Immigration (lawyer)Lawyer referralInadmissibility, detention and removal

Ministerial relief from security inadmissibility

An application for ministerial relief from inadmissibility on security grounds, with legal argument and background evidence.

A person detained under immigration law usually has a detention review within 48 hours, and removal dates can come quickly, so contact a lawyer right away. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews the allegation, report or record behind the inadmissibility concern
  • Prepares responses to procedural fairness letters and section 44 reports
  • Represents you at Immigration Division admissibility and detention review hearings
  • Proposes release plans, bonds and bondspersons for detained people
  • Prepares rehabilitation, temporary resident permit or removal deferral requests

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

  • Permanent or temporary residents facing an inadmissibility report
  • People detained by the Canada Border Services Agency
  • People with a criminal record who want to enter or stay in Canada

Information to have ready

  1. 1Any notices from the CBSA, IRCC or the Immigration Division
  2. 2Court records and outcomes for any criminal charges
  3. 3Details of your family, work and community ties in Canada
  4. 4Names and contact details of possible bondspersons

How a referral works

  1. 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.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 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 $6,000–$15,000, 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
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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