New laws in Canada may affect your refugee claim eligibility, even if you have already submitted your application. Some information on this website is out of date. We are updating it. Speak with a lawyer or trusted settlement service provider. Learn More

After Your Hearing

This section gives you high-level information and tips about what happens after your hearing.

Whether you get a positive or negative decision, you can get detailed information for next steps in Section 7 – After Your Hearing.

The decision

The Member may decide about your claim at the end of your hearing. If they need more time, you will receive the decision later. Waiting for your decision can be stressful. It does not mean your claim is more likely to be refused.

The IRB-RPD will send a written Notice of Decision with the reasons for the decision.

If you have a legal representative, the Notice of Decision will be sent to them through My Case. They will share it with you.

If you are self-represented, the IRB-RPD will send the Notice of Decision directly to you through My Case. If you do not have My Case yet, they will mail the decision to you.

If you are refused

There are legal options if your claim is refused. Talk to your legal representative.

Apply to be a permanent resident

If your refugee claim is accepted, apply right away for permanent residency. Do this for yourself and your family members. If you delay, you may have problems such as having to renew your work permit. Remember, if you get refugee protection, you cannot go back to your home country. If you do, the government may send your claim back to the IRB-RPD for another hearing.