AC
Adam Cowley
We worked with Josh on a work permit re-application after we had some struggles trying to get it ourselves. Josh was a pleasure to work with and helped us get our approval in a timely fashion. We hope to work with him again soon.
Appeals and Federal Court
When a refusal is wrong, we challenge it.
Appeals to the Immigration Appeal Division and judicial review at the Federal Court. The deadlines are short, sometimes 15 days. If you have a decision in hand, talk to us now.
Get your decision reviewed
Overview
When a refusal deserves a challenge.
Some decisions can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division: sponsorship refusals and residency obligation findings. Others can only be challenged by judicial review at the Federal Court, where a judge reviews whether the decision was reasonable and fair. Only lawyers can represent you in Federal Court, and the filing windows are strict.
What we handle
Appeals and challenges we take on.
- Sponsorship appeals at the Immigration Appeal Division
- Residency obligation appeals for permanent residents
- Judicial review of visa and permit refusals at the Federal Court
- Strict deadlines: as short as 15 days from the decision for some challenges
How we work
A lawyer-led process, with our own software doing the assembly.
01
Initial consultation
Tell Josh what you are dealing with. You get legal advice on your actual situation, written next steps, and a flat fee for the work, before you commit to anything. We quote after we diagnose, never before.
02
Application preparation
You work in our secure client portal to assemble your file. Our software handles the document assembly, extraction, and cross-checking, which is why a lawyer reviewing every page personally still fits inside a flat fee.
03
A licensed Ontario lawyer reviews and files
A licensed Ontario lawyer reviews every page before it is filed.
Flat fees. Once you are a client, a reply within one business day. No surprises.
What to know
Your options, mapped.
- 01
If your sponsorship was refused
A refused family sponsorship filed from outside Canada can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days. The appeal is a fresh hearing: new evidence and testimony are allowed, and many appeals resolve at alternative dispute resolution before a full hearing.
- 02
If you were short on residency days
Permanent residents found short of the 730 day residency requirement can appeal on legal grounds or humanitarian factors. Strong ties to Canada, the reasons for the absence, and the best interests of children all count.
- 03
When appeal is not an option
Most visa refusals cannot be appealed, only judicially reviewed at the Federal Court. The court does not redecide your application. It decides whether the officer's decision was reasonable and fair, and sends it back to be redone if not.
- 04
How these cases actually end
Judicial review first needs leave from the court. Many strong cases settle early, with the government consenting to send the file back for redetermination. That consent often gets you a good outcome sooner than a full hearing would.
Why us
Why work with us on your challenge?
Court is lawyer territory
Judicial review is legal argument, not form filling. Only a lawyer can appear for you in Federal Court, and ours do.
Deadlines managed from day one
15 and 60 day windows leave no room for delay. We file protectively while the full record is built.
Settlement leverage
Many judicial reviews end with IRCC agreeing to redecide the file. We push for a good outcome, not the longest fight.
Honest odds before you retain us
We tell you the realistic chance of success before you commit to a challenge, and when reapplying is the smarter play.
FAQ
Appeal questions, answered.
Do not see your question? Ask us directly. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly.
Ask a question- What is the difference between an appeal and judicial review?
- An appeal rehears your case, with new evidence allowed. Judicial review only tests whether the decision was lawful and reasonable. Which one is available depends on the type of decision.
- How long do I have?
- Thirty days for most Immigration Appeal Division appeals. Judicial review runs 15 days for decisions made in Canada and 60 days for overseas decisions. The clock starts at the decision, not when you find a lawyer.
- What are my chances of winning?
- It depends on the decision and the record behind it. We read both and give you a straight answer before you retain us for a challenge.
- Do I need a lawyer for Federal Court?
- You are allowed to represent yourself, but if anyone appears for you in Federal Court it must be a lawyer. Immigration consultants cannot represent you there. Judicial review turns on legal argument and strict filing deadlines.
Trusted by clients across Canada.
Every matter is different. Results vary, and past outcomes do not predict future ones.
Meet our founder
Joshua Schachnow, B.Com., J.D.
Founder
Josh is a Toronto-based lawyer who has been practising immigration law for more than nine years. He has helped thousands of individuals and companies navigate Canadian immigration, from work permits to permanent residence, study permits, citizenship, LMIAs and more, and he built the software this firm runs on. Josh always puts his clients first, and believes quick and thoughtful communication is most important to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ready to get started
Get your decision reviewed.
Send us the decision letter as soon as you can. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly to book your consultation, where an Ontario licensed immigration lawyer will tell you your options, your deadline, and the strongest route.
Flat fees. No obligation. We follow up fast.