualify for refugee protection. At your hearing, the Member may ask you questions about anything you have included in your BOC Form and other relevant topics.

Supporting Documents:

Submit identity documents and evidence of human rights conditions in your country. For more details, consult the Gathering and Submitting Evidence page.

Important Information About the BOC Form:

Deadlines to Submit the Form:

• • If you made your claim for refugee protection at an IRCC office, submit your completed BOC Form on the day of your eligibility interview.
  • If you made your claim at any port of entry, submit one completed BOC Form for each family member no later than 15 days after your claim was referred.

Language to Use on the Form:

• • Complete your BOC Form in either English or French.
  • If an interpreter helps you complete the form, the interpreter must also sign it.
  • If no interpreter helps you, sign a statement indicating that you have read and understand all the information on the BOC Form.

Families:

• • Each family member claiming refugee protection must provide their own BOC Form.
  • For children under 18 years old, the following guidelines apply:
    • Ages 0-6: Complete only Part 1 (“Who you are”).
    • Ages 7-17: Answer all questions.
  • If you complete the BOC Form for a child under 18, you must sign the child’s BOC Form.

How and Where to Submit the BOC Form:

Paper Copy:

• • Submit the original and one copy of your completed BOC Form to the RPD.
  • Deliver your BOC Form to the regional office handling your claim or send it by courier.
  • If your form has fewer than 20 pages, you can also send it by fax. If faxing, bring the original form to your hearing.
  • Do not send your BOC Form by regular mail.

Electronic Copy:

• • You may submit the form electronically through Canada Post’s secure Connect service.
  • Bring the original form to your hearing.

Making Changes to the Form After Submission:

• • If you find a mistake, realize that you forgot something important, or receive additional information, notify the RPD.
  • Underline the changed or added information, sign and date the changed pages, and send the original and one copy of the changed pages to the RPD.
  • Provide a declaration stating that the information in the BOC Form, together with the changes and additions, is complete, true, and correct, and that you understand the declaration has the same force as an oath.
  • The RPD will forward a copy of the changed pages to IRCC or the CBSA.
  • The RPD must receive the new pages at least 10 days before your hearing.