Immigration (lawyer)Lawyer referralRefugee claims and protection

Permanent residence application for a protected person

An application for permanent residence for a person recognized as a refugee in Canada, including family members.

Refugee deadlines are strict: an appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division, for example, usually must be filed within 15 days of receiving the written reasons. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Prepares your Basis of Claim form and evidence about conditions in your country
  • Prepares you to testify at the Refugee Protection Division hearing
  • Represents you at the hearing
  • Files an appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division where available
  • Prepares pre-removal risk assessments and protected person applications

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 in Canada who fear returning to their country
  • Refugee claimants preparing for a hearing or appeal
  • Protected persons applying for permanent residence

Information to have ready

  1. 1Your passport, identity documents and travel history
  2. 2Any documents supporting what happened to you
  3. 3Your Basis of Claim form and Immigration and Refugee Board notices, if already filed
  4. 4Names of witnesses who can support your claim

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 $2,000–$5,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Can I get legal aid for a refugee claim?

Legal Aid Ontario may help eligible refugee claimants. You can ask any lawyer NEO names whether they accept legal aid certificates.

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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