Facing an immigration refusal, detention by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), or a refugee hearing is high-stakes and subject to strict statutory deadlines. A missed filing or an incomplete evidence package can permanently compromise your status in Canada.
Book a consultation to review your IRB matter, applicable deadlines, and available procedural options.
I am Ahmad Junaid Salik, Founder and Principal Consultant at Euro Immigration Consultants. As an RCIC-IRB (Level 3 Licensed Consultant) and member in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC #R509291), I hold specialized statutory authorization to represent clients across all four divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), as well as before IRCC, the CBSA, and ESDC. With a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons) from the University of London and continuous Canadian immigration practice since 2013, I personally build and argue our clients’ cases before the Board.
Refugee Appeal Division (RAD): 15 days to file Notice of Appeal; 45 days to perfect the appeal record.
Immigration Appeal Division (IAD): 30 days to appeal a spousal sponsorship refusal or removal order; 60 days for residency obligation appeals.
Detention Reviews (ID): 48-hour, 7-day, and 30-day statutory review schedules.
Common challenges in IRB matters may include inconsistent statements, incomplete timelines, insufficient corroborating evidence, difficulty establishing identity or personal risk, credibility concerns, late or incomplete disclosure, translation issues, limited country condition evidence, unfamiliarity with hearing procedures, and the pressure of providing testimony in a formal adjudicative setting.
The procedural steps in an IRB matter depend on the division involved and the nature of the case. They may include referral or filing, receipt of notices and deadlines, completion of required forms, collection of identity and supporting documents, timely disclosure of evidence, preparation of testimony or written submissions, participation in a hearing or paper-based review where applicable, receipt of a decision, and assessment of any available appeal, reopening, reconsideration, or judicial review options.
Possible outcomes vary by division and case type. A refugee claim may be accepted or rejected; an appeal may be allowed, dismissed, or returned for redetermination; an admissibility hearing may result in a removal order or a finding that the person is not inadmissible; a detention review may result in release with conditions or continued detention; and an immigration appeal may be allowed, dismissed, stayed with conditions, or sent back for reconsideration.
After receiving an IRB decision, clients should review the written reasons carefully, identify all applicable deadlines, and obtain advice before taking further steps. If a refugee claim is accepted, the client may need to consider protected person status obligations, possible Ministerial appeal issues, and permanent residence options where eligible. If a claim or appeal is refused, the client should promptly assess whether an appeal, application for leave and judicial review, reopening, reconsideration, or another immigration remedy may be available. In detention or admissibility matters, clients should also understand any release conditions, reporting obligations, removal consequences, or future hearing requirements.
Appeal and review options after an IRB decision depend on the division that issued the decision, the type of proceeding, and the client’s eligibility. In eligible refugee matters, a claimant may appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division by filing the required notice of appeal and appellant’s record within prescribed timelines. Many RAD appeals are decided on the written record, although a hearing may be ordered in limited circumstances. In eligible immigration matters, the Immigration Appeal Division may hear sponsorship appeals, removal order appeals, residency obligation appeals, and certain Minister’s appeals. Where no statutory appeal is available, or where an appeal is dismissed, an application for leave and judicial review at the Federal Court may be considered, subject to strict deadlines and legal requirements.
Book a consultation meeting with Mr. Ahmad Junaid Salik to discuss your IRB matter, applicable deadlines, and available options.
