Refugee Protection Division

What We Do

The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) is the division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) that hears claims for refugee protection made in Canada and decides whether to accept them.

Canada has an obligation to grant protection to Convention refugees and persons in need of protection under a number of United Nations conventions to which it is a signatory. These include the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984).

Canada's New Refugee Determination System

On December 15, 2012, amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act came into force. These changes have had a significant impact on the RPD and how it processes claims for refugee protection.

The documents and information provided on this page pertain to claims for refugee protection referred to the RPD on or after December 15, 2012. For claims made before December 15, 2012, please refer to the legacy claims page.

Important Documents and Form

• Practice Notice: Compliance with Refugee Protection Division Rules
• Claimant's Guide: Information for Refugee Protection Claimants
• Claimant's Important Instructions
• Designated Representative's Guide
• Self-Represented Claimants
• Basis of Claim Form (BOC)

Legal References

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Chairperson's Rules for the Refugee Protection Division
• Chairperson's Guidelines
• Policies