Toronto Immigration Law, Toronto Refugee Law, Levine Associates
May 28, 2012
Citizenship in Canada: Who is a Resident?
Given the shocking amount of legislative change, both enacted and proposed by the Harper government over the past number of years I remain both puzzled and amazed that the government has not sought to bring some legislative clarity to the area of Citizenship law in Canada. Some background is necessary in order to understand how […]
Read moreMay 21, 2012
How much does it cost to apply for Permanent Residency
The costs associated with processing various applications have changed over time so it is always best to check CIC’s he most current fee schedule. Presently a typical PR application would generally cost $550 for the principal applicant. If the applicant was including a spouse there would be an additional cost of $475.00. Any unmarried children […]
Read moreApril 27, 2012
Bill C-31 and the Balanced Refugee Reform Act
I have been asked several times how it can be the case that the Balanced Refugee Reform Act (BRRA) which was to be in force in June 2012 can be extended beyond that date. For those of you involved in the refugee field you will recall that the legislation was originally scheduled for implementation in December 2011. […]
Read moreDecember 29, 2011
What is the success rate for refugees at the Immigration and Refugee Board?
Success at the IRB depends on many factors. For example, different countries have radically different success rates. Claimants coming from “refugee producing countries” such as a Afghanistan or Somalia would naturally have much higher rates of success than claimants from countries such as the U.S. or Europeon countries which typically have human rights records similar […]
Read moreDecember 29, 2011
If I am determined to be a Convention Refugee does that make me a Canadian citizen?
Upon receiving a positive determination at the Refugee Board, you are generally, with certain limited exceptions, entitled to apply for Permanent Residence. Such applications must be made within 180 days of being notified of your positive decision. Once you obtain your status as a Permanent Resident you must maintain your residence in Canada for 3 of the prior 4 years in order to be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
Read moreDecember 29, 2011
Do I have to make a refugee claim at the border or can I claim within Canada?
Claims may be made either at a POE (point of entry) upon arrival in Canada or inland at a designated CIC office. Board Members may draw negative inference where there has been significant delay from the time of the claimant’s arrival in Canada to the time of an inland claim is made.
Read moreDecember 29, 2011
Can I make a refugee claim in Canada if I have previously claimed in Canada?
No. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act prohibits refugee claims where a claim has been made previously.
Read moreDecember 29, 2011
Can I make a refugee claim if I have made a claim in the United States?
There are presently no bars against making refugee claims in Canada if you have previously claimed refugee status in the U.S. However, if you claimed in the U.S. and you were sucessful resulting in U.S. status, such status would exclude you from the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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