2. Fill out your Notice of Appeal form

You must complete and file your Notice of Appeal form within 15 days of receiving the written decision from the (RPD). If you got a verbal decision, wait until the written one arrives before filing.

Get legal help immediately. A lawyer or other licensed representative can file the Notice for you.

If you cannot find legal help in time, file the Notice yourself before the deadline and keep looking for help. Review the 's (RAD) Appellant’s Kit and video instructions carefully and follow the important instructions about filing your appeal.

Completing the Notice

In the Notice form, include:

your name, phone number, and mailing address
your unique client identifier (UCI) number and RPD file number
the date of the RPD decision and when you received the written reasons
the official language you want to use in your appeal (English or French)
the name and contact information of your if you had one at your refugee hearing
the name and contact information of your lawyer or licensed representative, if you have one

If family members are appealing with you, they can file their own Notices, or you can list them in yours. If you're the for minor children, you must sign on their behalf.

How to file

File the Notice at the RAD Registry in the same region as the RPD office that issued the decision. You can file:

one copy electronically by email or the My Case portal, depending on your situation, or
three copies by mail, fax, or in person in some cities.

There are rules you must follow for each one. Read How do I submit documents to the RPD or RAD?

Always keep the original Notice and proof you filed:

in-person: the registrar stamps your copy
by fax: keep the confirmation receipt
by mail: use registered mail for tracking
by email: save the email you sent

After you file, you'll receive a Notice of Appeal Acknowledgement Letter from the RAD.

If you miss the deadline

You must file the Notice on time. If you miss the 15-day deadline, get legal help. When you do file the notice, you'll need to include:

an application for an extension of time, and
reasons and about why you could not file on time.

For example, provide a doctor's note if you were sick.

The RAD may refuse your request and dismiss your appeal. If this happens, get legal advice about asking:

to reopen your appeal
for judicial review at Federal Court