Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP).

Beginning October 6, 2021, persons in Canada wishing to make a claim for refugee protection (with or without the assistance of a representative) can create a secure CRPP account, complete a questionnaire and submit supporting documents, including their completed basis of claim form, online.

After October 6^th, the CRPP will be the primary means of submitting a claim. No new claims for refugee protection via email or Connect will be possible after that date.

Individuals who have already made a claim via email or started the process of making a claim for refugee protection via Connect do not need to resubmit their documents through the CRPP. They can continue using Connect to submit required documentation.

All persons wishing to make a claim for refugee protection can use the CRPP to start the process for themselves and their in-Canada dependants. Persons can also authorize a legal representative to create an account (in the claimant’s name) and submit a claim, on their behalf. The representative and the claimant must complete the declaration found on our website and add it to the “Additional Documents” section of the upload documents page. The portal can also be used by claimants furthered inland from a port of entry, using the application number found on the acknowledgement of claim document provided by Canada Border Services Agency.

The CRPP improves client service and increases the efficiency of refugee claim processing in Canada, focusing on refugee intake, by allowing claimants to submit their claim online.

The CRPP also ensures that clients submit complete information, which reduces correspondence between the department and clients and allows IRCC to make faster eligibility decisions.

Clients can also receive correspondence through the CRPP, such as a request to attend a refugee claim interview with an officer in one of our refugee intake offices in Canada, or immigration medical examination (IME) instructions.

IRCC staff will be able to use the portal to contact applicants to request additional information or to clarify potential errors. New claimants will then be scheduled for an appointment at their nearest office to provide fingerprints, attend an interview and receive the refugee protection claimant document.

The CRPP will be a big change for clients and counsel; however, it is necessary in order to address the large percentage of incomplete claims IRCC receives. Our expectation is that the portal should assist in reducing processing times for eligibility decisions, which also means more timely referral of refugee claims to the IRB and work permit issuance.

While the current public policy is in place, IRCC will continue to issue an acknowledgement of claim document after receipt of a complete e-application and supporting documentation, and verification of their completeness. This document provides Interim Federal Health Program coverage.

Should accommodation be required due to disability or on other grounds, IRCC will review each request on a case-by-case basis.

For further information and instructions on this new initiative, please check IRCC’s website.