IRB Finalizations Surge 42% in 2024–2025: What Refugee Claimants Need to Know

The Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) has released its annual performance data for the 2024–25 fiscal year and the numbers show a dramatic 42% increase in finalizations at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD).

Why Are Finalizations Increasing?

The IRB attributes this improvement to several internal reforms:

• Enhanced digital systems

• Streamlined case management

• Additional decision-makers and staff

• Modernized scheduling processes

• Better triage of urgent or vulnerable cases

What This Means for Claimants

Faster processing can be both good and challenging:

Positive impacts:

• Shorter wait times for hearings

• Faster decisions for those in vulnerable situations

• Reduced uncertainty for families

• More efficient case flow

Challenges:

• Less time to prepare evidence

• Tighter hearing timelines

• Increased pressure to submit complete documents early

• Greater need for strong narrative preparation

How Salvera Supports Refugee Claimants

Our role is to help claimants stay ahead of the process:

• Preparing strong BOC narratives

• Ensuring documentation is complete from the start

• Helping clients understand what to expect at hearings

• Submitting evidence on time

• Offering mock hearings to reduce anxiety

Book a preparation session with Salvera to strengthen your Refugee Claim.