Visitor visa, work permit, study permit, and spousal sponsorship applications are submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Careful preparation can reduce the risk of delay or refusal.
These applications can be self-filed directly with IRCC. Many applicants choose to retain a lawyer to help avoid common documentation errors, build a stronger evidentiary record, and respond effectively if IRCC requests additional information — all of which can reduce delay and the risk of refusal.
If an application has already been refused, see our Judicial Review page — different deadlines and options apply once a decision has been made.
Yes, these applications can be self-filed. Many applicants retain a lawyer to help avoid common errors, strengthen supporting documentation, and respond effectively if IRCC requests additional information.
A refusal may be challengeable through Federal Court judicial review, which runs on strict 15/60-day deadlines. See our Judicial Review page for details.
Reach out to discuss your matter, or email now if it's a judicial review case.
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