Refugee Claim in Process – Concerned About My IRCC Portal, Medical Appointment, and Work Permit

[Mohamed Tarawally]

Hello everyone,


I am seeking advice and guidance from anyone who has experience with the Canadian refugee claim process, particularly those who have experienced delays or issues with their IRCC portal.


I am currently in Windsor, Ontario, and I would appreciate hearing from people who have gone through a similar situation.


Here is a summary of my situation:


I came to Canada in July 2026 and subsequently decided to make a refugee claim because I fear returning to my home country, Sierra Leone, due to persecution and discrimination related to my sexual orientation.


I retained an immigration lawyer to assist me with my refugee claim. Before hiring my lawyer, I had independently started an application through an online portal, but I did not complete or submit that application.


My lawyer later opened a new portal/application and submitted my refugee claim on my behalf. My understanding is that the lawyer is handling the application that is currently active.


My Basis of Claim (BOC) was submitted on August 15, 2026. I also submitted a correction to IRCC on August 27, 2026.


However, I have continued to experience uncertainty about the status of my application.


My main concerns are:

1. The earlier incomplete application: I continue to receive messages relating to the portal I started myself but never completed. I am concerned that this earlier application may be causing confusion or affecting the application submitted by my lawyer.
2. Medical appointment: As of October 10, 2026, I have not yet received my immigration medical examination appointment or instructions. I would like to know whether this is normal at this stage of the process.
3. Application status: I have been unable to obtain clear confirmation of the current status of my claim through the online portal. I am concerned about whether the application submitted by my lawyer has been properly received and linked to my file.
4. Work permit and SIN: I have not yet received my work permit or Social Insurance Number (SIN). This has made it difficult for me to plan my life, look for employment, and become financially independent in Canada.
5. Communication with IRCC: I have already tried to raise my concerns with IRCC, but I am still looking for clarity about my application and the earlier incomplete portal.

The uncertainty has been stressful, especially as I am trying to settle into a new country and understand the process while waiting for updates.


I would be grateful if anyone could share their experience or offer guidance on the following questions:

• Has anyone experienced a situation where an incomplete online application continued to generate messages after a lawyer submitted a new refugee claim?
• Could an incomplete application affect or delay a separate claim submitted by a lawyer, or would IRCC normally treat them as separate records?
• How can I independently confirm that IRCC has received and properly recorded my lawyer’s submission?
• How long did you wait for your medical examination instructions after submitting your BOC?
• What steps should I take to clarify the status of my work permit application and determine whether I need to submit a separate application?
• Is there a particular IRCC office or official process I should use to resolve a possible duplicate or incomplete portal issue?

I understand that every refugee claim is different and that processing times can vary. I am not asking anyone to predict the outcome of my claim. I am simply looking for practical advice on how to verify that my application is properly recorded and what steps I can take while waiting.


Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any helpful information from people with similar experiences, knowledgeable forum members, or regulated Canadian immigration professionals would be greatly appreciated.

 

[appwarez]

Hello everyone,


I am seeking advice and guidance from anyone who has experience with the Canadian refugee claim process, particularly those who have experienced delays or issues with their IRCC portal.


I am currently in Windsor, Ontario, and I would appreciate hearing from people who have gone through a similar situation.


Here is a summary of my situation:


I came to Canada in July 2026 and subsequently decided to make a refugee claim because I fear returning to my home country, Sierra Leone, due to persecution and discrimination related to my sexual orientation.


I retained an immigration lawyer to assist me with my refugee claim. Before hiring my lawyer, I had independently started an application through an online portal, but I did not complete or submit that application.


My lawyer later opened a new portal/application and submitted my refugee claim on my behalf. My understanding is that the lawyer is handling the application that is currently active.


My Basis of Claim (BOC) was submitted on August 15, 2026. I also submitted a correction to IRCC on August 27, 2026.


However, I have continued to experience uncertainty about the status of my application.


My main concerns are:

1. The earlier incomplete application: I continue to receive messages relating to the portal I started myself but never completed. I am concerned that this earlier application may be causing confusion or affecting the application submitted by my lawyer.
2. Medical appointment: As of October 10, 2026, I have not yet received my immigration medical examination appointment or instructions. I would like to know whether this is normal at this stage of the process.
3. Application status: I have been unable to obtain clear confirmation of the current status of my claim through the online portal. I am concerned about whether the application submitted by my lawyer has been properly received and linked to my file.
4. Work permit and SIN: I have not yet received my work permit or Social Insurance Number (SIN). This has made it difficult for me to plan my life, look for employment, and become financially independent in Canada.
5. Communication with IRCC: I have already tried to raise my concerns with IRCC, but I am still looking for clarity about my application and the earlier incomplete portal.

The uncertainty has been stressful, especially as I am trying to settle into a new country and understand the process while waiting for updates.


I would be grateful if anyone could share their experience or offer guidance on the following questions:

• Has anyone experienced a situation where an incomplete online application continued to generate messages after a lawyer submitted a new refugee claim?
• Could an incomplete application affect or delay a separate claim submitted by a lawyer, or would IRCC normally treat them as separate records?
• How can I independently confirm that IRCC has received and properly recorded my lawyer’s submission?
• How long did you wait for your medical examination instructions after submitting your BOC?
• What steps should I take to clarify the status of my work permit application and determine whether I need to submit a separate application?
• Is there a particular IRCC office or official process I should use to resolve a possible duplicate or incomplete portal issue?

