Services in Ontario - Temporary resident permits
Immigration Detention Representation Program
Website
legalaid.on.ca/in-briefs/new-program-to-enhance-legal-aid-services-for-immigration-detaineesThe Immigration Detention Representation Program (IDRP) is a free service available from Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). It’s for anyone in immigration detention in Ontario who needs representation at a detention review hearing.
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) – Immigration/refugee law services
Website
legalaid.on.ca/immigration-servicesContact Information
Phone: 416-979-1446 Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258 TTY: 711LAO helps people with low incomes with some immigration and refugee problems. For example, you might be able to get help:
- if you’re detained for immigration reasons
- to complete a Basis of Claim form
- with your refugee hearing,
- to prepare an appeal or application for judicial review,
- with cessation or vacation hearings,
- to prepare for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
To get help from LAO, you can:
- call their free telephone line that lets you talk to a lawyer for up to 20 minutes to get information and general advice
- apply for a legal aid certificate if you have a low income and if your legal issue is one that LAO covers
- contact one of the Refugee Law staff offices in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto
Legal clinics
Website
legalaid.on.ca/services/legal-clinicsContact Information
Phone: 416-979-1446 Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258 TTY: 416-598-8867 Toll-free TTY: 1-866-641-8867Legal Aid Ontario funds legal clinics across Ontario. There are two types of legal clinics: community legal clinics and specialty legal clinics.
Community legal clinics provide free legal services to people with low incomes who live in their area. Search for the clinic in your area using your postal code. Most help with:
- income assistance
- tenant rights
- employment problems
Some clinics can help with immigration and refugee problems or debt and consumer problems.
Some specialty legal clinics provide free legal services to specific groups of people with low incomes:
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
- Aboriginal Legal Services
- ARCH Disability Law Centre
- Black Legal Action Centre
- Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto
- Chinese and South Asian Legal Clinic
- Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples
- HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario
- Justice for Children and Youth
- South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario
Some specialty legal clinics provide free legal services in only certain areas of law:
Francophone legal advice lines
LAO has 4 free regional advice lines that can give legal information and advice in French over the telephone to people living in:
- Eastern Ontario
- Northern Ontario, and parts of central Ontario including:
- Barrie
- Parry Sound
- Muskoka and Kawartha Lakes regions
- Greater Toronto Area
- Southwestern Ontario
The advice lines do not help with family law or criminal law matters.
Law Society of Ontario – Lawyer and Paralegal Directory
The directory lists all lawyers and paralegals licensed to give legal services in Ontario. You can search by name, address or postal code, language, and area of law. You can also search for services offered in French and for unbundled services.
Ontario Legal Information Centre
The Ontario Legal Information Centre offers a free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer to anyone in Ontario, online or by phone in English or French. They provide legal information on any legal topic, and referrals to services. Book a meeting online or call 1-844-343-7462 if you need help.
Ontario Paralegal Association
The association has an online tool to help you find a licensed paralegal. You can search by name, area of law, and location.
JusticeNet
Website
justicenet.caJusticeNet is a not-for-profit organization that can help people find legal services when their income is too high for legal aid and too low to afford legal fees. Their website has a list of lawyers, paralegals, and mediators who charge reduced fees based on your income and the size of your family. You must register and pay a small fee to use their services.
Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA)
Website
acsanewcomerscentre.typeform.com/to/wveknVtVContact Information
Phone: 416-292-6912 ext 335The ACSA Legal Assistance Centre has a virtual legal clinic that is open on Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm for people living in Ontario. It is run by volunteer lawyers who can give a free 20-minute consultation on some immigration, family, and housing law issues.
There is no financial eligibility test to use the service. You can book an appointment online, or by phone or email.
College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) keeps a registry of Immigration Consultants and International Student Immigration Advisors that they monitor. Use this registry to find out if a professional is registered with the CICC. You can also use it to check if an Immigration Consultant has any discipline issues.
They used to be known as Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).