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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
Interpretation
§2

Definitions

Definitions

🍁 In Simple Terms

Defines key terms used throughout the Act, including "foreign national," "permanent resident," and "refugee."

Affects: Foreign nationals and permanent residents in Canada
Legal Text — IRPA Section 2

(1)The definitions in this subsection apply in this Act.BoardBoard means the Immigration and Refugee Board, which consists of the Refugee Protection Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration Division and Immigration Appeal Division. (Commission)Convention Against TortureConvention Against Torture means the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed at New York on December 10, 1984. Article 1 of the Convention Against Torture is set out in the schedule. (Convention contre la torture)designated foreign nationaldesignated foreign national has the meaning assigned by subsection 20.1(2). (étranger désigné)foreign nationalforeign national means a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and includes a stateless person. (étranger)permanent residentpermanent resident means a person who has acquired permanent resident status and has not subsequently lost that status under section 46. (résident permanent)Refugee ConventionRefugee Convention means the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, signed at Geneva on July 28, 1951, and the Protocol to that Convention, signed at New York on January 31, 1967. Sections E and F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention are set out in the schedule. (Convention sur les réfugiés)

Act includes regulations and instructions

(2)Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Act to “this Act” include regulations made under it and instructions given under subsection 14.1(1).

Cross-References
Amendment History (2)
2001, c. 27, s. 2
2012, c. 17, s. 2, c. 19, s. 700
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