Access to information request for immigration files
Requests for IRCC and CBSA case notes and records, and for reviewing what the file shows.
What is included
- Confirms the scope of the work with you in a written retainer
- Reviews your immigration history, documents and any decision you received
- Explains your options and the deadlines that apply
- Prepares the application, submissions and supporting evidence
- Communicates with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency or the tribunal on your behalf
- Represents you at any interview, hearing or court appearance, as agreed
What is not included
- Government processing, court and other official fees, and other disbursements
- Translations, medical exams, police certificates and other third-party costs
- A new application or a further appeal after a decision, unless agreed in writing
- Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
- People facing a refusal, removal or inadmissibility finding
- Refugee claimants and protected persons
- Sponsors and their family members
- Employers and business owners with immigration needs
Information to have ready
- 1Your passport and immigration documents
- 2Any refusal letter, decision or procedural fairness letter, with the date you received it
- 3Copies of past applications and correspondence
- 4Criminal court records, if relevant
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $400–$1,200, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Who can represent me in an immigration matter?
In the Federal Court, only a lawyer can represent you, unless you represent yourself. For other immigration matters, only authorized representatives, such as lawyers, Ontario licensed paralegals and licensed immigration consultants, may charge to help you.
What is a procedural fairness letter?
It is a letter from an officer setting out concerns about your application and giving you a chance to respond, usually by a firm deadline. A careful, complete response matters.
Can I stay in Canada while my case is in the Federal Court?
Not automatically. A judicial review does not usually stop removal on its own, so a separate motion to stay removal may be needed.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No approval, visa or decision can be guaranteed; the government, tribunal or court decides
- Deadlines and removal dates are not paused while you choose a lawyer
- Information must be complete and truthful; misrepresentation can lead to a five-year ban
PIPEDA-compliant⚖️ By-Law 9 trust accounting checks🛡️ Professional liability insured✅ LSO-licensed paralegal🔐 256-bit AES Encryption📋 Working toward WCAG 2.1 AA🇨🇦 Ontario-based firm🕒 SOC 2-audited hosting providers📄 CASL Compliant💻 Secure Client Portal📊 Transparent Fixed Fees🔍 Verified Google Reviews🤝 Free Initial Consultation🏛️ Law Society of Ontario📜 Professional Corporation🔏 Confidential by professional duty🌐 Province-Wide Service💬 Court interpreters in most languages⏱️ Same-Day Intake Response🗂️ Paperless Document Vault🔄 Real-Time Case Tracking🎓 Honours paralegal graduate · LLB in progress📱 Mobile-friendly client portal🧾 Upfront, written fees🔗 TLS 1.3 Secure Connections🛂 ID checks at sign-up (By-Law 7.1)🧑⚖️ Paralegal Scope of Practice📆 Flexible Appointment Booking💼 Small Business Friendly
