Refugee Protection Division (RPD) Canada

The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is responsible for hearing and deciding the refugee protection claims made in Canada. The RPD follows the rules of the Geneva Convention and Canada’s immigration laws to make sure that people escaping danger in their home countries get a fair chance to apply for safety in Canada.

Who Can Make a Refugee Claim in Canada?

A person can apply for refugee protection in Canada by:

• Talking to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at an airport, land border, or another entry point.
• You can also apply at an immigration office inside Canada, through either Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the CBSA.

An immigration officer will carefully review the application to see if it qualifies to be sent to the IRB. If it meets the requirements efficiently, it will go to the RPD, where the process for refugee protection officially starts.

How Does the RPD Decide Refugee Claims?

After a claim is sent to the RPD, the person making the claim will be given a date for a hearing. During the hearing, they must show evidence to support their case. The RPD looks at several factors, including:

• Whether the person making the claim fears persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or belonging to a specific social group.
• Whether they would face torture, danger to their life, or harsh treatment if sent back to their home country.
• Whether they could find safety or protection in another country.

Possible Outcomes of an RPD Hearing

After reviewing the case, the RPD may decide to:
Grant refugee protection: The claimant becomes a protected person and can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Reject the claim: If the claim is denied, the person may be able to appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) or ask the Federal Court to review the decision.

Legal Support for Refugee Claims

Filing a refugee claim and going through the legal process can be complicated. Having a lawyer helps claimants make a strong case with the right documents and evidence.

CWC is here to help people to apply for refugee protection in Canada by guiding them through every step. Contact us today for a FREE assessment!