Filing a Notice of Appeal only starts the appeal. To perfect it you must file an appellant's record containing the decision, the evidence relied on and written submissions. The RAD Rules set 30 days, and a 2020 practice notice extended that period, so the operative figure must be confirmed against the current notice. An unperfected appeal can be declared abandoned.
What is perfecting an appeal?
Filing the Notice of Appeal starts the appeal. Perfecting it means filing the appellant's record: the decision, the evidence you rely on, and written submissions setting out the errors you say the Board made. Without that record there is nothing for the Division to act on, and the appeal can be declared abandoned.
How long do I have to perfect it?
The RAD Rules set 30 days. A practice notice issued in 2020 extended that period and was stated to remain in force until further notice. Because that figure depends on a notice that can change, we confirm the operative deadline against the current notice for every file rather than quoting a number from memory.
Can I file new evidence?
Only in limited circumstances. New evidence at the RAD is governed by statutory conditions, and submitting documents that do not meet them wastes space in the record and credibility with the panel. Deciding what qualifies is a legal judgement, not an administrative one.
Common questions
What is an appellant's record at the Refugee Appeal Division?
It is the document package that makes your appeal arguable: the decision under appeal, the evidence you rely on, and written submissions identifying the errors in the decision. Filing it is what perfects the appeal.
Can I submit new evidence on a refugee appeal?
Only in limited circumstances set by statute. New evidence must meet specific conditions, so whether a document qualifies is a legal question that should be assessed before it goes into the record.