The process of entering and immigrating to Canada, whether for obtaining a visa, becoming a permanent resident, citizen, or seeking refugee status, is often complex and lengthy.
Fortunately, professionals such as lawyers specializing in refugee and immigration law can provide valuable assistance throughout the process.
In this article, JuriGo details the services offered by refugee and immigration lawyers and guides you on how to find one in Ontario!
What services does a refugee and immigration lawyer provide?
An immigration and refugee lawyer is dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigate the intricacies of Canada's immigration laws. Renowned for their complexity, these laws require expert guidance, and a proficient lawyer in this domain offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to address a wide spectrum of client needs.
Of course, not all lawyers specializing in immigration law offer the same services. However, here are the services typically offered by refugee and immigration lawyers:
Assistance with visa applications:
A lawyer specializing in immigration law is qualified to assist clients with visa applications. Visa assistance entails navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration law to facilitate temporary stays for foreigners. Canada, renowned for its diverse landscape and rich culture, attracts millions annually for purposes such as visiting family, studying, or working.
Specialist immigration lawyers play a crucial role in guiding individuals through the application process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. They help apply for temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (ETA), permits for international students and workers, and temporary residence permits as needed.
Each category of temporary residence comes with specific conditions and duration, which the lawyer helps applicants understand and adhere to. Drawing on their expertise, these lawyers enable clients to enter Canada legally and stay temporarily, facilitating personal, academic, or professional pursuits in the country's welcoming environment.
Assistance to obtain a family sponsorship:
An immigration lawyer plays an essential role in reuniting families in Canada by guiding clients through the complex immigration process. Family sponsorship enables a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada and become a permanent resident, allowing them to live, study, and work in the country.
Lawyers assist their clients by preparing complete files of evidence, ensuring that forms are carefully filled out, gathering the necessary documents, and preparing clients for interviews to establish the authenticity of the relationship. They also provide support in drafting letters and written submissions.
Under the family sponsorship program, the following family members can be sponsored :
- Spouses, conjugal partners, and common-law partners
- Dependent children, who must be under a certain age and not married or in a common-law relationship
- Parents and grandparents, subject to a "low-income threshold" requirement for sponsors
- Other family members, such as an orphaned brother or sister, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or grandchild
Immigration lawyers use their extensive expertise to guide clients through the complex legal requirements and processes of family reunification. Their specialized knowledge ensures they can offer comprehensive support, making the reunification process smoother and more successful for families.
Assistance with citizenship applications:
Immigration lawyers are able to navigate the complexities of citizenship law and ensure that their clients submit strong citizenship applications. They help develop strategies to ensure that the application process runs smoothly, and delays are kept to a minimum. These lawyers have extensive experience in handling complex citizenship cases.
There are three methods to obtain Canadian citizenship:
- Citizenship by birth: Individuals born on Canadian soil are typically eligible for a Canadian passport.
- Inherited Citizenship: Children born abroad to Canadian citizens can inherit citizenship.
- Naturalization: Permanent residents who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for citizenship through the process of naturalization.
Specialized lawyers guide their clients through these procedures, offering personalized advice and representation throughout the application process. They address challenges such as demonstrating proof of residency, achieving language proficiency requirements, and understanding Canadian history and values.
Their deep understanding of citizenship regulations increases the likelihood of a successful outcome, facilitating their clients' path to obtaining Canadian citizenship!
Assistance to obtain refugee status:
Refugee and immigration lawyers play a crucial role in assisting individuals applying for refugee status in Canada, providing expert legal counsel and representation throughout the complex process.
These lawyers specialize in understanding and navigating the stringent criteria required for refugee status, which include demonstrating a credible fear of persecution based on factors like:
- Race
- Religion
- Political opinion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group such as the LGBTQ+ community
Their work begins with comprehensive consultations to assess each client's circumstances thoroughly. This includes crafting a detailed Basis of Claim (BOC) form that outlines the grounds for seeking refugee protection and compiling supporting documentary evidence.
The BOC is pivotal in presenting a compelling case to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, where lawyers represent their clients during hearings.
Moreover, refugee and immigration lawyers are adept at addressing potential challenges that may arise during the application process, such as prior unsuccessful claims or issues of inadmissibility. They provide strategic advice tailored to each client's situation, aiming to overcome obstacles and maximize the chances of a successful application.
Legal support and representation before courts or administrative authorities:
Refugee and immigration lawyers play a pivotal role in representing individuals before Canadian authorities and courts, particularly when faced with challenging immigration issues such as refusals, deportations, removal orders, or negative decisions from Immigration Canada.
In cases where individuals receive negative decisions, specialized lawyers assist in preparing and filing appeals within strict deadlines and meeting mandatory filing requirements. They offer expert guidance and represent before the Immigration Appeal Division and Refugee Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Immigration Appeal Division :
Before the Immigration Appeal Division, lawyers handle appeals related to decisions such as permanent residency revocations due to criminality, refusals of family sponsorships, or failures to meet residency requirements. These lawyers meticulously prepare evidence, coach clients and witnesses for hearings, and present compelling arguments.
Refugee Appeal Division :
For refugee claimants, appeals can be made to the Refugee Appeal Division, where lawyers initiate notices of appeal and prepare detailed records of written arguments and new evidence.
The Refugee Appeal Division has the authority to overturn negative decisions and order new refugee hearings, underscoring the critical role of lawyers in securing justice and protection for refugees facing life-threatening situations.
In essence, refugee and immigration lawyers provide indispensable legal expertise to navigate the complexities of immigration appeals, ensuring that their clients' rights are upheld and their cases are presented effectively to secure favourable outcomes in challenging legal proceedings.
Their dedication to protecting human rights and ensuring due process underscores their essential role in Canada's immigration system.
How to find a Refugee and Immigration Lawyer in Ontario?
Although the largest law firms specializing in immigration law are mainly concentrated in major urban centres such as Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa, there is a vast network of law firms across Ontario. These firms offer specialized expertise in immigration law, making it easy to find legal professionals who can meet your specific needs with the help of JuriGo!
Whether you live in an urban centre or a rural part of the province, there are many options for accessing legal representation capable of navigating the complexities of immigration regulations.
| JuriGo facilitates this process by connecting individuals with qualified lawyers who can provide personalized advice and representation tailored to each client's unique situation. So, wherever you are in Ontario, you can benefit from comprehensive legal support to effectively address immigration challenges and achieve favourable outcomes in your case. |
|---|
JuriGo helps you find a Refugee and Immigration Lawyer in Ontario!
As noted earlier, refugee and immigration lawyers possess specialized legal knowledge that enables them to assist clients in understanding and complying with immigration laws and regulations. Their services are crucial for individuals seeking to settle in Canada or address immigration-related challenges.
If you, your parents, or your grandparents face a denial of a visa, refugee status, citizenship, or any other immigration application, or encounter complications, we strongly recommend consulting a refugee and immigration lawyer. These lawyers have deep expertise in the intricate laws and regulations governing various visa applications and their eligibility criteria.
JuriGo is a simple, fast and free way to find a refugee and immigration lawyer in Ontario! All you have to do is fill in our request form and tell us about your situation.
Following your request, we will quickly put you in touch with a lawyer near you. There is no obligation on your part!