Receiving a refusal from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or facing a removal order can be devastating. It can feel like your future in Canada is over — but it isn’t always the final word.

The Canadian legal system provides several appeal and judicial review pathways to challenge unfair or incorrect decisions. These processes are complex, time-sensitive, and require specialized legal experience.

At Cambria Law Firm, our Mississauga immigration lawyers have extensive experience representing clients before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) and in Judicial Reviews before the Federal Court of Canada.
We act fast, build strong legal arguments, and fight to protect your status and your family’s future in Canada.


What Type of Immigration Decision Are You Appealing?

The right appeal path depends entirely on what type of application was refused or which order you received.
Our firm handles all major appeal categories recognized under Canadian immigration law.


Sponsorship Appeals (Family & Spousal)

Has Your Spousal or Family Sponsorship Been Refused?

Sponsorship appeals often hinge on one key issue: proving the genuineness of your relationship to the satisfaction of the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). An officer may have refused the application based on a perceived lack of evidence, a misinterpretation of your situation, or an incorrect application of immigration law.


Our Strategy for Sponsorship Appeals

An officer’s “feeling” that your relationship isn’t genuine is not enough.
We fight subjective opinions with objective facts — building an undeniable mountain of evidence that paints a complete picture of your life together.

Forensic Refusal Review:
We first analyze the officer’s GCMS notes to pinpoint the exact reason for the refusal.
Was it a “tick-box” error? A misinterpretation of finances? A doubt about the genuineness of your marriage?

Evidence Curation:
We then gather powerful new evidence to counter that doubt, which may include:

  • Detailed timelines of your relationship

  • Sworn affidavits from family and friends

  • Proof of financial co-mingling (joint accounts, bills, leases)

  • Communication records (texts, calls, emails, chat logs)

  • Travel itineraries, photos, and social media interactions

Intensive Hearing Preparation:
We prepare you thoroughly for your IAD hearing — conducting mock interviews, anticipating questions, and ensuring you can present your story clearly and confidently.


Removal Order Appeals

Are You a Permanent Resident or Protected Person Facing Deportation?

If you are a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, or Protected Person who has received a Removal Order (often for criminal inadmissibility or misrepresentation), you may have the right to appeal to the IAD.
These cases are urgent — you have 30 days to file your appeal from the date of receiving the order.


How We Build Your Removal Order Appeal Case

A removal order appeal is often a two-part battle:

  1. Addressing the legal basis for the removal.

  2. Building a persuasive Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) argument.

Immediate Stay:
We file your appeal right away, which in most cases automatically stays (pauses) removal until the case is heard.

Building the H&C Case:
We compile deep evidence showing that your life and contributions in Canada outweigh the grounds for removal:

  • Establishment in Canada: Proof of work history, community involvement, and family life.

  • Best Interests of the Child: School records, teacher letters, and psychological reports showing the harm removal would cause.

  • Hardship Abroad: Evidence of unsafe conditions, lack of care, or discrimination in your home country.

  • Rehabilitation: For criminal inadmissibility, we include letters of support, counseling records, and certificates showing reform.


Visa Refusals & Judicial Review (Study, Work, and Visitor Visas)

Was Your Study Permit, Work Permit, or Visitor Visa Refused?

This is a common point of confusion. Temporary resident refusals cannot be appealed to the IAD.
They must be challenged through a Judicial Review at the Federal Court of Canada.


What Is a “Legal Error”? Finding the Path to Judicial Review

A Judicial Review is not a chance to re-apply — it’s a legal argument proving that the officer’s decision was flawed.
Our lawyers conduct a forensic review of your file to find one or more of the following fatal errors:

  • Procedural Unfairness: The officer relied on undisclosed information or failed to give you a fair chance to respond.

  • Ignored Evidence: Key documents (bank statements, proof of funds, job offers) were overlooked.

  • Unreasonable Decision: The officer’s conclusion contradicts their own reasoning or lacks logic.

  • Error in Law: The officer misapplied a section of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Identifying one of these errors is the key to obtaining “Leave” (permission) from the Federal Court to argue your case.


Why Choose Cambria Law for Your Immigration Appeal?

Proven Courtroom & Tribunal Experience:
We are not just form preparers — we are trial-tested litigators who regularly appear before the IAD and Federal Court.

Strategic & Honest Case Assessment:
We give you a realistic evaluation of your chances and legal strategy. We won’t take your case unless there’s a viable path to success.

Meticulous File & Evidence Strategy:
We prepare complete, fact-driven case files with medical, financial, psychological, and witness evidence — leaving no room for doubt.

Integrated Legal Practice:
Our appeals work is supported by full-service immigration practice areas, allowing seamless handling of every related issue.
Return to Mississauga Immigration Law.


Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Appeals

1. How long do I have to file an appeal?

Deadlines are strict:

  • 30 days for a sponsorship refusal or removal order appeal to the IAD.

  • 15 days for an in-Canada Judicial Review (or 60 days if filed outside Canada).
    Contact a lawyer immediately to preserve your right to appeal.


2. What are my chances of winning an appeal?

Each case is unique. Outcomes depend on the reason for refusal, quality of evidence, and presentation strength.
We provide a transparent assessment before moving forward.


3. What is the difference between an IAD Appeal and a Judicial Review?

  • Immigration Appeal Division (IAD): You may submit new evidence and testify in person.

  • Federal Court (Judicial Review): No new evidence; the judge only decides whether the officer’s decision was fair, reasonable, and lawful.


A Refusal Isn’t the Final Word — Let’s Fight Back.

Don’t give up on your future in Canada.
Contact Cambria Law Firm for a confidential consultation.
We’ll review your refusal, explain your options, and help you file the right appeal on time.

Request a Consultation →