At Smith Immigration Law, we support international students in pursuing their education in Canada by providing expert legal assistance with Study Permit applications and related immigration matters. We work closely with students, families, and institutions to ensure applications are complete, compelling, and aligned with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. 

Our Study Permit services include: 

• Initial Study Permit Applications: 
  Guidance on required documents, proof of funds, and crafting a strong statement of purpose that clearly outlines the temporary nature of your stay and your academic goals. 

• Refused Study Permits: 
  If your application has been refused, we will review the refusal reasons, advise on next steps, and prepare a refiling or judicial review if appropriate. 

• Restoration and Extensions: 
  Support for students whose status has expired or who require more time to complete their studies, including filing timely restoration or extension applications. 

• Accompanying Family Members: 
  Assistance with open work permits for spouses or study permits for dependent children accompanying the main applicant. 

• Post-Graduation Transition: 
  Strategic planning for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and pathways to permanent residence after graduation, including CEC and provincial nominee options. 

We understand how critical timing and accuracy are in student immigration matters. Our team is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals while ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration laws every step of the way.

At Smith Immigration Law, we provide comprehensive legal support for individuals and employers navigating the Canadian work permit process. Whether you are a foreign national seeking employment in Canada or a business looking to hire international talent, our team offers strategic guidance to ensure applications are accurate, complete, and aligned with immigration regulations. 

Our Work Permit services include: 

• Employer-Supported Work Permits (LMIA-Based): 
  Assistance with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and employer compliance, followed by preparation of work permit applications for foreign workers. 

• LMIA-Exempt Work Permits: 
  Strategic advice and application support under LMIA-exempt categories, including intra-company transferees, Global Talent Stream, international agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA), and charitable or religious workers. 

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): 
  Support for international graduates applying for open work permits to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. 

• Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): 
  Assistance for individuals transitioning to permanent residence while maintaining legal status and employment in Canada. 

• Restoration and Extensions: 
  Help with extending valid work permits or restoring status if it has lapsed, including advice on maintaining eligibility for permanent residence streams. 

• Spousal Open Work Permits: 
  Preparation of open work permit applications for spouses of temporary foreign workers, international students, or permanent residence applicants. 

Our firm combines deep knowledge of Canadian immigration law with a client-focused approach to help workers and employers succeed in today’s fast-changing immigration landscape. We are committed to clear communication, timely service, and strategic solutions tailored to your goals. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we assist individuals and families from around the world in applying for Temporary Resident Visas (Visitor Visas) to Canada. Whether you’re visiting loved ones, attending a special event, or coming for business or tourism, we help ensure your application is strong, clear, and compelling. 

Our Visitor Visa services include: 

• Initial Visa Applications: 
  Preparation and submission of complete applications that demonstrate the purpose of your visit, your ties to your home country, and your ability to support yourself financially while in Canada. 

• Family and Friend Visits: 
  Guidance on invitation letters, proof of relationship, and supporting documents to strengthen your application when visiting Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 

• Business Visitors and Conferences: 
  Support for individuals attending conferences, meetings, or site visits in Canada, including documentation to clarify the business purpose and maintain compliance with immigration rules. 

• Super Visa Applications: 
  Specialized support for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents seeking long-term, multiple-entry visas. 

• Visa Refusals and Reapplications: 
  Review of refusal letters, identification of weaknesses in previous applications, and preparation of improved and well-documented reapplications or consideration of legal remedies. 

• Judicial Review (Federal Court): 
  For wrongful or unfair refusals, we represent clients in filing judicial reviews before the Federal Court of Canada. 

Every visitor visa case is different, and we tailor our approach to highlight your specific reasons for travel, address concerns raised by immigration officers, and advocate for your intention to visit Canada temporarily. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we are proud to offer compassionate, trauma-informed, and expert legal support to individuals seeking refugee protection in Canada—especially those fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE), HIV status, or related grounds. 

Our firm is deeply committed to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ refugees and ensuring every client is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding throughout the refugee process. 

