This practice notice is addressed to counsel, unrepresented appellants, designated representatives, and Minister's counsel.
The intent of this practice notice is to communicate that the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) is continuing with its temporary suspension of certain RAD rules regarding the requirement for signatures on documents and RAD forms submitted in support of an appeal, first communicated in June 2020.
Given the continued presence of COVID-19, the RAD will continue to encourage electronic communication with the division and promote physical distancing by removing the requirement in the rules for signatures on documents and RAD forms submitted in support of an appeal. For example, the RAD will not require an appellant's records to be signed nor will it require a signed affidavit or statutory declaration to accompany an application under Rule 37.
Submitting electronic documents – My Case
Counsel and immigration consultants who have not already registered to use
My Case, the IRB's secure, online application which allows you to view your current case status or other case information on your active case(s), are encouraged to register to exchange documents electronically with the RAD.
Submitting electronic documents – email
Users unable to register with My Case can submit documents via email to the RAD registry in the region where your case is being processed.
Information for unrepresented appellants
You may submit documents by email if you have not been invited to register for My Case.
IRB offices open to receive in-person drop off of documents
As of November 18, 2022, reception desks at IRB offices will accept in-person drop off of paper documents.
Submitting documents to the Minister
This Practice Notice does not change the method of serving documents on the Minister where required by RAD rules.
Signed on September 12, 2022
Amended: October 30, 2025
Signed by
Paula Thompson
Deputy Chairperson, RAD