Our Services
Refugee Claims & Humanitarian Applications
If you fear returning to your home country, or you are in Canada without status but have built a life here, the decisions ahead of you are among the most serious in immigration law. These cases are decided on your story and your evidence — and how clearly, consistently, and credibly they are presented can shape the outcome before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or IRCC.
WorkLife Canada handles refugee and humanitarian matters with complete confidentiality and without judgment. We listen first, tell you honestly which pathways are realistic for your circumstances, and then prepare your case with the care it deserves. Nothing you share with us is disclosed to anyone without your consent, except as required by law.
What we help with
Refugee & Humanitarian: our services
Refugee Claim Preparation
Guidance through the refugee claim process from the initial eligibility interview to your hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board — including what to expect at each stage and how to prepare.
Basis of Claim (BOC) Review
Your Basis of Claim form is the foundation of your case. We help you draft and review it so that your narrative is complete, consistent, and accurate — because inconsistencies discovered later can seriously harm your credibility.
Disclosure & Evidence Preparation
Identifying, gathering, translating, and organizing the documents that support your claim — identity documents, country condition evidence, medical and psychological reports, and corroborating statements — filed within the IRB's disclosure deadlines.
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications
For people who do not fit standard immigration categories, an H&C application asks IRCC to grant permanent residence based on establishment in Canada, hardship, and the best interests of any children affected. We assess honestly whether your circumstances support this exceptional pathway.
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Coordination
If you are facing removal from Canada, a PRRA may allow you to present evidence of risk before removal takes place. We help you understand eligibility, strict timelines, and what new evidence can be considered.
Refusal Response Strategy
If your claim or application is refused, we review the decision with you and explain the realistic options — the Refugee Appeal Division, a PRRA, an H&C application, or judicial review coordinated with independent legal counsel — and which, if any, fit your situation.
How the refugee claim process works
A refugee claim can be made at a port of entry or from inside Canada. After an eligibility determination, most claims are referred to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), an independent tribunal that decides whether you are a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection. The decision rests entirely with the IRB member who hears your case.
The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is the single most important document in the process. It sets out who you are, what happened to you, and why you cannot return home. Everything you say at your hearing will be measured against it, so it must be truthful, complete, and consistent from the very beginning. Deadlines in the refugee process are short and strictly enforced — getting the BOC right the first time matters far more than filing it quickly.
Humanitarian & compassionate applications explained
An H&C application is not a refugee claim and not an appeal — it is a request that IRCC exercise its discretion to grant permanent residence to someone who would not otherwise qualify. There is no fixed formula, and approval is entirely at the discretion of the deciding officer. Officers generally weigh factors such as:
- Your establishment in Canada — work history, community ties, language, and length of stay
- The hardship you would face if required to leave Canada
- The best interests of any children directly affected by the decision
- Family relationships and support networks in Canada
- Health considerations and the availability of treatment in your home country
- Any factors outside your control that led to your current situation
Why credible, consistent evidence matters
Refugee and humanitarian cases are won or lost on credibility. Decision-makers compare your written narrative, your documents, and your oral testimony — and unexplained gaps or contradictions between them are among the most common reasons claims fail. Painful as it can be, telling your full story accurately from the start is the strongest protection you have.
We work with you patiently and confidentially to reconstruct events, obtain corroborating documents where they exist, and explain honestly where evidence is missing rather than papering over weaknesses. If we believe a claim or application is not realistic, we will tell you before you invest time, money, and hope in it. These are difficult conversations, but you deserve honesty — not false comfort.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Everything you share with us is held in strict confidence and is not disclosed to anyone — including family members — without your consent, except as required by law. We understand that many clients come from situations where disclosure could put them or their families at risk, and we treat every file accordingly.
Do you guarantee my refugee claim or H&C application will be accepted?
No — and you should be very cautious of anyone who says otherwise. Refugee claims are decided by independent members of the Immigration and Refugee Board, and H&C applications by IRCC officers exercising discretion. What we do is prepare your case honestly, completely, and to the best professional standard, and make sure you understand your realistic prospects before proceeding.
What happens if my refugee claim is refused?
A refusal is serious, but it is not always the end. Depending on your case, options may include an appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division, a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, an H&C application, or judicial review at the Federal Court, which we coordinate with independent legal counsel. We review the written reasons for refusal with you and advise honestly which options, if any, are realistic.
Can I apply on humanitarian grounds if I have no status in Canada?
In many cases, yes — H&C applications are often made by people without valid status. However, an H&C application does not by itself stop removal proceedings, and success depends on the strength of your establishment, hardship, and family circumstances. We assess your situation honestly, including the risks, before you apply.
How long will my case take?
Timelines for refugee hearings, PRRA decisions, and H&C applications vary considerably and change with the IRB's and IRCC's workloads, so we do not quote fixed processing times. What we can control is filing complete, well-organized materials within every deadline — and keeping you informed at each stage so you are never left wondering where your case stands.
Ready to discuss your situation?
Book a consultation for an honest, realistic assessment of your options — or start with our free assessment form.