Program delivery update: Refugee Protection Claimant Document replaced with Refugee Protection Identity Document
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
April 22, 2025
On March 25, 2025, the Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) was replaced by the Refugee Protection Identity Document (RPID) to better reflect the purpose of the document as a piece of identification.
Key elements of the change to the RPID are as follows: it is bilingual, has a validity of 6 years, and no longer contains the claimant’s eligibility decision nor sex or gender identifier. Whereas the RPCD was generated at referral, the RPID is now generated at claim promotion.
The RPCD remains valid until expiry, at which time an RPID would be issued when a claimant submits a request for renewal.
Updated instructions
- In-Canada claims for refugee protection: Intake
- Inland refugee claim processing procedures
- Intake of claims for refugee protection at ports of entry
- Oral hearings – Pre-removal risk assessments (PRRAs)
- Processing in-Canada and port of entry claims: General requirements and administration
- Processing in-Canada claims for refugee protection: Post-interview processing and final decision
- Processing in-Canada claims for refugee protection of minors and vulnerable persons