When immigration goes wrong, call a lawyer.

Yes. Consultations are available in English, Punjabi and Hindi at the chambers in downtown Brampton. Tell the office which language you prefer when you book. Written documents for your application may still need to be in English or French, and some may need a certified translation. Manny will tell you which.

Not always. You are allowed to apply on your own, and IRCC treats applications the same whether or not you have a representative. Some people with simple applications and clear documents apply on their own without trouble. A lawyer is most useful when there is something unusual about your file: a past refusal, a gap or inconsistency in your history, a criminal charge or record, a medical issue, a relationship that may be questioned, or a deadline that is close. A lawyer also helps when you are not sure which route fits you. A consultation is a way to find out whether you need help at all. If Manny thinks you can handle it yourself, he will tell you.

You tell Manny what is happening and what you want. He asks the questions that matter, looks at any letters or documents you bring, and tells you plainly what your options look like and what each one involves. If you decide to go ahead, you agree on the route, the documents needed and the fee, in writing, before any work starts.

Before any work starts, you receive a written retainer that sets out what Manny will do for you, what the fee is, and how it is to be paid. Government fees, such as IRCC processing fees and biometrics fees, are separate. You pay those to the Government of Canada, and the office will tell you which ones apply. Other costs, such as certified translations, medical exams and police certificates, are also separate. If the scope of the work changes, for example because IRCC asks for an interview or a refusal needs to be challenged, you will discuss it and agree on it in writing before any additional work begins.

Read the refusal letter carefully and keep the envelope or email that shows when you received it. Depending on the application and the reasons, the options may include applying again with a stronger file, asking for reconsideration, an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division for some sponsorship and residency refusals, or judicial review in the Federal Court. Some of these have short and strict deadlines that start from the date you received the decision, so do not wait. You can also request the officer’s notes, which often explain the refusal in more detail than the letter. Bring the refusal letter and a copy of your application to a consultation. Manny will look at what was decided, why, and which options are still open to you.

Go to the Law Society of Ontario’s public directory at lsodirectory.lso.ca and search for “Hundal”. The listing shows whether a lawyer is licensed, whether they are entitled to practise law in Ontario, and any regulatory history. It is free and takes about a minute. It is good practice to check anyone you pay for immigration help, lawyer or consultant. For consultants, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants keeps its own public register at college-ic.ca. If someone will not give you their licence number, or their name does not appear on the right register, do not pay them. See Lawyer or consultant.