Filing a refugee claim in Canada is one of the most high-stakes immigration processes a person can go through. The rules are complex, the timelines are strict, and the outcome affects everything—your safety, your family, and your future.
We asked principal lawyer Dorela Sinani to answer six of the most common questions we hear from refugee claimants in Alberta. Here’s what you need to know heading into 2026.
1. What Documents Are Most Overlooked When Preparing for a Refugee Hearing?
One of the most commonly overlooked types of evidence is personal statements from family members and friends who have direct knowledge of the events in your claim. This type of testimony carries weight—it cannot be rejected simply because the person providing it has a personal relationship with the applicant.
Beyond personal statements, the most critical evidence in a refugee hearing typically falls into two categories:
- Government documents such as police records and court judgements
- Third-party documents such as medical or psychological reports, employment records, and membership records
If you have access to any of these, they should be gathered and submitted as part of your claim. The stronger and more organized your documentary evidence, the better positioned you are going into your hearing.
2. How Long Does Refugee Processing Take in Alberta in 2026?
Western Canada, including Alberta, currently has one of the shortest processing times across all three main geographic regions.
The average processing time between referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) and the RPD hearing is approximately 12-24 months. That said, individual timelines can vary depending on case complexity, the volume of claims being processed, and whether additional evidence or a change of hearing date is requested.
3. What Benefits Are Available to Refugee Claimants During the Waiting Period?
While waiting for your hearing, several supports are available:
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): covers essential health services including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications
- Open Work Permit: allows you to be self-employed or work for any employer in Canada while your claim is being processed
- Alberta Works income support: available for claimants who are not yet employed
- Public education: children of refugee claimants have the right to attend public school from elementary through high school at no cost
These supports remain in place for 2026 and help ensure claimants can sustain themselves and their families while their case moves through the system.
4. Why Are Refugee Claims Commonly Rejected?
Credibility is the central issue in virtually every refugee claim. The RPD Member adjudicating your case is evaluating whether your account is consistent, detailed, and supported by the evidence.
Claims are most commonly rejected when there are:
- Inconsistencies between the written narrative (your Basis of Claim form), supporting documents, and oral testimony at the hearing
- Omissions — key events or details left out of the narrative that are raised during questioning
This is why thorough preparation matters. Your written narrative, your documents, and what you say at the hearing all need to tell the same story. An experienced refugee lawyer will help you identify and address potential credibility concerns before you walk into that hearing room.
5. What Options Exist After a Claim Denial—And Are They Worth Pursuing?
If your refugee claim is denied, the most important next step is filing an appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). The RAD is a critical stage because:
- You may be able to present new evidence that was not available at the original hearing
- The concerns raised by the initial RPD Member can be directly challenged
- The RAD has full appeal authority—it can overturn the original decision and grant you refugee protection, or it can send the case back to the RPD for a new hearing
If the RAD also refuses the claim, a second appeal can be filed with the Federal Court of Canada. The Court reviews whether the RAD made an error in fact or law. The best outcome at this stage is that the matter is returned to the RAD for reconsideration.
Appeals are not optional—they are essential. While you are in the appeal process, your removal order is unenforceable, meaning you cannot be deported from Canada. If no appeal is filed, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can begin removal proceedings quickly.
Put simply: filing an appeal buys you time, keeps you in Canada, and gives you another chance to be heard.
6. What Does a Refugee Application Cost in 2026?
A refugee claim is one of the most labour-intensive types of immigration applications. The cost of professional legal assistance varies depending on the complexity of the case and the number of family members included in the claim.
Refugee law is highly specialized and requires significant time, preparation, and expertise to handle properly. Claimants are encouraged to retain an immigration lawyer who is committed to being deeply involved at every step of the process—not just at the hearing.
At Sinani Law, our refugee claim services start at a flat rate of $8,500.00 CAD. The final fee may be higher depending on complexity, or lower if we are retained later in the process when certain steps have already been completed.
We believe in transparent, flat-rate pricing so you know what to expect before you commit.
Need Help With a Refugee Claim in Calgary?
If you or someone you know is preparing a refugee claim in Alberta, early legal representation can make the difference between protection and removal. Sinani Law has extensive experience handling complex refugee cases before the RPD, RAD, and Federal Court.
Book a consultation: (403) 399-0208
Or visit: sinanilaw.com/contact/
