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How to find a lawyer for your refugee claim process

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    For your asylum application or other procedure of status regularization, if you are on social assistance or on a low income, you can look for a lawyer who will be free of charge as they will be paid by legal aid. Not all lawyers accept legal aid mandates: you must be patient and call several lawyers to find one. It is advisable to leave a phone message and send an email with as much detail as possible.

    Untitled design.png Mention in the email:

    • Your name
    • Your situation
    • The steps you have taken so far
    • Your questions
    • If you have already written your story for the Asylum Application Form
    • If you have already collected your evidence
    • Whether or not you have already obtained your Asylum Seeker's Identity Document
    • Your income

    PLEASE NOTE, ALL EMAILS MUST BE IN FRENCH OR ENGLISH. YOU CAN USE A TRANSLATOR TO WRITE YOUR EMAIL IF YOU DON'T SPEAK EITHER LANGUAGE.

    Applying for legal aid

    To obtain a first appointment for an asylum application with the immigration team at legal aid click the link below:

    https://outlook.office365.com/book/BureauImmigration1@ccjm.qc.ca/

    We recommend you to check for available dates everyday as it can be difficult to find an appointment. 

    Responsibilities of a Legal Representative and Clients

    For a clear understanding of your responsibilities as a client and the duties of your legal representative, visit this helpful link: https://myrefugeeclaim.ca/en/guide/get-legal-representation/working-with-your-legal-representative/#legal-representative-should-not. This resource will guide you on what to expect from a lawyer, your rights, and how to choose the right legal representative for your needs.

    Can i have an immigration consultant instead of a lawyer?

    In Canada, the main difference between immigration consultants and lawyers is that lawyers can represent you in federal court, while consultants cannot. However, both can represent you at your hearing for your refugee claim. When deciding between them, focus on their skills and experience.

     

     

    Verifying the status of a lawyer or consultant

    It's very important to make sure an immigration lawyer or consultant is officially registered and has a valid status. This ensures they follow the rules and provide reliable service. If you work with someone who isn’t authorized, it could lead to mistakes or delays. Always check their credentials to protect your case and get proper guidance.

    Video testimonies from courageous victims, accompanied by practical advice from immigration lawyers and frontline workers, to help avoid falling into the traps set by fake lawyers.

    File a complaint against your legal representative

    • File a complaint for illegal practices

    If you suspect someone is practicing law illegally, please report them by completing the following form:

    •  File a complaint for professional misconduct 

    Resources to find a lawyer or consultant

    Avertissement: Les informations fournies par Le Collectif Bienvenue sur le Guide de Bienvenue ne doivent pas être interprétées comme étant un avis médical ou juridique. Toute information est fournie à des fins informatives et éducatives uniquement et ne remplace pas les conseils d'un·e professionnel·le. Nous ne pouvons garantir, de manière explicite ou implicite, l'exactitude, l'adéquation, la validité, la fiabilité, la disponibilité ou l'exhaustivité de toute information figurant sur le site. Par conséquent, avant d'entreprendre toute action basée sur ces informations, nous vous encourageons à consulter les professionnels appropriés. Nous déclinons toute responsabilité quant aux actions que le lecteur pourrait entreprendre

    Disclaimer: The information provided by Welcome Collective on The Welcome Guide should not be taken as medical or legal advice. All information and resources provided are for general information and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice.  We make no representation or  guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability and/or completeness of any information on the website. Our site will not be held accountable for any actions the reader may take. Accordingly, before taking any action based on the  information provided, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

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