Claiming refugee protection - 5. Receiving your decision

If you have a claim for refugee protection pending before the RPD, you must keep your contact information up to​ date with the IRB. If your contact information changes, you must immediately inform the IRB of the changes in writing. The IRB will not be able to reach you without your correct contact information.

When a decision is made on your refugee protection claim, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) will send you a written Notice of Decision, along with an explanation of the reasons for this decision. The RPD also sends a copy to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

If your claim is accepted…

IRCC or the CBSA may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), or seek leave for judicial review at the Federal Court, within 15 days. If this occurs, you will be notified, and given the opportunity to respond.

If you receive a positive decision, you will get "protected person" status. If the Minister does not appeal within 15 days, this means you can stay in Canada, and you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

If your claim is rejected…