Courses
Education Pathway online courses include both self-directed and live class components. Self-directed (offline) course components offer you the flexibility of completing the modules at your own pace, while scheduled live tutorials provide experiential learning via a web conferencing platform.
There are 4 live, mandatory tutorials in total: one each in Immigration Division (ID), Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), Refugee Protection Division (RPD) and Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) courses. Tutorial attendance is mandatory and there is no make up for tutorials.
Please check the Course and Live Tutorial Dates schedule prior to selecting a group. Some groups do not include all 5 courses of the Specialization Program Education Pathway.
You must complete the following courses, in the order that they are listed below.
Foundations of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) – 3 weeks
- Legislation and Administrative Law, including the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice
- RCIC obligations to the IRB and under the Code of Professional Conduct
Foundations of the Immigration Division (ID) – 5 weeks
- Overall process and rules for Admissibility Hearings and Detention Reviews
- How to help a client appear before the ID and make the relevant applications and submissions
- How an ID Member conducts hearing and make decisions
- Possible remedies for a client who receives a negative decision
Foundations of the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) – 5 weeks
- Jurisdiction of the IAD and the process for helping a client appeal a decision of the ID or a visa officer
- How to collect relevant evidence and prepare clients and witnesses for an appeal hearing
- How an IAD Member performs their review and makes decisions
- Legal issues encountered at the appeal
Foundations of the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) – 5 weeks
- Jurisdiction of the RPD and the process for helping a client claim refugee or protected person status
- How to collect relevant evidence and prepare clients and witnesses for an RPD hearing
- How an RPD Member performs their review and makes decisions
- Legal issues encountered at the RPD
Foundations of the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) – 5 weeks
- Process of appealing a decision of the RPD
- How to prepare an appellant’s record, write a memorandum, apply the rules for new evidence on appeal, and prepare for RAD hearings regarding new evidence (as applicable)
- How a RAD Member performs their review of the evidence and makes a decision
- Possible next steps if the appeal is rejected
Program Outcomes
Program outcomes are aligned with the following Essential Competencies for RCICs:
| Unit/competency # |
Competency |
| Unit 1 |
Apply knowledge of the Canadian legal framework and immigration legislation and regulations to provide competent client services. |
| Unit 3 |
Conduct research using information technology sources to support the formation of the legal strategy. |
| Unit 5 |
Demonstrate the competence required to engage in activities related to the tribunal processes of the IRB. |
| Competencies 5.2, 5.4 |
Develop legal arguments and strategies for the IRB hearing. Prepare and present opening statement, examination, re-examination and/or cross-examination, and closing submissions. |
| Competency 5.3 |
Prepare for an appearance before the tribunal. |
| Competencies 8.1, 8.2 |
Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communications. Use effective counselling skills when interacting with the client. |
| Competency 9.2 |
Reflect on and evaluate options when faced with problems, issues, and challenges. |
Questions?
If you have questions about the Education Pathway, email sp-ps@college-ic.ca.