Basis of Claim (BOC) form
Statutory definition
IRB Rule 7 requires claimants to provide the completed BOC form to the RPD within the timeframes set out in the Rules (usually 15–45 days depending on how the claim was made). The BOC form requires the claimant to: list all countries of citizenship and habitual residence; state all grounds of the claim; provide a narrative describing the facts; and identify all evidence to be relied upon.
Explanation
The BOC form is the most important document in a refugee claim. It becomes the framework for the RPD hearing — inconsistencies between the BOC narrative and oral testimony are frequently cited as reasons for adverse credibility findings. Claimants should prepare the BOC narrative carefully, with the assistance of legal counsel if possible, ensuring it is complete, accurate, and internally consistent. The BOC must disclose all grounds of the claim — omitting a ground may prevent it from being raised at the hearing.