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How to Prepare for Your IRB Hearing — Tips From Those Who Have Been Through It
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well today. 😊
I wanted to start a detailed and helpful thread for anyone who has an upcoming IRB refugee hearing and is feeling stressed, confused, or completely overwhelmed. Trust me, you’re not alone — every single person who has gone through the asylum process has felt the same way at some point.
The IRB hearing is one of the most important parts of the refugee claim process in Canada. It’s the moment where you sit in front of a Board Member, explain your story, present your evidence, and answer questions about your past and your fears. It can be emotional, nerve-racking, and exhausting — but preparation truly makes a huge difference.
Below are some practical tips gathered from people who have already been through their IRB hearings and wanted to share what helped them.
1. Know Your Own Story Better Than Anyone Else
This may sound obvious, but many people forget small details under stress.
Sit down and re-read your BOC (Basis of Claim) form carefully. Make sure:
2. Prepare Your Evidence Properly
Evidence can include:
3. Practice Answering Questions Out Loud
Most people know their story, but struggle to explain it under pressure.
Try practicing with:
4. Stay Honest — Even If the Truth Is Complicated
The IRB Member can tell very easily when someone is nervous or hiding something. If something in your story is embarrassing, confusing, or painful, still tell the truth. Honesty always works better than trying to “sound perfect.”
5. Don’t Memorize a Script — Speak Naturally
They don’t want you to sound like you’re reading from a paper.
They want your real voice, your real emotions, and your real experiences.
Being natural makes you more believable and helps the Member understand your fear and your situation.
6. Learn How to Stay Calm When They Challenge You
Some IRB Members test you by asking tough or frustrating questions.
This is normal.
Stay calm, breathe, and answer clearly.
They are trying to understand your situation — not attack you.
7. Arrive Early and Bring Everything You Need
On the day of your hearing:
8. If You Have a Lawyer — Trust Their Guidance
A prepared lawyer is absolutely priceless.
Ask them:
9. It’s Okay to Be Emotional
Many people cry during their hearing — that’s completely normal.
You’re talking about some of the hardest moments of your life.
The IRB understands this.
Don’t try to force yourself to be “strong.” Just be yourself.
10. Remember: This Is Your Chance to Be Heard
The IRB hearing is not a punishment.
It’s your opportunity to explain your fear, your past suffering, and why you cannot return home.
Take your time.
Speak from your heart.
And remember that everyone here on this forum is supporting you.
Have You Already Been Through an IRB Hearing?
If yes:
👉 Please share your experience
👉 What helped you prepare?
👉 What questions did the Member ask you?
👉 What do you wish you knew earlier?
Your story — even a small detail — might help someone who is preparing right now and is extremely scared.
Looking forward to your comments and experiences. Let’s help each other through this journey.
I hope you’re all doing well today. 😊
I wanted to start a detailed and helpful thread for anyone who has an upcoming IRB refugee hearing and is feeling stressed, confused, or completely overwhelmed. Trust me, you’re not alone — every single person who has gone through the asylum process has felt the same way at some point.
The IRB hearing is one of the most important parts of the refugee claim process in Canada. It’s the moment where you sit in front of a Board Member, explain your story, present your evidence, and answer questions about your past and your fears. It can be emotional, nerve-racking, and exhausting — but preparation truly makes a huge difference.
Below are some practical tips gathered from people who have already been through their IRB hearings and wanted to share what helped them.
1. Know Your Own Story Better Than Anyone Else
This may sound obvious, but many people forget small details under stress.
Sit down and re-read your BOC (Basis of Claim) form carefully. Make sure:
- All dates make sense
- The timeline is consistent
- You remember key locations, events, and people
- Nothing contradicts what you wrote
2. Prepare Your Evidence Properly
Evidence can include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Threat messages
- News articles
- Photos
- Letters from witnesses
- Country condition reports
3. Practice Answering Questions Out Loud
Most people know their story, but struggle to explain it under pressure.
Try practicing with:
- Your lawyer
- A friend
- A community member
- Even in front of a mirror
- “Why didn’t you go to the police?”
- “Why did you choose Canada?”
- “Why can’t you live safely in another city of your country?”
- “Why didn’t you seek protection earlier?”
4. Stay Honest — Even If the Truth Is Complicated
The IRB Member can tell very easily when someone is nervous or hiding something. If something in your story is embarrassing, confusing, or painful, still tell the truth. Honesty always works better than trying to “sound perfect.”
5. Don’t Memorize a Script — Speak Naturally
They don’t want you to sound like you’re reading from a paper.
They want your real voice, your real emotions, and your real experiences.
Being natural makes you more believable and helps the Member understand your fear and your situation.
6. Learn How to Stay Calm When They Challenge You
Some IRB Members test you by asking tough or frustrating questions.
This is normal.
Stay calm, breathe, and answer clearly.
They are trying to understand your situation — not attack you.
7. Arrive Early and Bring Everything You Need
On the day of your hearing:
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early
- Bring extra copies of documents
- Bring ID
- Bring water
- Bring notes if your lawyer allows it
8. If You Have a Lawyer — Trust Their Guidance
A prepared lawyer is absolutely priceless.
Ask them:
- What questions to expect
- Whether your evidence is enough
- If anything needs updating
- If your timeline needs adjustments
9. It’s Okay to Be Emotional
Many people cry during their hearing — that’s completely normal.
You’re talking about some of the hardest moments of your life.
The IRB understands this.
Don’t try to force yourself to be “strong.” Just be yourself.
10. Remember: This Is Your Chance to Be Heard
The IRB hearing is not a punishment.
It’s your opportunity to explain your fear, your past suffering, and why you cannot return home.
Take your time.
Speak from your heart.
And remember that everyone here on this forum is supporting you.
Have You Already Been Through an IRB Hearing?
If yes:
👉 Please share your experience
👉 What helped you prepare?
👉 What questions did the Member ask you?
👉 What do you wish you knew earlier?
Your story — even a small detail — might help someone who is preparing right now and is extremely scared.
Looking forward to your comments and experiences. Let’s help each other through this journey.