2. Get free help if you have a low income
Question and answer
Where can I get legal advice and help with my refugee claim?You may qualify for a free legal aid certificate from Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) if you have a low income and a legal issue that is covered.
A certificate pays a lawyer to give a specific refugee service, such as:
- preparing your Basis of Claim form,
- representing you at your hearing,
- preparing a (RAD) appeal,
- applying for ,
- handling a cessation or vacation hearing, or
- applying for a (PRRA).
You cannot use your certificate to hire a paralegal or consultant.
How LAO decides if you qualify
You must give LAO information about any income, property, or savings you have so they can decide if you meet their financial eligibility rules.
LAO also reviews whether your case has merit. This means how strong your case is.
And they look at whether someone who could afford a lawyer would hire one in your situation.
Find a lawyer
If you get a certificate, you must find a lawyer who accepts it as payment. LAO's website lists lawyers approved to accept certificates. You can search by location and language.
Refugee Law Offices
LAO has offices for refugees in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto. Their lawyers may represent refugee claimants who qualify for legal aid services with:
- RAD appeals,
- judicial review of a refused refugee claim, or
- other legal issues if they're particularly vulnerable, including people in detention.
If you're in immigration detention, LAO may provide a lawyer or paralegal to represent you in your detention review hearing through the Immigration Detention Representation Program.