Immigration (lawyer)Lawyer referralFamily sponsorship and humanitarian applications
Family sponsorship with an undeclared family member issue (section 117(9)(d))
Legal argument and evidence when a family member was not declared or examined earlier, which can bar a later sponsorship.
Immigration deadlines can be very short, such as 15 days to seek leave for judicial review of most decisions made in Canada, so contact a lawyer right away. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews the relationship evidence and any concerns raised by the officer
Prepares the sponsorship or humanitarian and compassionate application and submissions
Prepares you for an interview
Responds to procedural fairness letters
Explains appeal or review options if the application is refused
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
Spouses, partners and family members applying to be together in Canada
Sponsors facing questions about a relationship or a past application
People asking to stay in Canada on humanitarian grounds
Information to have ready
1Proof of the relationship, such as marriage certificates, photos and communication
2Identity, civil status and immigration documents for everyone involved
3Any previous applications and refusals
4Evidence of establishment in Canada and hardship, for humanitarian applications
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.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $4,000–$10,000, 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