Expired refugee protection claimant documents will no longer be valid as of April 1, 2025

Ottawa, August 29, 2024— As of April 1, 2025, expired refugee protection claimant documents (RPCDs) will no longer be valid.

Asylum claimants can apply to renew an expired RPCD or replace a lost, destroyed or stolen one using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) web form. The Replace your refugee protection claimant document page provides more information, along with step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the web form.

Please note that old paper application forms for RPCDs mailed to IRCC will no longer be processed and will be returned to the applicant. Information about an alternative option for those who need accommodation will be posted on the RPCD replacement page in the coming weeks.

Once a request is processed, clients will receive their renewed document by mail or be asked to pick it up at a local IRCC office.

An RPCD is an important and secure Canadian photo identification. It is issued to asylum claimants whose claims have been determined to be eligible and referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. It is also issued to ineligible claimants who will later be able to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment. Asylum claimants use their RPCD (or their acknowledgement of claim letter) to access the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada.