Immigration: keeping your case in order, from the start to the hearing
Immigration cases fall under federal jurisdiction (IRCC, the CBSA) and, for recourses, under the Immigration and Refugee Board (CISR) or the Federal Court. The stakes are high and the deadlines very short. First things first: get support from an immigration lawyer or a regulated consultant (a member of the CRIC). This page provides general information and shows how the software helps you organize your steps, your documents, and your dates · never advice about your case.
The path, in broad strokes
Depending on your situation: an application to or a decision from IRCC → a recourse (a hearing or appeal at the CISR · refugee protection, refugee appeal, immigration, immigration appeal · or an application for leave and judicial review at the Federal Court) → preparing and disclosing the documents → the hearing → the decision.
Deadlines first. In immigration, a missed deadline can permanently close a recourse. Write down every date you receive and check the applicable deadline with an official source or a regulated professional, without delay.
What the app does for you
- Process log : every step dated (application filed, biometrics, medical exam, notice to appear…).
- Document vault : forms, decisions, and evidence, each with its digital fingerprint and import date.
- Deadlines : your important dates gathered in one place (the app never calculates a deadline for you).
- Prepare my case : what is being asked of you, your response in facts, your witnesses, and your exhibits.
- Timeline and calendar : all your dates in one place.
- Search the laws and court process, adapted for immigration.
The case binder, ready to present
The app produces a polished binder : cover page, a timeline of your steps, your preparation, and a collection of documents numbered, dated, and fingerprinted, with an integrity attestation page.
You remain the author of everything. The app formats, dates, and organizes; it doesn't write for you, doesn't give advice, and doesn't predict any outcome. Open the app (free).
Learn
Official sources and general information on recourses and representation:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Immigration and Refugee Board (CISR)
- Verify a regulated consultant (the consultants' College · CRIC)
- Library · Immigration: which application fits your situation? (visit, study, work, settle, sponsor, citizenship)
- Library · Immigration: recourses and the hearing, in plain language
- Library · How court unfolds, by area of law
- Representing yourself: the basic vocabulary
Questions about immigration
Short answers, dated and sourced. General information, never legal advice.
- Can I apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds?
- Can I change employers while my extension is being processed?
- Can I get legal aid for my refugee claim in Quebec?
- Can I leave Canada while my extension application is being processed?
- Can I make a humanitarian application while my refugee claim is being processed?
- Can I send my request for review by email?
- Can I sponsor my partner if we are not married?
- Can I work while my refugee claim is being processed?
- Can I work while my restoration application is being processed?
- Can the Refugee Appeal Division give me more time?
- Do I have to take the citizenship test if I am 56?
- Do I need to have filed my taxes to apply for citizenship?
- Does time spent abroad with my Canadian spouse count?
- How do I prove my days of presence in Canada?
- How does Quebec select skilled workers for permanent immigration?
- How long do I have to apply to restore my status?
- How long do I have to ask for a review from Quebec's immigration ministry?
- How long do I have to challenge an immigration refusal in Federal Court?
- How long do I have to live in Canada before applying for citizenship?
- How long does the undertaking last for a dependent child I sponsor?
- How long does the undertaking last when I sponsor my spouse in Quebec?
- How many days do I have to spend in Canada to keep my permanent residence?
- How many hours can I work on my study permit?
- I missed the deadline to challenge a decision can I still do something?
- I was refused by an embassy abroad what is my deadline to challenge it?
- I went over my days outside Canada do I automatically lose my permanent residence?
- I work abroad for a Canadian company does that count toward my permanent residence?
- If we separate does my sponsorship undertaking end?
- My CSQ was refused can I challenge the decision?
- My permanent resident card has expired have I lost my status?
- My permit expired and I did nothing what can I do?
- My refugee claim was refused how long do I have to appeal?
- My work permit expires soon can I keep working?
- What do I do if I do not understand a question from the Board member?
- What do I have to repay if the person I sponsored receives social assistance?
- What do I have to show to have my status restored?
- What documents do I need to bring to my refugee hearing?
- What happens on the day of my IRB hearing?
- What is maintained status or implied status in Canada?
- What is the difference between the notice of appeal and the appellant's record at the RAD?
- What proves my relationship is genuine for a sponsorship?
- What services can I get in Quebec while my refugee claim is being processed?