Ottawa, August 29, 2024— Effective April 1, 2025, expired Refugee Protection Claimant Documents (RPCDs) will no longer be valid.
Asylum claimants can renew an expired RPCD or replace one that is lost, destroyed, or stolen by using the web form provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Detailed information and step-by-step instructions for completing the web form can be found on the “Replace your refugee protection claimant document” page.
Please be aware that old paper application forms for RPCDs sent by mail to IRCC will no longer be processed and will be returned to the sender. Information about alternative options for those requiring accommodations 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 may be asked to pick it up at a local IRCC office.
An RPCD is a crucial and secure Canadian photo identification. It is issued to asylum claimants whose claims have been deemed eligible and referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. It is also provided to ineligible claimants who may later apply for a pre-removal risk assessment. Asylum claimants use their RPCD (or their acknowledgment of claim letter) to access the Interim Federal Health Program and other services in Canada.
Replace your refugee protection claimant document after claiming refugee status in Canada.
Apply for a new RPCD
To renew or replace your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), you must be in Canada. This applies if:
- Your RPCD has expired
- Your RPCD was lost, destroyed, or stolen
Ensure you’re eligible before applying for a new RPCD. You should only apply if:
- Your current RPCD has expired or will expire within 3 months
- Your RPCD has been lost, stolen, or damaged
- There is an error on your RPCD
Otherwise, your application may not be processed.
Follow these steps to replace your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD):
- Fill out the web form.
Complete a separate form for each family member needing a new RPCD. For the following questions, use these instructions:
Did IRCC ask you to add the document(s) to your application?
Choose “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”
Who are you?
Select “I’m the principal applicant,” even if you’re applying on behalf of your spouse or children.
What is your application number?
Enter the number from the top right corner of your current RPCD, which starts with a letter followed by 9 digits.
What did you apply for?
Choose “Refugee.”
What application did you submit?
Select “Refugee claim.”
Did IRCC ask you to add the document(s) to your application?
Choose “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”
You must enter the following in the text box:
- Keyword: REFDOC Important
- Reason for renewal:
- Expiry
- Error
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Your full mailing address and postal code
IRCC will refuse your request if your mailing address is incomplete.
2. Upload a photo that meets our specifications if the applicant was under 18 when the claim was made. We may request updated photos for other applicants, and we’ll notify you if more photos are needed.
If you’re uploading a photo, ensure that you’ve entered either your refugee claim application number or your unique client identifier (UCI).
3. Complete the consent section and submit your request.
Once we receive your request, IRCC will either:
- Mail your new RPCD to you, or
- Instruct you to pick it up at one of our offices.
After receiving your new RPCD, destroy the old one as it will no longer be valid.
Your claim or PRRA was approved
You might not need a new RPCD if:
- The IRB has approved your refugee claim, or
- Your PRRA has been approved by IRCC.
In these situations, you can apply for permanent residence immediately without requiring an RPCD.
Health insurance
You can apply for provincial or territorial health care coverage while your permanent residence application is being processed.
If your application for health coverage is denied by your province or territory, you can request a new RPCD and use it to reapply for health coverage.
Photo Specifications
Photographs must be:
- Saved as a JPG (the only accepted format)
- In color
- Clear, sharp, and in focus
- Taken with a neutral expression (eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling)
- Original, not altered, and not taken from another photo
- An accurate representation of your current appearance
- Free from shadows, glare, or flash reflections
- Captured in front of a plain, white, untextured background, with a clear contrast between your face and the background
- Taken straight on, with your face and shoulders centered
The maximum file size for each file is 2 MB. If your file exceeds 2 MB, you’ll need to reduce its size. If you upload multiple files, the combined total file size must not exceed 3.5 MB.
