Why the route matters
The Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration Appeal Division, Immigration Division, and Federal Court are four different bodies with different tests, timelines, and procedures. Filing in the wrong place — or missing the window to identify the right one — can cost you the appeal entirely. This navigator applies the general routing rules under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; unusual fact patterns (prior removal, exclusion findings, designated-country provisions) can change which route is actually open to you.
Questions people ask
The RAD hears appeals of Refugee Protection Division refugee-claim decisions. The IAD hears appeals of sponsorship refusals, certain removal orders against permanent residents and protected persons, and residency obligation decisions. They are different divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board with different tests and deadlines.
Some decisions carry no appeal right — for example, certain refugee claims found manifestly unfounded, or foreign nationals (not permanent residents or protected persons) facing removal. Judicial review at the Federal Court is often the remaining route in those cases.
It identifies the likely route, not your exact deadline. Use the Judicial Review Deadline Calculator alongside this tool, and confirm both with a lawyer.
Official sources
Rules and government guidance may change. Review the current source and obtain advice for a live matter.
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