Re—Course
Let us help you tell your compelling story to the IRB.
In Canada, each refugee claimant regardless of age, gender, or language, has to personally convince an adjudicator that they are in need of protection. So we created a free program to help claimants be prepared for that life-changing event.
Re—Course is for you if...
You are new to Canada
You have come to Canada from abroad hoping to find protection in Canada.
You have submitted your Claim
You have already submitted your Basis of Claim form and story to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
You have booked an IRB hearing
You have received a Notice of Hearing from the IRB which sets out the date and time for your refugee hearing.
Re—Course does not provide refugee claimants with legal advice. Instead, Re—Course is focused on providing a simulation experience, legal information and education, as well as emotional preparedness. All refugee claimants who sign up for Re—Course are expected to ask their representative for legal advice if they have one.
Re—Course is not a partner or extension of the IRB and operates independent of the Canadian Government.
“...the mock interview was extremely helpful. My hearing practice and feedback I got from your team members had a strong impact on my actual hearing. It enabled me to succeed.”
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Re—Course gets you ready in three key ways.
Recall
Securely upload your claim documents to our program and receive useful guides for sharing your story.
Recount
Participate in a fully simulated IRB practice hearing where you will share your story in order to gain realistic practice.
Reflect
Gain deeper insight into the way you present your claim through feedback and practice.
Additional Support
The Re—Course program is focused on preparing refugee claimants prepare for their IRB hearing. If there are needs outside of that there are other organizations that might be more helpful to you.
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Matthew House Toronto
The Re—Course program partners with organizations serving refugees across Canada. The Re—Course program was founded in 2013 by Helton Achaye, a refugee claimant, in partnership with Matthew House Toronto.
What is a Re—Course hearing?
A Re—Course hearing is an imitation of your IRB hearing. A Re—Course Volunteer Adjudicator will act as the IRB member and the hearing facility is styled to resemble your IRB hearing (whether virtual or in-person). There is no judgement or decision provided at a Re—Course hearing.
How long is a Re—Course hearing?
A Re—Course hearing is typically 2 to 3 hours long.
How much does a Re—Course hearing cost?
Nothing! Re—Course is a donation-funded service, and provided free of charge to eligible refugee claimants.
What are Re—Course confidentiality policies?
Re—Course staff take your privacy seriously. Your documents are kept in a secure portal and are treated with a high level of confidentiality. All those who will be in contact with your personal documents – the volunteer Adjudicators and trusted Re—Course staff – sign agreements to commit to handle claimant information and documentation confidentially. Your Re—Course hearing is conducted in keeping with strict guidelines.
Will a Re—Course hearing ensure my success at my IRB hearing?
Re—Course helps to prepare the claimants for their IRB hearing but does not guarantee the result of the hearing. We, therefore, do not provide any judgment or decision at the end of a Re—Course hearing. We will however provide you general feedback at the end of the process that may help you to better prepare.
Can I receive legal advice through Re—Course?
No, Re—Course does not provide refugee claimants with legal advice. Instead, Re—Course is focused on providing legal information and education. The claimant is provided legal advice by their counsel or lawyer (if they have one).
If I am appealing my IRB decision. Can Re—Course help?
Re—Course is not set up to provide support to refugee claimants with their appeal process.
I don’t speak English or French – can I still have a Re—Course hearing?
Yes. Re—Course works with volunteer interpreters and we will work to secure an interpreter for your Re—Course hearing. However, as a growing program, we cannot guarantee the availability of interpreters for certain languages.
Who are the Re—Course Adjudicators?
Re—Course Adjudicators are trained legal professionals, law students and experienced community members. They undergo specific training with the Re—Course team, and are carefully vetted and supported by our staff to deliver a high-quality experience to you and other claimants.
Where are Re—Course hearings conducted?
The majority of Re—Course hearings are virtual. Re—Course uses the same platform as the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Accommodations available for in-person hearings if required.
How do I book a Re—Course hearing?
Sign up by clicking here.
