Refugee Law

Our Approach

Representation grounded in humanity.

Iqra works closely with refugees who have experienced displacement, loss, and prolonged uncertainty. Our role is to provide careful guidance through asylum processes, documentation, and settlement — and to make sure your story is heard clearly, completely, and on your own terms.

Refugee claims are evidence-intensive and emotionally demanding. We prepare each file methodically: gathering country-condition evidence, developing the factual narrative, corroborating with medical, psychological, and documentary support, and preparing you for every stage of the hearing process.

We do not rush. We do not ask you to relive trauma unnecessarily. We build a claim that is true to your experience and legally complete — then we advocate for it with everything the law allows.

Services

Full-service refugee representation.

From first port-of-entry to final status — and everything in between.

Refugee Claim Preparation

Inland claims and port-of-entry claims. Assessment of eligibility, identification of protected grounds, and development of the factual and legal basis for protection.

Basis of Claim (BOC) Forms

Careful, accurate preparation of the BOC narrative — the document the Board will rely on most heavily. We help you tell your story completely and consistently.

Refugee Protection Division (RPD) Hearings

Full hearing preparation including witness preparation, documentary evidence organization, country-condition research, and courtroom advocacy at the IRB.

Refugee Appeal Division (RAD)

Written and oral appeals of negative RPD decisions — identifying errors of law, fact, or mixed fact and law, and presenting new evidence where admissible.

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment

PRRA applications for individuals facing removal who fear return — a last-stage assessment of risk, focused on changed circumstances and new evidence.

Humanitarian & Compassionate

H&C applications focused on establishment in Canada, the best interests of affected children, and hardship on removal — often presented alongside or following a refugee claim.

Federal Court Judicial Review

Leave and judicial review of negative RPD, RAD, PRRA, and H&C decisions at the Federal Court — within the strict 15-day filing deadlines.

Family Reunification

One-year window (and beyond) sponsorship of dependent family members for protected persons, and related documentation and settlement guidance.

Settlement Support

Referrals to settlement services, documentation of status, work permits, health coverage, and connections to community and language resources.

A Safe Place To Begin

You will be heard.

The refugee process asks you to share some of the most painful details of your life with strangers. We understand this is hard. Our office is a space where you can share your story at your own pace, with an interpreter if you need one, and with the understanding that you are safe here.

Iqra is multilingual and works regularly with interpreters for clients who prefer to speak in their first language. We recognize that trauma affects memory, timeline, and detail — and we prepare your file with that awareness, ensuring the Board sees the full picture.

Confidential, trauma-informed consultations
Interpreter-supported client meetings
Coordination with doctors, psychologists, and community organizations
Legal Aid Ontario certificates accepted for eligible clients
Regular communication in plain language — no jargon

Our Process

A careful, step-by-step path.

01

Initial Meeting

A confidential consultation to understand your background, your fear of return, and the basis of your claim — without rushing.

02

Evidence Gathering

Country-condition research, identity documents, medical and psychological reports where relevant, and corroborating evidence from family, community, or press.

03

Hearing Preparation

Careful preparation of the BOC narrative, witness preparation, mock questioning, and familiarization with IRB procedures so you can testify with confidence.

04

Hearing & Beyond

Representation at the RPD hearing. If refused, we assess appeal and judicial review options. If accepted, we help with permanent residence and family reunification.

Our job is not to make your story perfect. Our job is to help the Board see it clearly — with all the context, evidence, and care it deserves.

— Iqra Tahreem

FAQ

Refugee law, clearly explained.

Who can make a refugee claim in Canada?

A person in Canada who fears persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group — or who fears torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment — may make a refugee claim. Eligibility can also depend on how and where the claim is made.

How long does a refugee claim take?

Timelines vary. Once a claim is referred to the Refugee Protection Division, the hearing is typically scheduled within several months to over a year depending on backlog. Decisions usually follow within months of the hearing. Appeals and judicial review add further time.

Can I work while my claim is pending?

Yes. Refugee claimants are generally eligible to apply for a work permit while their claim is being processed, once a medical examination has been completed. Interim health coverage (IFHP) is also available.

What happens if my claim is refused?

Many negative decisions can be appealed to the Refugee Appeal Division. Decisions where RAD is not available (or RAD refusals themselves) can often be challenged by judicial review at the Federal Court — but filing deadlines are very short. Contact us immediately on refusal.

What is the Safe Third Country Agreement?

Under the STCA between Canada and the United States, refugee claimants who arrived in one country cannot typically claim refugee status in the other at a land border port of entry. There are exceptions — family members in Canada, unaccompanied minors, and certain document-holders. Eligibility under the STCA is an early and important question in many claims.

Can I bring my family to Canada if my claim is accepted?

Yes. Once granted protected-person status and permanent residence, you may include certain family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children) either as dependents on your PR application or through the one-year window provision after you become a PR. Family members outside Canada may undergo their own security and medical processing.

How much does refugee representation cost?

Costs vary by complexity. Legal Aid Ontario certificates are accepted for eligible clients, and we offer transparent fee arrangements for clients who do not qualify. We will discuss costs openly at the first meeting.