Step 7: Get your decision

Tell us if you change your contact information

Keep your contact information up to date with the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). The RPD will not be able to reach you if we do not have correct contact information.

We must be able to let you know your hearing date and send you important information. If we do not have your current contact information and you miss your hearing because of this, we will send your claim for an abandonment hearing. If your claim is abandoned, your claim will not be heard, and you will probably be told to leave Canada. So, you must always keep your contact information up to date.

Tell the RPD: If your address, phone number or email changes, immediately send us a Notification of Client Contact Information (change of address) form
Tell IRCC and the CBSA: You will also need to inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), if there is a change. See IRCC contact for more information

You will receive a decision on your refugee claim. If accepted, you become a protected person. If rejected, you can appeal within 15 days. You can get help to file an appeal.

If your claim is accepted

If your claim is accepted, you are granted protected person status. The RPD will send a written Notice of Decision and the reasons for the decision. If you have a counsel, we will send the Notice of Decision to them. Your counsel will share this with you. If you do not have a counsel, we will send the Notice of Decision to you directly.

We will also send a copy to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

IRCC or the CBSA may disagree with the RPD decision. If this happens, they may appeal the decision to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) or ask for a judicial review of the decision by the Federal Court. They have 15 days from when they get the decision to file an appeal or 15 days from when the decision is sent to them ask for a judicial review.

If they choose to appeal, they will send you a Notice of Appeal or a copy of their application for leave and judicial review. You will be able to respond to support the decision
If you do not receive a Notice of Appeal within 15 days, you can stay in Canada. You may be eligible to apply for permanent residence

See Understand permanent resident status for more information.

If your claim is rejected

If the RPD member rejects your claim, the RPD will send a written Notice of Decision and the reasons for the decision. If you have a counsel, we will send the Notice of Decision to them. Your counsel will share this with you. If you do not have a counsel, we will send the Notice of Decision to you directly.

The RPD also sends a copy to IRCC and the CBSA.

The Notice of Decision will tell you if you can make an appeal to the RAD, or ask for a judicial review of the decision by the Federal Court.

Important: You have 15 days from the day you get the decision from the RPD to file your appeal to the RAD or 15 days from the day the decision was sent to you to apply for review at the Federal Court. It is important to file your appeal or apply for judicial review within 15 days, so pay attention to the date on your written decision.

Information to help you file an appeal

Appeal Ready Tours are free information sessions that will take you through the steps you need to follow to appeal the negative decision to the RAD
If you want to get legal help to appeal or apply for judicial review with the Federal Court, do it as soon as you can
If you decide to hire a counsel, you will need to pay for their service. If you cannot pay, contact the legal aid office in your province to learn what help is available

Language selection

Search

Search and menus