Ukrainian files to be prioritized

​​​The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is monitoring the invasion of Ukraine. As a result of unfolding events, it is taking measures to prioritize files that are​ pending as of March 1, 2022, for individuals from Ukraine including refugee claims and appeals before the Refugee Protection Division and Refugee Appeal Division and family sponsorship appeals before the Immigration Appeal Division.​

Anyone with other pending matters currently before the IRB that they believe should be prioritized under these measures should contact the IRB registry.

Given that the total number of files from Ukraine pending as of March 1​, 2022,​ ​represent a small proportion of the Board's overall caseload​, these measures will not impact the processing of files from other countries.

The IRB does not deal with refugee protection claims that are made by people who are outside of Canada, nor does it manage Canada's immigration programs, or provide assistance to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Please visit Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine​ to learn more about the assistance that is available, who to contact, and what new immigration measures Canada has in place to help people affected by this invasion​.