Getting legal help
A woman should get legal advice from an immigration and refugee lawyer before she decides whether to make an H&C application or a refugee claim.
A woman should also get a lawyer to represent her in her refugee claim or H&C application.
There may also be legal issues affecting her situation that she is not aware of.
For example, she may be from a country that Canada is not sending people back to because of the human rights situation there.
She may also need to speak to a family lawyer, especially if she has children.
In some situations, if there is a court order under family law that deals with the children, her removal from Canada might go against the order.
A woman should also know that if she does not have immigration status in Canada and she contacts the police, they may decide to contact immigration authorities. The police database will show if there is an immigration warrant in her name.
Here are some places where a woman can get legal information or advice:
Community legal clinics
Community legal clinics give free legal advice to people with low incomes, but not all clinics deal with immigration issues. Student legal clinics in law schools in Toronto, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and Windsor also represent and help some people.
To find a legal clinic or any Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) service, visit the LAO website or call 1-800-668-8258 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For TTY use Bell Relay Service 711.
Legal Aid Ontario telephone line
LAO gives general information and referrals over the phone to people of all income levels, and up to 20 minutes of free general legal advice in many languages.
LAO also has 4 regional offices with a Francophone legal advice line that gives legal information and advice in French to people living in those areas.
Legal aid certificates
LAO gives free legal aid certificates that pay for a lawyer’s services, if a person qualifies based on their income and legal issue. LAO says calls from people experiencing domestic violence get quicker service.
Refugee claims and H&C applications are some of the legal issues LAO may give a certificate for. LAO does not give certificates for temporary residence permit (TRP) applications. But some community legal clinics help people with TRP applications.
LAO’s online lawyer directory may help you find a lawyer who accepts legal aid certificates.
People who have experienced family violence may qualify for a free 2-hour session with a lawyer. This is available through LAO, and some women’s shelters and community legal clinics.
A woman who needs advice from a family lawyer and an immigration lawyer can ask for both.
Law Society Referral Service
This is an online service that gives users the name of a lawyer in their area who they can consult with for free for up to 30 minutes. They can ask for a lawyer who speaks their language, accepts legal aid certificates, or both.
There is also a phone line for people who cannot use the online service. For example, if they are in custody, in a shelter, or in a remote community without access to the internet. This line is available Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 1-855-947-5255.
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
This organization represents women who experience physical, sexual, or psychological abuse for free in family and immigration law cases.
They also offer counselling and language interpreter services. Call 416-323-9149, for TTY call 416-323-1361.
Luke’s Place
This organization provides free legal advice, support, and referrals to women across Ontario who have experienced abuse. They have a Virtual Legal Clinic that connects women with lawyers for free legal advice on family law issues. Call 1-866-516-3116.
The Ontario Legal Information Centre phone line
This service offers a free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer to get legal information over the phone or online. Book a virtual meeting online or leave a message, and a lawyer will call back. Call 1-844-343-7462.
Ontario Women’s Legal Centre
The Centre provides free summary legal information and advice in family law to Francophone women in Ontario who have experienced domestic violence. A lawyer may also review family court forms or separation agreements.
If a woman experienced sexual assault, she may be able to get additional summary advice in immigration, housing, or criminal law.
Fill out an intake form to get legal help. Or call 1-833-632-0838.
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