1. Find a licensed representative to help you
Question and answer
Where can I get legal advice and help with my refugee claim?A lawyer, paralegal, or Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant can help you with your refugee claim. But there are differences in their education and what services they're allowed to give.
Lawyers
Lawyers can give legal advice and services in all refugee law matters. They can explain how the law applies to your situation and represent you in any application, hearing, or appeal.
Only a lawyer is allowed to represent you in a at Federal Court if you get a negative decision.
Check the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) directory to see if the lawyer is licensed and is not facing a discipline process.
Paralegals
A paralegal is another type of legal professional. But paralegals cannot do everything that a lawyer can do.
A paralegal can only give you immigration or refugee law help if it relates directly to an hearing where the paralegal is representing you. For example:
- a refugee claim at the
- an appeal to the
- a detention review or at the
A paralegal can never represent you to challenge a negative decision with a judicial review application in Federal Court.
Check the LSO directory to see if the paralegal is licensed and is not facing a discipline process.
Registered consultants
Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
RCICs can help with certain types of refugee matters depending on their license.
An RCIC can never represent you to challenge a negative decision with a judicial review application in Federal Court.
Check the CICC’s registry to see if a consultant is licensed, what license they have, and any restrictions.