Frequently Asked Questions

No, hiring a lawyer or licensed consultant is not mandatory. However, immigration law is complex and constantly changing. A licensed immigration lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes, delays, refusals, or misrepresentation issues, especially if your case is complex.

You can book a free consultation by contacting our office through phone, email or our website booking form. Consultations may be in person, by phone, or online.

No immigration lawyer or consultant can guarantee approval. Decisions are made solely by immigration authorities. However, we ensure your application is complete, accurate, and supported by strong legal arguments to maximize your chances of success

Fees depend on the type and complexity of your case. We are transparent about our fees and explain all costs before we begin working on your file. Payment plans and Legal aid certificates are accepted  for certain services.

Linda K is an empanelled lawyer with Legal Aid Ontario and is proud to support access to justice by serving clients with Legal Aid certificates.

However, due to Legal Aid Ontario’s case cap, there may be times when we are unable to accept new Legal Aid certificates. We recommend contacting our office directly to confirm current availability.

Our team is committed to providing high-quality legal services to all clients and will do our best to explore available options for your representation.

We offer a wide range of immigration services. Explore our “Services” page for more information

On average, a refugee claim takes anywhere from a year and a half to two years to process. However, there are several circumstances where clients have received a decision in less than a year, while others have taken more than two years. Please check IRCC webpage for more up-to-date processing times

If your application is refused, you may still have options such as reapplying, appealing, requesting reconsideration, or seeking judicial review. We carefully assess refusal reasons and advise you on the best legal strategy.

Yes. All client information is strictly confidential and protected under professional legal and privacy obligations.

You can reach out to us at [email protected]  with your full name and new address. We will update the IRB Portal on your behalf.

The best way to reach out to us is through [email protected] or through (647) 952 - 2766

It is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended to book an appointment in advance. Our office is very busy and it is unlikely to be available without prior arrangements. If you are inquiring about the status of your case, please feel free to speak with one of our staff members or Office Manager.

Processing times vary by program. Express Entry applications typically process in 6-8 months, while Provincial Nominee Programs may take 12-18 months. Family sponsorship applications can take 12-24 months depending on the relationship and country of origin. For more uptodate processing times, check the IRCC webpage.

There is no fixed minimum score, as it depends on each Express Entry draw. Recent draws have had CRS cutoffs ranging from 470-500 points for Federal Skilled Worker candidates. Provincial nominations can add 600 points to your score. Our consultants can help you maximize your CRS score.

Yes, most economic immigration programs allow you to include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in your application. They will receive permanent resident status at the same time as you. Additional documentation is required for each family member included.

Canadian PR status grants you the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada, access to universal healthcare, protection under Canadian law, eligibility for social benefits, and the ability to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements. PRs also enjoy most of the same rights as citizens, except voting in some elections.

Bill C-12 is federal legislation that makes significant changes to Canada's immigration, refugee and border-security laws.

For refugee claimants, some of the most important changes involve:

• new eligibility rules for refugee claims;
• a one-year deadline affecting certain people who entered Canada after June 24, 2020;
• a 14-day rule affecting certain people who enter Canada irregularly from the United States;
• changes to how refugee claims are processed before being referred to the IRB;
• consequences for claimants who leave Canada while their refugee claim is pending; and
• access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) for many people who become ineligible to have their claim referred to the IRB.

Yes. Bill C-12 received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. Importantly, the new refugee-claim eligibility requirements apply to claims made on or after June 3, 2025, even though Bill C-12 became law later.

Under the new rules, a refugee claim generally will not be referred to the IRB if:

1. you first entered Canada after June 24, 2020; and
2. you make your refugee claim more than one year after the date of your first entry into Canada.
   This rule applies to refugee claims made on or after June 3, 2025.

The rule is not limited to people who originally entered Canada intending to seek refugee protection.

It can affect people who originally entered Canada as:

• visitors;
• international students;
• temporary foreign workers; or
• other temporary residents.
  If more than one year has passed since the person's first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020, their refugee claim may be ineligible for referral to the IRB.

Being ineligible means your refugee claim will generally not be referred to the Refugee Protection Division of the IRB for a refugee hearing. This does not necessarily mean that you will be removed from Canada immediately. In most cases, people affected by the new Bill C-12 ineligibility rules will still have access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).