Our Refugee Application services include: 

• Claim Preparation and Filing: 
  Guidance in preparing and filing refugee claims with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), including the Basis of Claim (BOC) form and supporting documentation. 

• Narrative Development: 
  Support in telling your story authentically and powerfully, with a focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ claimants and the risks they face in their countries of origin. 

• Evidence Gathering: 
  Assistance with collecting identity documents, country condition reports, expert letters, medical or psychological reports, and witness statements relevant to your claim. 

• Representation Before the IRB: 
  Experienced advocacy at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) and Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), including preparation for hearings and cross-examination. 

• Judicial Review: 
  Legal representation at the Federal Court of Canada for claimants who have received a negative decision and are seeking to challenge it through judicial review. 

• Interim Support and Pathways: 
  Help accessing work permits, health coverage, and social services while your claim is pending, and advice on permanent residence options following a positive decision. 

We recognize that coming forward as an LGBTQ+ refugee can be an act of extraordinary courage. Our role is to stand beside you as trusted advocates, providing strategic legal guidance and a safe, affirming space where your truth is respected. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we help reunite families in Canada through compassionate, detail-oriented legal support for Family Class Sponsorship applications. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, partner, child, or parent, our team is committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

We have particular experience representing LGBTQ+ couples, including same-sex and trans partners, and understand the unique challenges they may face in proving their relationship and navigating the immigration system. 

Our Family Sponsorship services include: 

• Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorships (Inland and Outland): 
  Complete application support for Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their partners, including help gathering relationship evidence and preparing strong, personalized submissions. 

• Support for LGBTQ+ Couples: 
  Guidance tailored to LGBTQ+ relationships, including support where couples have faced stigma, family rejection, or lack of legal recognition in their home countries. We help tell your story with care and cultural sensitivity. 

• Document Review and Application Strategy: 
  Assistance in compiling relationship documents, photos, joint finances, communications, and affidavits to clearly demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship. 

• Interview Preparation and Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs): 
  Support for clients facing interviews or who have received a PFL questioning the validity of their relationship, including written responses and advocacy. 

• Sponsorship Appeals: 
  Representation at the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) if a sponsorship application is refused, including legal strategy, documentation, and hearing preparation. 

• Dependent Children and Family Members: 
  Applications for children and other eligible family members, with attention to timelines, documentation, and IRCC requirements. 

We understand that for many couples, sponsorship is not just about paperwork—it’s about security, dignity, and being together in a country where your relationship is recognized and respected. We are here to guide you through every step. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we provide knowledgeable and personalized support to individuals seeking to become Canadian citizens. Whether you are applying based on your time in Canada, your Canadian parentage, or a combination of both, we guide you through every step to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and compelling. 

We work closely with applicants who have Canadian family members, including Canadian-born children or spouses, and understand the importance of achieving citizenship to strengthen family unity and long-term security in Canada. 

Our Citizenship services include: 

• Standard Citizenship Applications: 
  Legal assistance with verifying eligibility, calculating physical presence, gathering required documents, and completing government forms. 

• Citizenship by Descent (Proof of Citizenship): 
  Applications for individuals born abroad to Canadian parents and grandparents, including document preparation and legal submissions to confirm citizenship status under the Citizenship Act. 

• Complex Cases: 
  Support for applicants with gaps in physical presence, language concerns, or prior inadmissibility issues, as well as applicants facing citizenship application refusals. 

• Adopted Children and Stateless Individuals: 
  Specialized support in citizenship applications involving adopted minors or children with Canadian family members who are at risk of statelessness. 

• Citizenship for Clients with Canadian Family: 
  Strategic legal guidance for permanent residents seeking to naturalize who have Canadian spouses or children, including emphasizing family integration and the importance of citizenship to long-term stability in Canada. 

• Hearing and Appeal Support: 
  Representation for applicants facing residency determination hearings, language or knowledge test concerns, or procedural fairness letters. 

