Section 156 — Divisions of the Board
Text of provision
The following rules apply to the Chairperson and the members in respect of the exercise or purported exercise of their functions under this Act:
(a) no criminal or civil proceedings lie against them for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith; and
(b) they are not competent or compellable to appear as a witness in any civil proceedings.
Plain English
Section 156 provides that the IRB consists of four divisions:
- Refugee Protection Division (RPD) — hears refugee claims at first instance
- Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) — hears appeals from RPD decisions
- Immigration Division (ID) — conducts admissibility hearings and detention reviews
- Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — hears appeals from removal orders and sponsorship refusals
Practical effect
Understanding which division has jurisdiction over a given matter is essential to knowing where to file, what the applicable procedures are, and what rules of evidence apply. Each division has its own Rules (made under s 169). The RPD and RAD deal with refugee protection. The ID deals with enforcement matters (inadmissibility and detention). The IAD has a broad appellate jurisdiction over removal orders, sponsorship refusals, and residency obligation decisions against permanent residents.