Ahmad Junaid Salik, LLB (UK), RCIC-IRB, represents clients at the Refugee Protection Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration Division and Immigration Appeal Division, and personally builds and argues each case.
Which division is your case at?
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is an independent tribunal. It decides refugee claims and refugee appeals, holds admissibility hearings and detention reviews, and hears certain immigration appeals.
Hears refugee claims made in Canada and decides whether the claimant is a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.
Reviews eligible appeals of negative RPD decisions for errors of fact, law, or mixed fact and law, usually on the written record.
Holds admissibility hearings and detention reviews: whether a person may enter or remain in Canada, and whether detention should continue.
Hears sponsorship appeals, removal order appeals, residency obligation appeals and certain Minister’s appeals.
Missing a time limit can end your case. Deadlines run from the day you receive the decision or reasons.
| Proceeding | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refugee appeal (RAD) – notice of appeal | 15 days | From receiving the written reasons for the RPD decision |
| Refugee appeal (RAD) – appellant’s record | 45 days | From receiving the written reasons for the RPD decision |
| Sponsorship appeal (IAD) | 30 days | From receiving the refusal of the family member’s permanent resident visa; only the sponsor can appeal |
| Removal order appeal (IAD) | 30 days | From receiving the removal order |
| Residency obligation appeal (IAD), decision made outside Canada | 60 days | From receiving the IRCC decision |
| Detention reviews (ID) | 48 hours, then 7 days, then every 30 days | Reviews are automatic while detention continues |
Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada forms and guides, checked November 2026. Extensions of time may be possible in limited circumstances but must be requested without delay.
IRB proceedings are evidence-driven. Preparation covers facts, documents, procedural rules, credibility, country conditions, disclosure and deadlines.
The case is referred to the IRB or you file a notice of appeal, and the time limits start.
Identity, personal history and country-condition evidence, organized and disclosed on time.
Written submissions, witness and testimony preparation, and a review of credibility concerns.
An IRB member hears the case, or decides it on the written record where that applies.
Review of the reasons and any appeal, reopening or judicial review options.
A claim may be accepted or rejected; a RAD appeal may be allowed, dismissed or sent back for a new hearing. Accepted claimants can apply for permanent residence as protected persons.
An admissibility hearing may end in a removal order or a finding that the person is not inadmissible. A detention review may order release with conditions or continued detention.
An IAD appeal may be allowed, dismissed or, for removal orders, stayed with conditions. Where no appeal is available, judicial review at the Federal Court may be possible within strict time limits.
Mr. Salik is a Level 3 RCIC-IRB in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC R509291), with an LLB (Hons) from the University of London and Canadian practice since 2013.
You can represent yourself. If you pay a representative, they must be authorized, for example a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant with the RCIC-IRB (Class L3) designation, which is required to appear before the IRB.
The notice of appeal must be filed with the Refugee Appeal Division within 15 days of receiving the written reasons for the RPD decision, and the appellant’s record within 45 days.
The sponsor must file the notice of appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days of receiving the refusal of the family member’s permanent resident visa.
Yes, in most cases. If the decision was made outside Canada, the appeal must reach the Immigration Appeal Division within 60 days of receiving it. The IAD can consider humanitarian and compassionate factors.
Usually not. Most RAD appeals are decided on the written record, though new evidence and a hearing may be allowed in limited circumstances.
Depending on the division and your eligibility, options can include an appeal, reopening, or an application for leave and judicial review at the Federal Court. Deadlines are short, so get advice immediately.
Book a consultation with Mr. Ahmad Junaid Salik to discuss your case, the deadlines that apply and your options.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration programs, criteria, fees and processing change often. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and decisions by Canadian authorities, and no result can be guaranteed. Last reviewed: November 2026.
