Where can I get legal advice about immigration status in Canada?
Updated January 21Immigration law is complicated. It's a good idea to get legal help to prepare an application and avoid mistakes that could cause serious problems. For example, losing your status and having to leave, or not being able to bring family to Canada.
You may need legal help to understand:
- your current immigration status and rights
- your options if your status is at risk
- if you can apply for a different status
- how you can lose your status
If you make a mistake or give inconsistent information to immigration authorities, the information stays in government records and could be used against you. You may need legal help to:
- deal with mistakes you made in the past when giving information
- avoid mistakes that can cause problems for you in the future
The information you give to immigration authorities includes anything you say or write in forms, an online portal, an application, at an interview, or any you send to:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Immigration and Refugee Board
Where to get help
Get help from a licensed representative. This means a:
- lawyer or paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, or
- Registered Immigration Consultant (RCIC) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Licensed representatives must follow professional rules about being honest and doing a good job. If they break the rules, they can lose their license. Only a licensed representative can legally be paid to represent you.
In some cases, you might be able to get free or lower cost legal help. Read more in Steps 2, 3, and 4.
Protect yourself
Do not accept help from anyone who:
- tells you to lie, withhold information, or use false documents
- asks you to sign blank forms, incomplete forms, or something that you do not understand
- does not explain what they're doing or does not answer your questions
- does not give you copies of your documents and forms
For more information read How can I tell if my immigration or refugee legal representative is reliable? The government also has tips to help you choose a representative.