July 25, 2025
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do in Canada?
Canada’s immigration system is one of the most comprehensive and dynamic in the world, offering multiple pathways for individuals seeking to live, work, or study in the country. Navigating this system, however, can be complex. This is where the expertise of an immigration lawyer becomes essential.
The Role of an Immigration Lawyer
An immigration lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in matters related to immigration, refugee, and citizenship law. In Canada, these lawyers are regulated by provincial law societies and are trained to represent clients in dealings with immigration authorities, courts, and tribunals. Their role spans a wide range of services aimed at helping clients understand and pursue their immigration options effectively.
1. Legal Advice and Strategy Development
Immigration lawyers assess each client’s unique situation and provide tailored legal advice. They help determine the most appropriate immigration pathway—whether through economic immigration programs like Express Entry, family sponsorship, refugee claims, or other provincial streams. They also offer strategic guidance to strengthen the application and mitigate any potential risks.
2. Application Preparation and Submission
One of the core functions of an immigration lawyer is to assist in preparing and submitting immigration applications. This includes gathering supporting documents, ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements, and drafting legal submissions. A well-prepared application increases the chances of success and reduces the likelihood of delays or refusals due to errors or omissions.
3. Representation Before Authorities
Immigration lawyers can represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB), Federal Court, and other government bodies. This is particularly critical in cases of appeals, inadmissibility, detention reviews, and judicial reviews. They advocate on behalf of clients, present legal arguments, and ensure procedural fairness throughout the process.
4. Support in Complex and Urgent Situations
For individuals facing deportation, detention, or inadmissibility issues, immigration lawyers provide urgent legal support. They may file stay applications, request humanitarian and
compassionate considerations, or pursue remedies through judicial review. Their intervention can be pivotal in safeguarding the rights and status of vulnerable applicants.
5. Staying Up to Date with Changing Laws
Canadian immigration policies are subject to frequent legislative and policy updates. Immigration lawyers stay abreast of these changes to provide accurate and timely advice. Their continuous professional development helps ensure that clients are informed of the latest requirements and opportunities.
When to Consult an Immigration Lawyer
While some immigration matters can be handled independently, legal representation is advisable in the following scenarios:
- When facing a prior refusal or inadmissibility
- In refugee or humanitarian applications
- For complex sponsorship cases
- If seeking judicial review of a decision
- When dealing with enforcement actions or removal orders
Immigration lawyers in Canada play a vital role in guiding individuals and families through the intricate immigration system. Their legal knowledge, procedural expertise, and advocacy skills offer a significant advantage, especially in complex or high-stakes cases. At Bellissimo Law Group, we combine legal precision with a client-focused approach.
Our team understands the human impact behind every immigration file and is committed to providing responsive, transparent, and results-driven service. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers.
Lijing Cao
Lijing’s practice encompasses a broad range of Canadian immigration matters, including all categories of work permit applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program, citizenship, labour market impact assessments, study permits, temporary resident permits, and sponsorship applications. She also advises entrepreneurs, business owners, international students and skilled workers on the options for permanent residence to Canada, including provincial nominee programs, Start-up Visa, Federal Skilled Worker, and Canadian Experience Class programs.
Lijing graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Hong Kong. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese. Prior to joining Bellissimo Law Group, Lijing worked as an associate lawyer at a boutique business immigration firm, where she provided advice to corporate clients to fulfill their workforce mobility and labour shortage needs.