How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision After the IRB Hearing? (IRB Canada)

[Khan]

Hey everyone,

I know many of us go through a rollercoaster of emotions during the refugee and asylum process, so I wanted to open up a discussion about something almost every claimant worries about — the waiting time after the IRB hearing.

If you’ve already had your hearing, you probably know the feeling: you walk out relieved that it’s over… and then the waiting begins. Every day feels longer than the last, and every time you check your email your heart skips a beat. You’re not alone — this is one of the most stressful phases.

Let’s break down what usually happens and what timelines people commonly experience.

Typical Processing Times (Realistic Expectations)

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) does not have a fixed, guaranteed timeline for decisions. However, based on many real cases:

1. Same-Day or Next-Day Decisions
Some people get a decision right at the hearing or within 24–48 hours.
This usually happens when:

• The case is straightforward
• The evidence is clear
• No credibility issues
• No missing documents

This is the fastest type of outcome.

2. 2–8 Weeks After the Hearing
This is the most common timeline for accepted cases.
Many claimants say they received the written decision in:

• 3 weeks
• 4 weeks
• 6 weeks
• or around 2 months

This depends on the IRB member’s workload and how complicated your story is.

3. 3–6 Months (For Complex Cases)
If the case involves:

• Country conditions requiring deeper research
• Medical issues
• Security concerns
• Multiple hearings
• Inconsistencies that need cross-checking

Then the member may take longer to finalize the written decision.

This can feel like forever, but it’s still normal.

4. More Than 6 Months
This is rare, but it does happen. Some reasons:

• Member changed or transferred
• File backlog
• Request for additional documents
• Scheduling problems
• Internal reviews

If it goes beyond 6 months, many lawyers usually follow up with the Board to check the status.

What Happens While You Wait?
During this waiting period:

• Your work permit remains valid
• You continue your life as normal
• You can still access services
• You can request your file notes (ATIP) if you want to see hearing comments later

Some people think a long wait means a refusal — this is not true at all.
Both positive and negative decisions can take time.

Why IRB Doesn’t Give Exact Timelines
The IRB member must:

• Review all your documents
• Check country reports
• Verify legal criteria
• Write a detailed legal decision

Each case is unique, which is why they don’t offer a “standard time.”
Some members write decisions quickly, others take longer.

My Thoughts
Waiting after the hearing can be emotional and exhausting, but it’s completely normal. Whether your decision comes in 2 days or 2 months, it doesn’t predict the outcome. Many strong cases still take time, and many people who waited longer ultimately received positive decisions.

Now to help others who are currently waiting:

👉 How long did it take for YOU to get your IRB decision after the hearing?
👉 Which city was your hearing in?
👉 Were there any delays?

Please share your experience — your story might give someone else hope during their waiting period.