This practice notice explains how parties can use email to communicate with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
For the purpose of this notice, a party includes the appellant, the respondent, as well as their counsel and any designated representative.
This practice is in accordance with the Immigration Appeal Division Rules, 2022 (IAD Rules), which allow documents to be provided by email when allowed by the division.
Consent to communicate by email
When a party provides the IAD with their email address, the IAD considers them to have consented to communicate by email.
If a party provides their email address to the IAD, they are deemed to also consent to receive appeal related correspondence by email from any other party.
If a party no longer wants to receive correspondence by email from the IAD and other parties, they must notify the IAD and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in writing. The IAD will then remove the email address on file.
Documents that can be sent by email
The following types of documents can be sent to the IAD by email:
- any IRB form, including the notice of appeal form
- disclosure of documents, including appeal records
- written submissions
- response to any request from the IAD or from the other party
- applications
Documents must be submitted attached to the email, except for short applications which can be written in the body of the email. The IAD does not accept hyperlinks unless it has authorized the party to send a hyperlink.
Documents that cannot be sent by email
The IAD will not send documents by email if they:
- contain information classified as Protected B
- have been declared confidential
- are subject to an order restricting publication, broadcasting or transmission by the IAD or any other competent authority
Instructions on providing documents by email
Email content
- The sender must include in the subject line of the email:
- the name of the appellant (or respondent if a Minister's appeal)
- the IAD file number and the Unique Client Identifier (UCI). These can be found at the top of any case-related correspondence from the IAD
- The email must contain the sender's name
- All emails must be addressed both to the IAD and the CBSA Minister's Counsel. The email addresses can be found in the IAD's letter acknowledging the appeal
Attached documents
- The total file size of your the email, including all attachments, cannot be more than 20 megabytes (MB)
- Emails with a file size over 20 MB may not be delivered to everyone. For larger documents, contact the IAD registry office in your region for direction
- Documents must be submitted in PDF format (Portable Document Format)
- Documents must contain the appellant's name (or respondent's if a Minister's appeal), the IAD File Number and UCI number
- Documents must also comply with the IAD Rules for disclosing documents. See Preparing and disclosing documents for more information
- An electronic typewritten signature is acceptable when required (IAD Rule 38). If handwritten signature (such as an affidavit) is required, a scanned copy of the document is acceptable, provided the sender keeps the original
After sending the email, the sender will receive an automated reply indicating that it was received by the IAD. Do not send a paper copy or any other duplicate copies by other means if the document was submitted by email.
Non-conforming or inappropriate communications
Emails that do not comply with the instructions above may be returned to the party and the party will be directed to resubmit correctly.
The IAD may also refuse emails if the sender is misusing the service by sending emails that are excessively lengthy, repetitive or disrespectful to any other participant or the IAD.
When a document is considered received
The date and time indicated on the email shows when it was received by the IAD or by a party (IAD Rules 40(1) and (3)).
How to get help
For questions about using email to submit documents or any other aspect of this notice, contact the IAD registry office in your region.
Signed January 31, 2020
Amended July 10, 2025