LAWCRESTImmigration appeals lawyer in Mississauga
A refusal, a removal order or a negative decision is not always the end. Lawcrest helps people across Mississauga and the GTA understand their options, meet strict deadlines and present a strong appeal or challenge, with honest advice from the first call.
Many appeals must be filed within 15 to 30 days of the decision. If you have received a refusal or a removal order, call us today.
416-830-3369When the answer is no, you may still have options
Immigration decisions can change your family, your work and your life in Canada. When a decision goes against you, there may be a right to appeal to a tribunal, to challenge the decision in the Federal Court, or to apply again with a stronger case.
Each route has its own rules, deadlines and chances of success. Choosing the right one, quickly, often decides the outcome.
We review your decision and your file, explain your options in plain language and tell you honestly what is realistic. Where an appeal makes sense, we prepare it carefully and represent you.
- SponsorsWhose family sponsorship application was refused.
- Permanent residentsFacing a removal order or a residency obligation finding.
- Refugee claimantsWhose claim was rejected, and others challenging a decision.
Types of appeals and challenges we handle
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly whether we can help and what is realistic.
Sponsorship refusal appeals
Appeals to the Immigration Appeal Division when a family sponsorship application is refused.
Removal order appeals
Appeals by permanent residents and others against a removal order, where an appeal is allowed.
Residency obligation appeals
Appeals when a permanent resident is found not to have met the residency requirement.
Refugee appeals
Appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division after a refugee claim is rejected.
Judicial review
Asking the Federal Court to review an unfair or unreasonable immigration decision.
Humanitarian and compassionate
Applications asking for an exception based on hardship, family ties and the best interests of children.
Stays of removal
Urgent steps to ask that a removal be paused while your case is heard.
Reconsideration and procedural fairness
Responding to a concern letter, or asking for a decision to be looked at again.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
The sooner you get advice, the more options you usually have. Contact us if any of these sound familiar.
- You received a refusal letterThe reasons in the letter shape which route is best.
- You received a removal orderTime limits are short and some orders cannot be appealed.
- Your permanent resident status is in questionResidency findings can often be challenged.
- Your refugee claim was rejectedA strict deadline to appeal may apply.
- You received a procedural fairness letterA careful response can prevent a refusal.
- You are not sure whether to appeal or reapplySometimes a fresh application is faster, and sometimes it is not.
Choosing the right route
There is more than one way to challenge a decision. We explain each, including requirements and likely timing, so you can choose with confidence.
Immigration Appeal DivisionSponsors and permanent residents
Hears appeals of refused family sponsorships, certain removal orders and residency obligation findings. It can consider the law, the facts and, in many cases, humanitarian reasons.
Refugee Appeal DivisionAfter a refugee claim is rejected
Reviews decisions of the Refugee Protection Division on the written record, with very short deadlines for filing and completing the appeal.
Federal Court judicial reviewChallenging the legality of a decision
The Court reviews whether the decision was lawful and reasonable. A successful case usually sends the matter back for a new decision. Permission from the Court is required and deadlines are strict.
A new applicationSometimes faster
Where the problem can be fixed, a new application with better evidence may be quicker than an appeal. We compare the options for you.
Humanitarian and other applicationsExceptions and special requests
Where the usual rules do not fit, an application based on hardship or other special factors may be possible.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your appeal stands.
Urgent review
We read your decision, identify every deadline and tell you right away what must happen first.
Get the full file
We obtain the officer notes and your immigration record so we can see exactly why the decision was made.
Strategy and costs
We explain your options, the likely timeline and what each path may cost, so you can decide how to proceed.
Prepare the case
We prepare the appeal or application, gather evidence and organize witnesses and supporting documents.
Filing and hearing
We file on time and represent you at the hearing or in court, keeping you informed throughout.
Decision and next steps
We review the outcome with you and advise on what comes next, whatever the result.
What often decides an appeal
Every case is different, but strong appeals usually address these points clearly and with evidence.
- Errors in the decisionMistakes of law, fact or fairness made by the decision-maker.
- Strong, honest evidenceDocuments and testimony that clearly answer the concerns.
- The genuineness of the relationshipFor sponsorship cases, proof of a real and lasting relationship.
- Humanitarian factorsFamily ties, hardship and the best interests of children.
- Credibility and consistencyStatements and documents that agree with each other.
Do not wait: deadlines are strict
Many appeal deadlines are measured in days, not months. An appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division generally must be filed within 30 days. An appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division generally must be filed within 15 days of the written reasons. A judicial review in the Federal Court also has short, strict limits that depend on where the decision was made.
Missing a deadline can end your right to challenge the decision. The clock usually starts when you receive the decision, so contact us immediately and bring the letter or order.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- The refusal letter, removal order or decisionIncluding the date you received it.
- Your original application and the documents you submitted
- Passports, status documents and your immigration history
- Proof of your relationship, ties and circumstances
- Letters of support and any new evidence
- Court or police documents, if criminal matters are involved
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us at a difficult moment. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start so you can decide with full information.
Deadline discipline
We identify every deadline immediately and file on time.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Honest advice
We tell you what is realistic, and we never promise an outcome we cannot control.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your case moves.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
Who can appeal an immigration decision?
It depends on the decision. Sponsors, some permanent residents and refugee claimants have appeal rights. Some decisions, such as certain security or serious criminality cases, cannot be appealed. We confirm your rights after reading your decision.
How long do I have to appeal?
Often only 15 to 30 days, depending on the type of appeal. Contact us right away, since the time usually runs from when you receive the decision.
Should I appeal or apply again?
Sometimes a new application with better evidence is faster and cheaper. Sometimes an appeal is the better choice. We compare both for your situation.
What is judicial review?
It is a review by the Federal Court of whether a decision was lawful and reasonable. The Court does not usually make the final immigration decision itself, but may send the matter back for a new decision.
Can I stay in Canada while I appeal?
In some cases, such as certain removal order appeals, removal may be paused while the appeal is pending. In others it is not. We explain the position for your case and take urgent steps where needed.
How long does an appeal take?
It varies by type and by how busy the tribunal or court is. Some cases take many months. We give a realistic timeline after reviewing your file.
Can you guarantee that I will win?
No. The decision belongs to the tribunal or the court. We prepare the strongest case we can and give you honest advice about your chances.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
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