Anyone who cannot return to their country of origin due to a threat to their life or risk of torture is considered a refugee. This could be due to various reasons, like religion, sexual orientation, race, etc.

Canada is one of the most welcoming first-world countries and has dedicated programs to support refugees and help them settle in Canada. In 2020, over 23,000 people applied for refugee status in Canada. However, this doesn’t mean everyone applying for refugee status is granted one and can immigrate to Canada permanently.

A lot of times, refugee applications are rejected because of common mistakes people make in their applications. Let’s take a look at some of these mistakes in this post.

Making a Claim Without Adequate Research

One of the most common mistakes people make when making refugee claims is filing a claim before they have done adequate research. Your refugee claim may look straightforward, but the authorities will look at even the most minute details and evaluate you accordingly. Even the slightest mistake can lead to your appeal being rejected, which is why conducting proper research before filing a refugee claim is essential.

Moreover, having a rejected appeal can also affect your future appeals if you decide to make one again. This is why getting it right on the first attempt is very important.

Not Preparing for the Case

When you file an appeal for getting refugee status, you’re essentially filing a case. There will be hearings where you can present your case, answer questions, and show the authorities why you should be classified as a refugee and be allowed to enter Canada.

Adequate preparations regarding the case mean you have collected all the documents and evidence you plan on submitting or are required. Going through the NDP (National Documentation Package) thoroughly, preparing for questions that might be asked in the hearing, and more.

Failing to prepare for the case adequately means you are preparing to get rejected instead. You must be ready with all the facts, statements, and supporting documents you may need to strengthen your case. You should take a proactive approach and present all evidence and documents before the authorities request them from you. Lastly, you should be prepared to answer every question honestly and confidently. Confidence plays a major role in convincing the authorities about the legitimacy of your claim.

Failing to Provide Authentic and Relevant Evidence

There are no set pieces of evidence required for a refugee claim. Every case is different, which is why the evidence required is also different. However, if you fail to provide authentic or relevant evidence, it greatly reduces your chances of your application being accepted.

For example, if you fail to show you’re under threat in your country, the authorities may not deem you eligible for refugee status. Furthermore, if you forge evidence or are caught presenting fake evidence, you could be permanently banned from entering Canada through any program.

Providing Excessive Evidence

Sometimes, providing too much evidence can be a problem as well. Providing relevant evidence is necessary to back your case, but the more evidence the authorities have, the more questions can be raised because the authorities examine every small detail.

Providing adequate and relevant evidence is best for refugee claims.

Not Hiring an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Working with an immigration lawyer is the key to getting your application for refugee status approved because an immigration lawyer will help you avoid all of the above-mentioned mistakes in your application.

 This is because experienced immigration lawyers have dealt with hundreds of cases like these and can guide you regarding what documents are required, what evidence has to be submitted, what questions the authorities will ask, and more.

Immigration lawyers can also help you prepare your application properly instead of rushing into submitting it, which increases the chances of rejection.

If you’re searching for experienced immigration lawyers in Canada, Nanda & Associate Lawyers is the place to go.

The renowned law firm has a team of experienced immigration lawyers with years of experience dealing with refugee claims and other immigration cases, like spousal sponsorships, family sponsorships, express entry, and more.

Furthermore, they also have civil litigation lawyers, business lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and more. Reach out to them now or book a meeting today.

About the Author

Jane Wielerman is an immigration lawyer and has been practicing law for over a decade. She has been associated with Nanda & Associate Lawyers for over 4 years and helps their clients with refugee applications, among other immigration cases.