Services in Ontario - Appeals and judicial review

LAO helps people with low incomes with some immigration and refugee problems. For example, you might be able to get help:

• if you’re detained for immigration reasons
• to complete a Basis of Claim form
• with your refugee hearing,
• to prepare an appeal or application for judicial review,
• with cessation or vacation hearings,
• to prepare for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

To get help from LAO, you can:

• call their free telephone line that lets you talk to a lawyer for up to 20 minutes to get information and general advice
• apply for a legal aid certificate if you have a low income and if your legal issue is one that LAO covers
• contact one of the Refugee Law staff offices in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto

LAO funds Refugee Law Offices to help people mainly living in Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa who want to make a refugee claim. They can represent refugee claimants who qualify for a legal aid certificate.

To qualify for legal aid, you must show that you have a low income by giving information about your income, property, and savings. And, your refugee law issue must be one that LAO covers.

They also offer other services, for example, representing people at detention reviews. RLO staff can also refer you to a lawyer who can represent you using a legal aid certificate, if you qualify.

The FCJ Refugee Centre has services for refugees and others who are at risk because of their immigration status. They can:

• help with paperwork, translation, and interpretation
• make referals to immigration and refugee lawyers
• give information about social services, skills development, and counselling

They also have free information sessions about hearings and appealing to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD).