Immigration Division — admissibility hearings, detention reviews on the strict 48-hour, 7-day, and 30-day cycles. Immigration Appeal Division — sponsorship refusals, removal orders, and residency obligation appeals. Where the IAD doesn't help, we plan for Federal Court judicial review.
The Immigration Division (ID) handles admissibility hearings and detention reviews. Detention reviews follow a strict statutory cycle — 48 hours, 7 days, then every 30 days — and the burden is on the Minister to justify continued detention.
The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) hears three main appeal categories: refused family-class sponsorships, removal orders, and PR residency obligation determinations. The IAD has discretion to consider humanitarian and compassionate factors — that's often the difference between losing and winning on appeal. Where the IAD refuses, the next stop is the Federal Court of Canada for judicial review on leave.
ID matters move fast — detention is reviewed on strict statutory cycles. IAD matters take months but turn on careful preparation of the equities and the H&C evidence.
Admissibility hearings and detention reviews.
Sponsorship, removal order, and residency obligation appeals.
The four-step backbone for ID and IAD matters. Timelines compress around statutory deadlines — we move accordingly.
We identify which division, what the operative deadline is (48 hours, appeal-filing window, perfecting deadline), and the realistic outcome range. Detention matters get same-day attention.
For IAD: appellant's record with memorandum of argument, supporting affidavits, H&C evidence (family ties, hardship, best interests of children, establishment, country conditions if removal-driven). For ID: disclosure review, bond paperwork, terms and conditions proposals.
Full hearing representation. ID hearings often short and focused; IAD hearings can run a full day with examination, cross-examination, and oral submissions. We prepare you and any witnesses for direct and cross.
Favourable IAD outcome: appeal allowed, the underlying refusal is overturned or the removal stayed. Refusal: assess Federal Court judicial review on leave. ID outcomes drive next steps for release, terms and conditions, or removal.
ID matters need quick disclosure work; IAD matters live or die on the strength of the H&C and equities record. We build the file once we know the appeal type.
Most ID and IAD matters do not carry a filing fee at the IRB itself. Federal Court judicial review (the next stage if IAD refuses) carries Federal Court fees, set by Federal Courts Rules.
Transcripts, country conditions reports, expert witnesses, and translations are billed separately by their providers. Legal Aid Ontario certificates may apply for eligible appellants.
Tell us the type of matter and the deadline. Detention files get same-day attention. Sponsorship and removal appeals — within one business day.