Refugee status determination (RSD) — overseas
Statutory definition
IRPR s 139 provides that the Convention refugee abroad class and the country of asylum class are for persons who are outside Canada and are Convention refugees or persons in similar circumstances. Canadian visa officers assess applications against these class criteria, often relying on UNHCR referrals and UNHCR RSD documentation. The UNHCR RSD letter does not guarantee a Canadian visa — the visa officer makes an independent determination.
Explanation
For persons in UNHCR camps or in countries with active UNHCR operations, a positive UNHCR RSD determination is a significant factor in a Canadian resettlement application. However, Canada conducts its own assessment and may differ from UNHCR's conclusion. Visa officers interview overseas applicants and assess credibility. The processing time for overseas resettlement can be several years from UNHCR referral to arrival in Canada.