Deadlines, eligibility and what a licensed consultant can do
Short, direct answers. Each one links to the published source it comes from.
How long do I have to appeal a refused refugee claim in Canada?
In most cases, 15 days from receiving the written reasons to file a Notice of Appeal with the Refugee Appeal Division, then a further period to file your appellant's record. The clock runs from when the reasons reach you, not from your hearing date.
Can an immigration consultant represent me at the Immigration and Refugee Board?
Yes, if they hold an RCIC-IRB licence. That is the licence class authorised to represent clients before the Board. You can confirm anyone's licence class on the College public register.
Can a consultant represent me at the Federal Court?
No. Neither a consultant nor a paralegal can represent you in a judicial review at the Federal Court. Only a lawyer can.
How quickly is a detention review held?
Within 48 hours of detention or as soon as possible afterwards, then within seven days if detention continues, then at least once every 30 days.
What is the Bill C-12 one year bar?
A refugee claim made more than one year after your first entry into Canada is not referred to the Refugee Protection Division. It applies retroactively to entries from 24 June 2020, so an earlier visit can affect a claim made now.
Will legal aid pay for an immigration consultant?
No. Legal Aid Ontario certificates can only be billed by roster lawyers, and consultants cannot bill them. That is why we price discrete pieces of work rather than only full retainers.
How long does a refugee claim take in Canada?
About 24 months from referral to decision as of December 2025. Less complex claims were finalised in around 16 months, and the Board has said wait times will continue to grow.
Who appeals a refused family sponsorship?
The sponsor in Canada, not the applicant abroad. Sponsorship appeals rose from 2,495 filings in 2024 to 3,360 in 2025.
How do I check whether an immigration consultant is licensed?
Search their name on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants public register. Since 15 July 2026 it also shows whether they are in good standing and any disciplinary history.
Is a free deadline check really free?
Yes. Send the document, we confirm the date. It creates no representative relationship and commits you to nothing.