Changes to refugee application process – Temporary tariff framework and webinar at Legal Aid Ontario
Published: November 5, 2026
On Nov. 3, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced changes to the way refugee claims are processed in Canada. These changes include replacement of the Basis of Claim (BOC) form with a new Refugee Claim Application (RCA) portal and shortening the time for refugee claimants to submit their supporting evidence to 30 days after referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).
To support this transition, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) will continue using the existing refugee tariff and fee structure set out in the Legal Aid Services Rules on a temporary basis while it develops and consults on permanent tariff amendments. The temporary framework for how LAO will continue covering services is set out in detail in the Notice Re: Temporary Tariff Framework for Immigration and Refugee Matters. Lawyers should continue to use existing certificate coverage and tariff authorizations as set out in the notice. Some key features of the temporary framework are as follows:
- Existing 9-hour and 12-hour BOC preparation refugee claim certificates remain available and may be used for work on refugee claims in the new RCA portal.
- For standard 9-hour refugee claim certificates, the additional 9 hours of RPD coverage will be added once the entire RCA has been completed and submitted, and proof of submission is uploaded to Legal Aid Online. Lawyers must select RPD Authorization Materials as the document type when uploading proof of submission. For complete instructions on how to request an RPD hearing authorization, visit the For refugee and immigration lawyers section of the LAO website.
- Existing authorizations for additional family member narratives and for work with Designated Representatives remain available and may be used in the additional circumstances described in the notice.
- Lawyers must upload a copy of the completed basis of claim information section of the submitted application (including the narrative) in Legal Aid Online, continuing the current BOC upload requirement.
For more details on the how existing certificate coverage and tariff authorizations should be used under the new process, please review the notice on LAO’s website.
Notice Re: Temporary Tariff Framework for Immigration and Refugee Matters
Join our webinar to learn more
You are also invited to register for an upcoming webinar for refugee and immigration roster lawyers and their staff on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. At the webinar, we will explain in detail how certificate coverage is to be used for services provided under the new refugee determination process. The event will be recorded for those who cannot attend at that time.
If you have questions before the webinar, send them to immigrationandrefugee@lao.on.ca.
Please note that the webinar is available in English only
Fee structure for refugee services: We would like your feedback
LAO is also working on a permanent redesign of refugee tariff coverage to align with the changes to the refugee determination process. We welcome input from roster lawyers and other stakeholders during this interim period on how legal aid coverage can best support high-quality representation under the new process. Comments may be submitted to immigrationandrefugee@lao.on.ca.