If you have received a negative immigration decision, you probably have urgent questions. Here are the answers we give most often.
I was refused. Is the decision final?
Not necessarily. Many refused immigration decisions can be appealed or challenged in the Federal Court by judicial review. Whether you can — and how — depends on the type of decision and your circumstances. The important thing is to act quickly, because the deadlines are short.
What is the difference between an appeal and judicial review?
An appeal (for example, to the Immigration Appeal Division or Refugee Appeal Division) asks a tribunal to re-decide certain cases. Judicial review asks the Federal Court to examine how a decision was made — whether it was fair, lawful, and reasonable. Many visa and permit refusals go by judicial review, not appeal. We will confirm the right route for you.
How long do I have to act?
It depends on the decision, but the deadlines are strict and often very short — as little as about 15 days for some Federal Court challenges. If you have received a refusal or a removal date, contact us right away.
Can I just reapply instead of challenging the refusal?
Sometimes reapplying is the better path — especially if you can fix what led to the refusal. Other times, challenging the decision is the right move, particularly where the officer got it wrong. We will help you weigh both options honestly.
What are my chances of success?
That depends entirely on the reasons for your decision and the facts of your case. At your consultation, we will review the decision — including the GCMS notes — and give you a candid assessment before you commit to anything.
Do you help clients outside Ottawa or outside Canada?
Yes. We are based in Ottawa, home to the Federal Court of Canada, and we act for clients across Canada and around the world. Much of the work can be handled remotely.
How do consultations work?
Send us your contact details and a short description of the decision you received. We will review your request, provide consultation and payment details, and schedule a time to meet — moving quickly where a deadline is close.