COVID-19: A Message to Our Clients

A message to our clients: In this rapidly changing environment, we are trying to balance access to services for clients with government recommendations to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Our lawyers and support staff are continuing to work for you. Many in-person appointments may be rescheduled to telephone or virtual appointments depending on your preference. In-person meetings will likely be screened based on health concerns for the community’s safety. Please contact us if you would like to arrange an in-person meeting or if you have questions about other steps that have been taken for staff and clients. As of March 18, 2020, the Canadian border will be restricted to some foreign citizens. U.S. citizens will not be affected by these changes.  Close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents (e.g. many of our family class sponsorship clients) will not be affected by the changes. Most work permit holders will also be unaffected because the changes do not affect trade or commerce. The IRB, IRCC, and Federal Court have announced the following: - In-person appointments with the IRCC have been cancelled and will be re-scheduled - RPD, RAD, and IAD hearings between March 17 and April 5 have been postponed - RAD appeal deadlines extended to May 30 - BOC Form deadlines extended to May 30 - Federal Court judicial review hearings have been postponed between March 16 to March 27 (further updates to come) Please contact us at 416-203-2899 ext. 30 if you have questions. As an immigration and refugee firm, we are conscious of the decisions that our clients make to protect their families and loved ones including the biggest decision of uprooting their lives to choose Canada as their home. Thank you to our clients for their patience during this difficult time, especially when many have already experienced uncertainty in their lives.