Your refugee hearing is the main part of the refugee claim process. At your hearing, an (IRB-RPD) Member will decide to accept or reject your refugee claim.
Hearings usually take around 3-4 hours, but can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. Most hearings are virtual (online), and some are in-person at the IRB office.
Your hearing might seem like a court but it is less formal. The decision makers are called Members and are specially trained to decide refugee claims.
Your hearing is your chance to tell your story and explain why you need Canada’s protection. It will be private and safe. A Member will decide your claim fairly.