An RPD hearing is the claimant’s opportunity to present testimony and evidence under questioning. The member assesses the applicable law, credibility, documentary record and country conditions.
Issues requiring careful review
- Complete disclosure filed within applicable deadlines
- Consistency among testimony, forms and prior statements
- Witness and interpreter preparation
- National Documentation Package and other country evidence
- Legal issues such as state protection, IFA and exclusion
How we prepare the matter
- Obtain the complete procedural history, decisions, notices and prior submissions.
- Build a detailed chronology and identify inconsistencies or missing evidence.
- Apply the governing legal test to the claimant’s particular facts.
- Develop corroborating, expert and country-condition evidence where relevant.
- Prepare focused written representations and hearing testimony within applicable deadlines.
Credibility and disclosure
Refugee proceedings often compare oral testimony with the Basis of Claim form, port-of-entry notes, immigration applications, documentary evidence and prior statements. An omission is not automatically fatal, but material differences should be identified early and explained truthfully with supporting evidence where available.
Frequently asked questions
Should testimony be memorized before the hearing?
No. Preparation should improve understanding, accuracy and recall, not produce scripted evidence. The claimant must answer truthfully in their own words.
Can a positive result be guaranteed?
No. Refugee and protection decisions are made by the responsible tribunal or authority. Representation focuses on lawful strategy, reliable evidence, procedural fairness and clear submissions.
Where can I verify the governing procedure?
See the official Canadian government or Immigration and Refugee Board information. Current rules and the complete record must be checked before taking action.
Refugee law, procedures, country conditions and available remedies can change. Information on this page is general and is not a substitute for advice based on the complete record.