Canadian citizenship is a meaningful milestone—and for many, a way to finally feel at home. Whether you’re applying independently or in connection with your Canadian family, our team is here to ensure your application reflects your story and meets all legal requirements. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we offer strategic and results-driven representation in Judicial Review applications before the Federal Court of Canada. Judicial review is a legal remedy for individuals whose immigration or refugee applications have been unfairly refused by immigration officers, tribunals, or government decision-makers. 

We assist with challenging decisions such as: 

• Refusals of refugee claims or appeals (RPD/RAD) 

• Denials of permanent residence under Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds (H&C) 

• Refusals of temporary resident visas (TRVs), study permits, or work permits 

• Rejections of Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA) 

• Negative decisions involving sponsorships, inadmissibility, or procedural fairness 

• Delays in processing (via Mandamus Applications) 

Our services include: 

• Comprehensive review of the refusal decision and supporting documents 

• Legal analysis to assess grounds for judicial review 

• Preparation and filing of the Application for Leave and Judicial Review (ALJR) 

• Written arguments (memorandum of argument) and court submissions 

• Representation before the Federal Court at leave and, if granted, at the hearing 

• Negotiation with Department of Justice counsel for possible early resolution 

We bring deep knowledge of immigration law and extensive experience in Federal Court litigation. Whether the goal is redetermination or timely processing, our team is committed to pursuing every legal avenue to protect your rights and seek a just outcome. 

See below a selection of our representative cases before the Federal Court: 

• Alabi v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 FC 827 https://canlii.ca/t/kc009

• Alabi v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 CanLII 71517 (FC) https://canlii.ca/t/k638w

• Basak v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 CanLII 20225 (FC), https://canlii.ca/t/k3g0p

• Kilonzo v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 FC 766 https://canlii.ca/t/kbtm6

• Rahman v. Canada (Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness), 2025 FC 279, https://canlii.ca/t/k9gtw

• Sadiqa v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 FC 931 https://canlii.ca/t/k5j77

• Singh v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 CanLII 8616 (FC) https://canlii.ca/t/k2qk6

• Uwa v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 FC 1721 https://canlii.ca/t/k7n1z

• Yousef v. Canada (Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness), 2023 FC 1600, https://canlii.ca/t/k1fwb

At Smith Immigration Law, we proudly offer LGBTQ+ inclusive immigration services, with a deep commitment to equity, dignity, and human rights. We recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals and couples often face unique legal, cultural, and personal challenges in the immigration system. Our team provides knowledgeable, trauma-informed, and compassionate legal support tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

We offer trusted legal representation across a wide range of LGBTQ+ immigration matters, including: 

• Refugee Claims Based on SOGIESC Grounds: 
  Strategic support for individuals fleeing persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). We work closely with clients to develop compelling narratives, gather evidence, and represent them before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), and Federal Court. 

• Family Sponsorship for LGBTQ+ Couples: 
  Legal assistance for same-sex and gender-diverse couples navigating spousal or common-law sponsorship, including support for couples from countries that do not legally recognize LGBTQ+ relationships. 

• Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications: 
  H&C applications for LGBTQ+ individuals facing hardship or risk in their home countries, including those who have formed strong ties to Canada or would face discrimination, violence, or loss of access to healthcare if removed. 

• Gender Marker and Identity Documentation: 
  Guidance on legal name and gender marker changes in immigration documents, including PR cards, work permits, and travel documents. 

• Permanent Residence Pathways: 
  Strategic advice on Express Entry, PNPs, or other permanent residence streams for LGBTQ+ individuals, with attention to workplace discrimination, mental health, and social vulnerability. 

• Judicial Reviews and Appeals: 
  Representation at the Federal Court for unfair refusals of refugee claims, sponsorships, or visas, particularly where LGBTQ+ identity has been misunderstood or minimized by decision-makers. 

We approach every LGBTQ+ case with the cultural competence, legal knowledge, and sensitivity it deserves. Whether you’re seeking safety, family reunification, or long-term stability in Canada, our team is here to support you with respect, care, and unwavering advocacy. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we partner with colleges and universities across Canada to provide comprehensive and responsive immigration legal services that support international students, faculty, and institutional staff. We understand the vital role international talent plays in the academic environment and offer strategic guidance to ensure compliance with immigration regulations while advancing your institution’s educational goals. 

Our services for post-secondary institutions include: 

Support for International Students 

• Study permit applications and extensions 

• Restoration of status and reapplications after refusals 

• Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) for students outside Canada 

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and pathways to permanent residence 

• Advice for students facing inadmissibility or removal orders 

• Support for LGBTQ+, racialized, or vulnerable student populations navigating complex immigration challenges 

Support for Faculty and Academic Staff 

• Employer-sponsored work permits (including LMIA-exempt categories) 

• Intra-company transfers and global talent recruitment 

• Permanent residence applications under Express Entry, PNPs, and CEC 

• Open work permits for accompanying spouses or partners 

• Strategic planning for academic visitors, researchers, and conference participants 

Institutional Compliance and Policy Advice 

• Advice on IRCC policies impacting Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) 

• Support with audits or inspections related to compliance with the International Student Program (ISP) 

• Training for staff on immigration procedures, document requirements, and regulatory updates 

• Guidance on immigration considerations for admissions, deferrals, and disciplinary matters 

We act as a trusted legal partner to your institution—offering practical, timely, and student-focused solutions. Whether you are helping a student navigate a complex immigration matter or hiring global academic talent, our team provides clear guidance every step of the way. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we help small and growing businesses across Canada navigate the immigration system to attract and retain the global talent they need to succeed. Whether you're hiring your first international employee or expanding your team with specialized workers, we provide strategic, cost-effective legal support tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. 

Our services for small business owners include: 

Hiring Foreign Workers 

• Guidance on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for high- and low-wage positions 

• LMIA-exempt work permits under international agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA) 

• Global Talent Stream applications for fast-track hiring in tech and STEM fields 

• Intra-company transfers for bringing key staff from international offices 

Business Owner and Self-Employed Immigration 

• Support for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking work permits and permanent residence 

• Start-Up Visa Program and provincial nominee programs for small business operators 

• Assistance for self-employed professionals in culture, arts, and athletics 

Ongoing Immigration Support 

• Work permit extensions and renewals 

• Open work permits and spousal support for accompanying family members of foreign employees 

Strategic Planning 

• Support with transitions from temporary to permanent residence for valued staff 

We understand the realities and constraints of running a small business—and offer hands-on legal support that’s efficient, responsive, and aligned with your business goals. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we proudly support individuals and couples in building lasting lives in Canada through permanent residence pathways. We understand that for many clients, permanent status means not only stability—but safety, dignity, and the freedom to live authentically. 

We offer inclusive, trauma-informed legal services tailored to the unique needs of applicants, with deep experience addressing the systemic barriers and personal risks that many face in their countries of origin. 

Our Permanent Residence services include: 

Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications (H&C) 

• Applications for individuals with strong establishment in Canada or who face risk, discrimination, or lack of medical care if returned to their home country 

• Specialized submissions for clients facing family rejection, criminalization of LGBTQ+ identity, or living in hiding due to fear of persecution 

Refugee Claimants Transitioning to PR 

• Guidance on applying for permanent residence after a successful refugee claim 

• Support for clients whose claims were based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE), or HIV status 

Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) 

• Strategic advice for professionals and skilled workers, including navigating barriers to gathering supporting documents 

• Support for clients with complex personal histories or gaps in documentation 

PR Card Renewals and Citizenship Pathways 

• Assistance with maintaining permanent resident status, renewing PR cards, and transitioning to Canadian citizenship with attention to name/gender marker changes and ID consistency 

We recognize that permanent residence is more than a legal process—it’s a life-changing milestone. Our team is here to ensure that every client receives the respect, care, and expert legal support they deserve on their path to permanence in Canada. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we provide experienced and strategic legal support to individuals facing inadmissibility to Canada, with a particular focus on cases involving allegations of misrepresentation. These cases are complex, high-stakes, and often emotionally distressing—our firm is here to help you respond effectively and protect your future in Canada. 

Misrepresentation can arise from misunderstandings, honest mistakes, or omissions, but the consequences can be severe, including removal orders and a 5-year bar from entering or applying to Canada. We offer thoughtful, rights-focused advocacy to challenge these findings and pursue solutions. 

Our Inadmissibility Services Include: 

• Response to Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs): 
  Drafting detailed, persuasive submissions in response to PFLs alleging misrepresentation or non-disclosure, including supporting documentation and legal argument. 

• Judicial Review at Federal Court: 
  Challenging misrepresentation findings and removal orders through Applications for Leave and Judicial Review, particularly when procedural fairness or legal errors are at issue. 

• Removal Order Appeals (IAD): 
  Representation before the Immigration Appeal Division for permanent residents or sponsored family members facing removal due to misrepresentation. 

• Voluntary Disclosures and Legal Strategy: 
  Advising clients who wish to correct previous mistakes or omissions in their immigration history and assessing whether voluntary disclosure is appropriate. 

• Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications (H&C): 
  For clients with a finding of misrepresentation and limited options, we prepare compelling H&C applications based on hardship, establishment, and best interests of affected family members. 

• Rehabilitation and Re-entry Planning: 
  Strategic legal support for clients planning to re-enter Canada following a misrepresentation bar, including Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) and legal opinions. 

We understand the devastating impact a misrepresentation finding can have on your life and status. Our goal is to provide honest advice, clear advocacy, and every possible legal option to challenge inadmissibility and help you remain in or return to Canada. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we provide urgent, compassionate, and strategic legal support to individuals facing removal or deportation from Canada. We understand that removal proceedings are deeply stressful and time-sensitive—and we are here to act quickly and effectively to protect your rights, your future, and your family. 

Our team specializes in defending clients at all stages of the removal process, offering legal solutions grounded in experience, empathy, and a commitment to justice. 

Our Removals & Deportation Services Include: 

• Stay of Removal Applications (Federal Court): 
  Emergency motions to stop removal from Canada, including expedited preparation of affidavits, supporting documents, and legal arguments under extreme time constraints. 

• Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA): 
  Preparation of strong, evidence-based PRRA applications for clients at risk of persecution, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment if removed. 

• Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications (H&C): 
  Filing urgent H&C applications for clients with deep ties to Canada, medical needs, or family obligations, often in coordination with a stay motion. 

• Judicial Review of Removal-Related Decisions: 
  Challenging negative decisions at the Federal Court, including rejected PRRA, H&C, or TRP applications, as well as procedural fairness issues. 

• CBSA Liaison and Deferral Requests: 
  Direct engagement with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to request removal deferrals and request reasonable timelines based on personal circumstances. 

We believe that every person facing removal deserves to be treated with dignity and urgency. Our team is committed to navigating these high-pressure situations with clarity, compassion, and strong legal advocacy—because the stakes are too high to face them alone. 

At Smith Immigration Law, we offer comprehensive 1-hour consultations to help individuals, families, and employers understand their immigration options and take the right first steps. Whether you're planning to study, work, sponsor a loved one, apply for refugee protection, or respond to a legal issue, our consultations provide personalized, strategic guidance tailored to your situation. 

What to Expect in Your Consultation: 

• In-Depth Case Review: 
  We review your immigration history, goals, and any documents you've submitted or received from IRCC, CBSA, or the Immigration and Refugee Board. 

• Legal Advice & Options: 
  We explain your eligibility, risks, and next steps, including potential pathways to permanent residence, work or study permits, appeals, or litigation. 

• Document & Process Overview: 
  You’ll receive a clear explanation of what documents are needed, how long the process takes, and what costs to expect. 

• Time for Questions: 
  You’ll have the opportunity to ask detailed questions and get honest, informed answers based on your unique circumstances. 

Consultation Fee: 

• The 1-hour consultation is offered for a flat rate of $350 + HST, which will be credited toward legal fees if you retain our firm to assist with your application or case. 

Our consultations are offered via Zoom, phone, or in-person (by request), and are conducted in a respectful, confidential, and judgment-free space.