IRB matters: authorised representative referrals
An introduction to an appropriately authorised professional for an Immigration and Refugee Board matter, with the role and engagement kept clear.
The right authority for the work you need.
The IRB has different divisions dealing with different kinds of immigration and refugee matters. A refusal, appeal or hearing must be identified accurately before the relevant process can be considered.
Vishav Nath Verma does not hold an RCIC-IRB licence and does not provide IRB advice or representation. With your consent, VSA can arrange a referral through its professional connections to a lawyer or other representative specifically authorised for the relevant IRB work.
The receiving representative handles the tribunal work.
The authorised representative assesses the available process, gives advice, checks deadlines and decides whether to accept the matter. Their identity, professional authority, service scope and fees should be clear before you proceed. VSA does not describe that separate professional as its in-house tribunal counsel.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The type of decision and the date it was received.
- Any time-sensitive issue that needs the receiving professional’s immediate attention.
- Your consent before an introduction or transfer of information.
- The receiving professional’s licence, acceptance, scope and separate fees.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Keep the decision and a short timeline ready. Ask how records should be shared securely. An enquiry to VSA is not a filing, a retainer or confirmation that a deadline has been protected.
A preparation checklist
- The decision letter and date received
- Any document stating a hearing, filing or response date
- Contact details for the person seeking a referral
- A brief outline of the assistance being requested
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Make a brief enquiry
Describe the type of matter and identify any urgent date.
Authorise an introduction
We discuss consent before sharing your information.
Speak with the authorised professional
That professional checks their authority, availability, conflicts and the legal or tribunal issues.
Confirm a separate engagement
Work begins only when the receiving professional accepts the matter on agreed terms.
Before you decide.
Who will advise me about an appeal or hearing?
The representative specifically authorised for that IRB work, once they have assessed and accepted the engagement. VSA’s role is the introduction, not the tribunal advice or representation.
Does a referral mean my appeal has been filed?
No. Confirm acceptance and any filing steps directly with the authorised representative. Contacting VSA does not stop a deadline.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRB: representation at the Immigration Appeal Division ↗www.irb-cisr.gc.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub