Legal Aid in British Columbia
The process of making a refugee claim in Canada can be a legally complex and stressful process. Having the assistance of a refugee lawyer can make the refugee claim process easier to understand as well as increase your chances of success by having an advocate on your side.
You can hire a private lawyer or, if you do not have sufficient funds, you can apply with the Legal Services Society ("LSS") of British Columbia for a legal aid lawyer.
- Click here to find the closest legal aid office to your city.
There are different stage of the refugee claim process at which you can seek the assistance of a legal aid lawyer (outlined below). It is important to note that due to budget restrictions on legal aid services not all refugee claimants will be assigned a legal aid lawyer.
- Refugee Eligibility Interview: In some cases, it is possible to request a legal aid lawyer even prior to your eligibility interview with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- PIF Preparation: Most refugee claimants request a legal aid lawyer to assist them to prepare their PIF. The refugee claimant must attend the Legal Services Society office located in their city and complete a legal aid eligibility form. If approved, your legal aid lawyer will assist you to complete the PIF and write your narrative (story) in support of your case.
- Refugee Hearing: A legal aid lawyer may also be available to assist refugee claimants prepare for and attend their refugee claim hearing. Refugee claimants in British Columbia can only re-apply for assistance with their refugee claim once their refugee claim hearing has been scheduled by the RPD. Legal Services Society will review your PIF and narrative and make decision on whether your case has a "reasonable chance of success".
- Federal Court Judicial Reviews: If your refugee case has been refused you may wish to appeal the decision in the Federal Court of Canada by filing a "judicial review application". Judicial review applications require filing of documents and of legal explanations as to why the decision rendered by the RPD is wrong. In some circumstances, for example when there is a clear error of law, the Legal Servcies SOciety may be able to provide a legal aid lawyer to assist you with your appeal. For more information, you must contact the legal aid office in your city and discuss your case.
- PRRA Application: If you have been issued a PRRA application prior to your removal from Canada it is possible to request a legal aid lawyer to assist you with your matter. Legal Services Society usually provides legal assistance with PRRA applications only in cases where there have been significant developments in your refugee case after the refusal decision but prior to your departure from Canada.
What to do if you do not qualify for Legal Aid?
- Refugee claimants who do not qualifying for legal aid assistance can hire a lawyer privately to assist them with their case. For information on contacting a private immigration or refugee lawyer in British Columbia you can contact the Canadian Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at: 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919.
- If you are unable to retain a private lawyer, it may be possible to seek the assistance of a Non-Governmental Organization ("NGO") to assist you with your PIF preparation and refugee hearing. For more information on NGOs please visit our Links page.
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