Preparation involves reaching out to obtain legal assistance, finding as much documentation as you can to support your claims, and ensuring that your documents give evidence of your religious membership and persecution.
Detailed guidance on the scheduling and preparation for Canadian applications is found on several websites, including the My Refugee Claim and Your Refugee Hearing websites.
Obtain legal counsel
It is best to consult a qualified attorney or lawyer while you are preparing your refugee application. They will also give guidance on the deadlines and requirements that are important not to miss.
Representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (in the country you currently live in or in the country you want to apply for refugee status) may be able to assist you in identifying people to help you complete the refugee application.
RefWorld is a website created and maintained by the UNHCR that provides useful information about the refugee claim process. It includes country profiles and recent legal decisions about refugee status.
After obtaining legal counsel, it is best to meet with them (in-person or online) multiple times to discuss your refugee claim and how to prepare for the hearing.
Prepare relevant documents
Collect as many documents as you can to show that you are telling the truth.
These include documents that could prove your identity, like a passport or other travel document, a birth certificate, a military or national identification card, a driver’s license, etc.
Typically, documents need to be translated into the official language of the country where you are making your refugee claim. Videos, websites and other electronic documents must also be translated.
For each family member that you are including in your refugee application, provide evidence of a relationship, such as birth or school records for children, a marriage certificate, or proof of termination of marriage.
Show religious persecution
Provide documents to show that you were persecuted, including medical records. Find specific ways to show that this persecution was connected to your religion.
Collect documents that could prove your religious faith, such as membership cards, baptismal certificates, or proof of attending religious school. Other documents could include your own correspondence or writings, especially when these can be verified as authentic.
Collect documents that could support your claim of fear of persecution, such as police reports, proof of visits to the police, medical records, proof of imprisonment and interrogation—anything that could show you were threatened or harmed because of your religion or you will be if you go back. Medical records could cover mental health problems as well.
Collect news articles about people who are connected to your case, especially if their religious connections are described.
If there are people who witnessed what happened to you, ask them to write down what happened and send it to you. If possible, ask the person to declare in front of a lawyer or notary that the statement is true.
If the documents supporting your claim are not available, collect evidence that shows your effort in obtaining such documents (e.g., e-mails, letters, or phone call records).
Although such documentation alone does not prove your case, collect reports from reliable sources (like government and international organizations) that document abuses of freedom of religion in your country of origin. An example would be a report about the persecution of people who have a specific religious belief.
Avoid disqualification
Prior to your hearing, you may engage in actions that lead others to believe that you do not actually have the fears that led to your decision to seek asylum. For example, travelling that puts you under higher perceived risk may affect the success or status of your claim. You should consult your counsel first before engaging in any activities that may undermine your credibility.
Disclaimer: This website does not contain legal advice. For all legal questions, it is best to consult with a qualified lawyer. The information contained on this website may not be current due to changes since the time it was written.
Religious Refugees 