Refugee Protection Division Hearings

Refugee Protection Division Hearings

Updated September 2026. This guide explains Refugee Protection Division hearings in Canada, including the hearing process, evidence and key procedural considerations.

What is an RPD hearing?

The Refugee Protection Division of the IRB decides eligible refugee claims. The hearing gives the claimant an opportunity to testify and present evidence showing that they are a Convention refugee or person in need of protection. The RPD member is an independent decision-maker.

Preparing before the hearing

Preparation should include a careful review of the BOC, immigration and border records, previous visa or asylum applications, documentary disclosure and the legal issues raised by the file. Material errors or omissions should be addressed through the proper procedure rather than left unexplained.

Documentary disclosure

Relevant documents must be filed in accordance with the RPD Rules and current practice directions. Evidence may include identity records, threats, police or court documents, medical evidence, witness material and country-condition documents. Late disclosure is subject to procedural requirements and may not be accepted.

Issues commonly examined

Depending on the case, questioning can address identity, credibility, subjective fear, delay in claiming, return travel, state protection, internal flight alternative, nexus to a Convention ground, personalized risk, exclusion and other issues arising from the evidence.

At the hearing

The member controls the hearing and may ask questions directly. Counsel can make representations and may question the claimant or witnesses as permitted. Interpretation is arranged where required. A claimant should listen carefully, answer the question asked, say when something is not understood and correct misunderstandings rather than guess.

Vulnerability and accommodations

A claimant who needs procedural accommodation should raise the issue as early as possible. Depending on the circumstances, the RPD can consider accommodations related to vulnerability, disability, trauma, gender-related issues or other barriers to meaningful participation.

Decision and next steps

The RPD may accept or reject the claim. A rejection can trigger very short appeal or court deadlines. Review our options after a refused refugee claim immediately after receiving the decision. A no-credible-basis finding or a manifestly-unfounded designation can affect access to the RAD.

RCIC-IRB representation

Authorized RCIC-IRB counsel can assist with issue identification, BOC review, documentary disclosure, country evidence, witness preparation, procedural applications, hearing representation and post-decision immigration advice within the permitted scope.

Official resources

• IRB: Refugee claims
• IRB: RPD procedural practice notice

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This page provides general legal information, not advice for an individual case. Laws, policies and procedural directions can change. Confirm the requirements and deadlines that apply to your matter.