Basis of Claim Form: What It Is and How to Complete It

The Basis of Claim (BOC) form is the central document in a refugee claim. It tells the RPD your story — who you are, why you left, and why you cannot return. This guide explains what the BOC covers and how to approach it carefully.

This resource explains the Basis of Claim (BOC) form — the document that forms the core of a refugee claim in Canada. It covers what the BOC requires, why it is the most important document in the process, common mistakes to avoid, and how it is used by the Refugee Protection Division at the hearing.

The BOC form is not a simple questionnaire — it is a sworn legal declaration that forms the foundation of your entire refugee claim. Every statement in the BOC must be accurate, consistent with all other evidence, and complete. Inconsistencies between the BOC and your oral testimony at the hearing are among the most common grounds for a negative credibility finding by the RPD. How the BOC is drafted matters enormously.

• The BOC must typically be filed with the RPD within 45 days of receiving the Notice to Appear for the hearing
• The form requires detailed biographical information, travel history, identity documents, and a personal narrative explaining why you cannot return to your country of origin
• The personal narrative section is where you explain, in your own words, the specific events, threats, and risks that you face — it should be detailed, specific, and truthful
• Your narrative must identify the Convention ground(s) that apply to your claim: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
• The BOC is signed under oath — any false statements can have serious consequences for your claim and your status in Canada