I understand that every refugee claim is different and that processing times can vary. I am not asking anyone to predict the outcome of my claim. I am simply looking for practical advice on how to verify that my application is properly recorded and what steps I can take while waiting.


Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any helpful information from people with similar experiences, knowledgeable forum members, or regulated Canadian immigration professionals would be greatly appreciated.

Since u already have a lawyer, I’d suggest asking them to confirm that ur refugee claim was successfully submitted and that u have an official Acknowledgement of Claim.
Regarding ur medical exam, IRCC says instructions are normally sent once a claim is complete. Since you submitted your BOC in August and still haven’t received medical instructions, ask your lawyer to follow up with IRCC and confirm whether anything is outstanding.

For your work permit, check whether you requested one when the claim was submitted. IRCC says a work permit can be issued after the claim is found eligible, the medical exam is passed, and biometrics are completed. If you didn’t request one initially, ask your lawyer whether you need to apply separately.
You can also report the portal issue through the official IRCC web form:
https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1551&top=11
Official information about what happens after submitting a refugee claim:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/asylum/in-canada/after-apply.html

 

[brokerdeal1970]

Lol first off thanks you made my day . Its very funny your post you sais that just just came 2 /3 months ago and expect all these very quickly
Dont you read / know about the situation here? And you said you fear persecution mr mohammed in your Muslim country because of your sexual orientation. You know that you have to prove that and have very strong evidence . If you just use it like a shortcut in order to stay this game is all finish . I am proudly gay and many people have abused the system that now canada has tightened up its immigration /asylum Policy because bogus screwed it up .
And you know bow long is it to go to a hearing or get work permit? It takes months if not years this is in case you are genuine .


Just the fact that You have been misinformed about canada and how is the current immigration policy shows that you were thinking to establish here easily by claiming asylum
You will be denied i assure you .
My free advise to you is to find other paths to stay.

 

[Mohamed Tarawally]

Lol first off thanks you made my day . Its very funny your post you sais that just just came 2 /3 months ago and expect all these very quickly
Dont you read / know about the situation here? And you said you fear persecution mr mohammed in your Muslim country because of your sexual orientation. You know that you have to prove that and have very strong evidence . If you just use it like a shortcut in order to stay this game is all finish . I am proudly gay and many people have abused the system that now canada has tightened up its immigration /asylum Policy because bogus screwed it up .
And you know bow long is it to go to a hearing or get work permit? It takes months if not years this is in case you are genuine .


Just the fact that You have been misinformed about canada and how is the current immigration policy shows that you were thinking to establish here easily by claiming asylum
You will be denied i assure you .
My free advise to you is to find other paths to stay.

Thank you for your comment and for sharing your opinion. I understand your concerns, and I respect the fact that you are proudly gay and have your own understanding of the Canadian asylum system.


However, I think it is unfair to assume that someone is abusing the system simply because they are asking questions about delays or seeking advice after arriving in Canada. I never expected the process to be easy or immediate. My concern is that I have already submitted my refugee claim through my lawyer, including my Basis of Claim, and I am trying to understand the next steps and resolve the delays I am experiencing.


I understand that a refugee claim must be assessed based on the facts, evidence, and applicable law. I am prepared to follow the proper process and let the relevant authorities assess my case. I also understand that not every claim will be accepted.


I came here seeking guidance and assistance, not to claim that Canada owes me anything or that I deserve special treatment. There is a difference between asking for help understanding an immigration process and abusing that process.


I respect your opinion, but I would appreciate it if you did not prejudge my case or assure me that I will be denied without knowing my circumstances.


Thank you for your advice. I will continue to work with my lawyer and follow the appropriate legal process.

 

[Mohamed Tarawally]

Since u already have a lawyer, I’d suggest asking them to confirm that ur refugee claim was successfully submitted and that u have an official Acknowledgement of Claim.
Regarding ur medical exam, IRCC says instructions are normally sent once a claim is complete. Since you submitted your BOC in August and still haven’t received medical instructions, ask your lawyer to follow up with IRCC and confirm whether anything is outstanding.

For your work permit, check whether you requested one when the claim was submitted. IRCC says a work permit can be issued after the claim is found eligible, the medical exam is passed, and biometrics are completed. If you didn’t request one initially, ask your lawyer whether you need to apply separately.
You can also report the portal issue through the official IRCC web form:
https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1551&top=11
Official information about what happens after submitting a refugee claim:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/asylum/in-canada/after-apply.html

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this and share the official links. I really appreciate your advice.


My BOC was submitted in August, and my lawyer has been handling my claim. However, I have not yet received my medical examination instructions, work permit, or SIN, and I have been experiencing difficulties accessing my IRCC portal to check my application status.


The delay has been stressful because I am still trying to settle into life in Canada. I will follow up with my lawyer to confirm that my claim is complete, whether anything is outstanding, and whether my work permit request was submitted.


Thank you again for your guidance and for pointing me in the right direction. I genuinely appreciate the support.