If you have carefully filled in the forms, gathered the numerous supporting documents and tried to provide as thorough an explanation for your application for temporary residence to Canada, it can be deflating to receive a denial letter. While often an application may be rejected simply because the case was not strong enough, there may be things an applicant overlooked in the application process and could therefore “fix” in a subsequent application.

While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) suggests here that you should not apply again if you were refused the first time, this does not preclude submitting an application that presents new or revised information that may make the case stronger. The IRCC also advises that hiring an immigration representative such as an immigration lawyer won’t increase your chances of success.

While the mere submission of an application by a representative will not in itself increase your chances, an experienced immigration lawyer can review your initial application, reasons for refusal and assess whether there may be further information that can and should be included in a subsequent application. A lawyer can also assess the merits of a judicial review application, where you can argue that the officer reviewing your application was unreasonable in rendering a decision and ask a judge to send it back for review by a new officer.

If you feel that your application was unreasonably denied despite a robust application, it is worthwhile to consider if and how to improve upon it and resubmit.

For more information on immigration law, please contact Maya Krishnaratne, Immigration Lawyer at Devry Smith Frank LLP, 416-446-5841, Maya.krishnaratne@devrylaw.ca

“This article is intended to inform. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.”