Basis of Claim (BOC) Form Guide
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is one of the most critical documents in your refugee claim. It tells the Immigration and Refugee Board who you are, why you left your country, and why you cannot return. This guide will help you understand the form and complete it properly.
What Is the Basis of Claim Form?
The Basis of Claim form (also known as the BOC or the Personal Information Form) is the official document used by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB to understand the basis of your refugee claim. It contains your personal information, your travel history, and most importantly, your narrative explaining why you are seeking protection in Canada.
The BOC is the foundation of your entire refugee claim. The member who decides your case will read it carefully and will compare your written narrative with your oral testimony at the hearing. Inconsistencies between the two can harm your credibility.
How to Fill Out the BOC Form
Section A: Personal Information
Fill in your full legal name, date of birth, country of nationality, and other personal details exactly as they appear on your identity documents. Double-check all dates and spelling.
Section B: Travel and Immigration History
Provide a complete history of all countries you have lived in or travelled to. Include dates of entry and exit, immigration status in each country, and any identity documents used. Do not omit any countries or trips.
Section C: Previous Refugee Claims
Disclose any previous refugee claims made in Canada or any other country. Failure to disclose prior claims can seriously damage your credibility.
Section D: The Narrative
This is the most important part of the form. Your narrative should clearly explain who is persecuting you, why they are targeting you, what specific incidents have occurred, why your government cannot or will not protect you, and why you cannot safely relocate within your country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Vague
Avoid general statements like 'I was threatened many times.' Instead, describe specific incidents with dates, locations, and details about what happened.
Inconsistencies with Other Evidence
Ensure your narrative matches your supporting documents, your port-of-entry interview notes, and any statements you have already made. Contradictions raise credibility concerns.
Omitting Important Details
Include all relevant incidents, even those that seem minor. Leaving out information and then raising it at the hearing can make the member question why it was not included earlier.
Including Irrelevant Information
Focus your narrative on the reasons for your claim. While context is important, excessive background information that does not relate to your persecution can distract from your core claim.
Submitting Without Review
Always review your form carefully, or have someone you trust review it before submission. Check for spelling errors, incorrect dates, and missing information.
Timeline Requirements
Meeting your deadlines is critical. Missing a deadline can result in your claim being declared abandoned.
Day 1: Referral to the RPD
Your refugee claim is formally referred to the Refugee Protection Division. The clock starts ticking.
Within 15 Days: Submit Your BOC
You must submit your completed Basis of Claim form to the RPD within 15 days of your claim being referred. This is a strict deadline.
Before Your Hearing: Gather Evidence
Collect and organize all supporting documents. Submit them to the RPD and the Minister's counsel at least 10 days before your hearing date.
Your Hearing Date
Attend your hearing prepared with all documents and ready to present your testimony. Hearings are typically scheduled within 60 days of the BOC submission for claims made at a port of entry, or within 45 days for inland claims.
Tips for Writing Your Narrative
- Write in the first person ('I was threatened...' not 'The claimant was threatened...')
- Organize your story chronologically from the earliest relevant event to the present
- Include specific dates whenever possible. If exact dates are unknown, provide approximate dates and explain why you cannot be more precise
- Name your persecutors if you can safely do so, and describe their relationship to you or to the government
- Describe the physical and emotional impact of each incident on you and your family
- Explain what steps you took to seek protection from authorities in your country and what happened when you did
- Explain why you chose to come to Canada and what route you took
- If there was a delay between leaving your country and making your claim, explain why
- Have a trusted person or legal professional review your narrative before submission
Need Help With Your BOC Form?
The Basis of Claim form can determine the outcome of your entire refugee claim. If you need guidance completing it or want a professional review of your narrative, we are here to help.
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