Mock Refugee Hearing — Prepare for Your Hearing with Confidence

Understand the process. Feel confident. Tell your story.

Facing a refugee hearing can be overwhelming — emotionally, mentally, and legally.
At Thela Clinic, we understand that your story matters. This free community event is designed to help you prepare for your hearing through a realistic mock simulation, so you can feel more confident and supported every step of the way.

What to Expect

During this interactive session, you will:

• Experience what happens during an Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearing
• Learn what questions are typically asked and how to prepare your responses
• Understand how to organize your evidence and documents
• Discover common mistakes claimants make — and how to avoid them
• Receive guidance on managing stress and trauma triggers during your hearing

This session is suitable for refugee claimants at any stage of their process, whether you’ve just submitted your Basis of Claim (BOC) or have an upcoming hearing date.

Event Details

Date: Every Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Location: Online via Google Meet (link will be sent after registration)
Cost: Free — limited spots available

Facilitator

BONNY LI

• Paralegal & Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
• Professor of Immigration and Refugee Law
• Clinical Director of Thela Clinic
• Bonny combines her legal expertise with a trauma-informed and compassionate approach to help individuals prepare not just legally, but emotionally, for their hearings.

Emotional and Mental-Health Support

Preparing for your refugee hearing can bring up memories of trauma, loss, or fear.

As part of this event, you’ll also learn about mental-health resources available through Thela Clinic and our non-profit partner, Enlee Mental Health Initiative.

We’ll cover:

• How to recognize and manage emotional triggers before your hearing
• Coping strategies to reduce anxiety and panic
• How to access free or low-cost counselling support through Enlee

You don’t have to face this process alone — help and understanding are available.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for:

• Refugee claimants waiting for or preparing for their hearing
• Individuals who have recently filed their Basis of Claim
• Community workers or volunteers who support refugee claimants

Register Now

Secure your spot today — spaces are limited to ensure a supportive environment. After registering, you’ll receive an email confirmation with the Google Meet link and preparation tips.