Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal, responsible for making well-rounded and fair decisions on immigration and refugee matters, governed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). In addition, the IRB currently consists of four different divisions:
Immigration Division (ID) [CLICK]
Immigration Appeals Division (IAD) [CLICK]
Refugee Protection Division (RPD) [CLICK]
Refugee Appeals Division (RAD) [CLICK]
Each division of the IRB is responsible for making decisions on different immigration or refugee matters.
Furthermore, each set of divisional rules establishes the practices and required procedures for that particular division. The process of the IRB is flexible and may take many forms as long as it ensures well-reasoned, efficient and fair decisions. The IRB tribunal process is based on Canadian law, Canada’s international obligations and Canada’s humanitarian traditions.
DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE
In some cases, a division of the IRB may appoint a designated representative who will be responsible for protecting the interests of the minor or the person who is unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings. In both cases, a designated representative can be a family member, a legal guardian, a friend, or a worker from an agency that provide such services.
In order to be designated as a representative, a person must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Understand the nature of the proceedings before the IRB
Be willing and able to act in the best interests of the minor or the person who is unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings, and
Not have interests that conflict with those of the person you represent
Responsibilities of the designated representative may vary, depending on the level of understanding of the minor or the person who is unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings.
Note: The division must designate a representative even when the minor or the person who is unable to appreciate the nature of the proceedings has legal or other counsel.