Immigration Detention Lawyer in Toronto

Call us right away or have a family member reach out. We prioritize urgent cases and can quickly get in touch with the detention centre to arrange your detention review hearing. Simply provide basic information such as the name of the person in jail, their CBSA file number (if available) and where they are being held.

As soon as possible. The initial detention review will be held within 48 hours of your detainment, so the earlier a lawyer is involved, the better the chances. Delaying could mean missed deadlines, or worse, remaining detained for longer.

• Detention review: Focuses only on whether or not you should be allowed to remain detained (the first review is within 48 hours, then 7 days, then every 30 days after that).
• Admissibility hearing: Decides whether you should be refused entry to Canada based on certain eligibility grounds.
• Removal order: An order for you to be removed from the country, which may be appealed depending on the type of order.

• Evidence showing ties to your community (presence of family in the area, steady job, etc.)
• Documents proving your identity
• Other materials to counter the CBSA's arguments for your detainment (e.g., risk of flight, danger to public etc.) are all helpful to have on hand.

Yes. We operate a 24-hour emergency hotline specifically for detention cases and can sometimes be asked to provide same day representation for a hearing imminent.

Fees are based on the complexity of your case. We provide a full breakdown of costs up front and are willing to work out a suitable payment plan with you. The agreement might involve a flat rate retainer for a specific package of services, or an hourly rate for cases where the hearing is contested.

Yes. We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates and can assist our clients with completing their certificate application if needed. In certain cases, a discounted fee or pro bono arrangement might also be considered.

We use interpreters in over 20 languages and also have members of our team who can speak the languages you need. Your lawyer will always explain things in a way you understand no matter the language.

Yes. Much of our work on detention cases involves collaborating with relatives abroad with respect to evidence gathering, transacting payment or providing updates on the status of the case, all via secure virtual meetings.

• You are entitled to legal representation and access to medical care and (subject to a conversation with your lawyer first) the right to communicate with consular officials.
• Refuse to sign any documents and make sure to ask for a detention review hearing within a reasonable time.

Yes. We will appeal any of your detention review, admissibility or removal order decisions, including application for judicial review at the Federal Court.

We provide weekly updates by phone or email and notify you immediately if there are any hearings scheduled, evidence filed or actions taken by the CBSA. With your permission, we will also update a family member.

• With the help of your lawyer, propose less intrusive alternatives to detention (check-ins, bonds etc.) and challenge the grounds for your detainment raised by the CBSA at your hearings.
• Bring any evidence you have to show you have nice stable life ties to Canada.

We provide detailed information about the process for long-term detention reviews and will make the case against transfers that inconvenience your lawyer and support team; logistically, or security-wise, transfers must usually be justified by the CBSA.

Combined, our lawyers have been representing detainees for over three decades, with a particular focus on securing timely releases from detention and ensuring you get a fair hearing.

We go above and beyond to make sure we fully understand the client's unique cultural needs and never jump to conclusions; we will always adapt our communications approach as appropriate to match the client's needs and values.

We treat all client files as strictly confidential. There is no information sharing permitted with other parties (e.g., family members) unless there is written authorization.

Yes. We can meet by phone, videoconference or in person at the detention centre; if your proceedings are being heard virtually, we can arrange to appear by videoconference for those as well.

We work with social workers or mental health caregivers to look out for the best interests of vulnerable clients and arrange stays at a group home or community housing as an alternative to detention, where appropriate.

• Call a lawyer right away.
• Take note of where they are being detained and their CBSA file number.
• Do not engage in conversation about the case with CBSA when a lawyer is not present.
• Start collecting documents supporting the person's Canadian ties.