Immigration Legal Aid in BC: How Legal Aid BC Works and How We Can Help
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be overwhelming—especially if you are facing removal from Canada or need refugee protection. This page provides general information about Legal Aid BC (LABC) immigration and refugee coverage in British Columbia, how to apply, and what documents you may need.
Important: Legal Aid BC is a separate organization. Eligibility and coverage decisions are made by Legal Aid BC. Sohi Law Group is a private law firm; we can advise you on your options and represent you on a private retainer where appropriate.
Immigration and Refugee Legal Help in BC
Legal Aid BC (LABC) immigration coverage generally focuses on refugee protection and situations where a person may be removed from Canada. If you may qualify for Legal Aid BC, we can help you understand the process and next steps. If you do not qualify (or you prefer private counsel), Sohi Law Group can provide private immigration and refugee representation.
Practical, client-focused guidance for immigration and refugee matters
Refugee Protection Claims
If you are in BC and wish to claim refugee status, you may be able to obtain a lawyer through Legal Aid BC if you qualify. We can also assist on a private retainer with forms, evidence, and hearing preparation.
- Refugee protection claims (IRPA s. 96 / s. 97)
- Help completing claim forms and organizing evidence
- Preparation for Refugee Protection Division hearings
- Representation at hearings (as permitted)
Removal and Detention Matters
Legal Aid BC may provide representation if you are facing immigration proceedings that may result in removal from Canada. If you are in detention, you can ask to speak to duty counsel or contact the Legal Aid BC immigration line.
- Removal order matters and enforcement steps
- Detention reviews and urgent timelines
- Immigration Division proceedings (as applicable)
- Strategy, document preparation, and advocacy
Appeals, Judicial Reviews, and Related Applications
In some circumstances, Legal Aid BC may fund appeals and judicial reviews of Immigration and Refugee Board decisions, and related applications. We can advise on deadlines and represent clients on a private retainer when legal aid is not available.
- Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) appeals (where available)
- Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) hearings (where available)
- Federal Court judicial reviews (immigration matters)
- Related applications (for example, H&C or PRRA) where applicable
Looking for Permanent Residence Support?
Programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and many family sponsorship applications are typically handled outside Legal Aid BC coverage. Sohi Law Group can assist with these matters on a private retainer.
Need Urgent Immigration Help?
If you have a deadline, detention issue, or removal risk, contact our office as soon as possible.
Call 833-877-9797 NowEligibility for Legal Aid BC (Immigration and Refugee Matters)
In British Columbia, Legal Aid BC may be able to provide a lawyer for certain immigration and refugee matters. Eligibility depends on both the type of problem and your financial circumstances.
Legal Aid BC determines eligibility and coverage
When Legal Aid BC may be able to help
In general, if you are in BC, Legal Aid BC may provide a lawyer to represent you if:
- You are facing an immigration proceeding that may result in your removal from Canada, or
- You wish to claim refugee status.
Legal Aid BC will ask questions and may request documents to confirm both your financial information and details about your case.
Apply with Legal Aid BC
For immigration and refugee matters, you can contact the Legal Aid BC immigration line (interpreters are available):
604-601-6076 (Greater Vancouver)
1-888-601-6076 (elsewhere in BC)
You can also apply through the Legal Aid BC Call Centre:
604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver)
1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)
Need help in another language?
Legal Aid BC services are provided in English. If you can’t communicate with staff in English and can’t call with someone who can interpret for you, Legal Aid BC can arrange for an interpreter. Interpreters are available for more than 100 languages.
How to Apply for Legal Aid BC (Immigration and Refugee Matters)
If you think you may qualify for Legal Aid BC, you must apply directly with Legal Aid BC. The steps below summarize the main ways to apply. If you want private representation (or if legal aid is not available for your issue), you can contact Sohi Law Group for a consultation.
Apply directly with Legal Aid BC by phone or online
-
Choose how you will apply
For immigration and refugee matters, you can call the Legal Aid BC immigration line (interpreters available) or apply through the Legal Aid BC Call Centre, a local legal aid office, or online.
-
Gather your information
Be ready to provide financial information (income and assets) and any documents you have about your case (for example, notices, orders, and correspondence).
-
Apply online (email submission)
To apply online, Legal Aid BC instructs applicants to download the application form for their legal issue, complete it in English to the best of their ability, and email the completed form and supporting documents to [email protected]. Legal Aid BC advises allowing 5–7 business days for an intake worker to follow up and provide a status update. Email communications are not secure.
-
Follow up if you do not hear back
If you are not contacted after applying online, Legal Aid BC instructs applicants to call the Call Centre at 1-866-577-2525.
-
Need private representation?
If your matter is not covered, you do not qualify, or you prefer private counsel, contact Sohi Law Group to discuss next steps and representation options.
Need Help Right Away?
If you have urgent timelines (for example, detention or removal risk), call our office as soon as possible.
Call 833-877-9797What to Know About Legal Aid BC for Immigration and Refugee Issues
Legal Aid BC provides legal aid coverage for specific immigration and refugee issues. Understanding what is (and is not) typically covered can help you take the right next step quickly.
Focus on coverage, eligibility, and urgent deadlines
When timing matters
Immigration and refugee matters often involve strict deadlines. Seek legal advice early, especially if you:
- Are in detention or at risk of detention
- Have received a removal order or enforcement letter
- Need to file materials for a refugee claim hearing or appeal
- Are considering a Federal Court judicial review
What Legal Aid BC may cover
In general, Legal Aid BC may provide a lawyer if you are in BC and facing removal from Canada or if you wish to claim refugee status, and you qualify financially. In some circumstances, Legal Aid BC may also fund related applications and reviews.
- Refugee protection claims (including hearing preparation)
- Immigration proceedings that may lead to removal
- Appeals and judicial reviews of IRB decisions (in some cases)
- Related applications (for example, H&C or PRRA) where applicable
What to prepare
Having documents ready can speed up an intake assessment and legal review:
- Identification (passport, birth certificate, IDs)
- Immigration documents (permits, decisions, correspondence)
- Financial information (income, assets) if applying for legal aid
- Any deadlines, hearing notices, or CBSA/IRB documents
- Supporting evidence relevant to your case
Important notice
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and procedures can change, and outcomes depend on the facts of each case. If you have an urgent issue, speak with a qualified professional as soon as possible.
Our Location
Visit our office for in-person consultations and legal support. We’re conveniently located in North Vancouver to serve immigrants and refugees throughout British Columbia.
Office Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Weekends are closed. Emergency contact may be available for existing clients.
Visit or Call Us Today
Get the immigration and refugee legal help you need from our experienced team.
Call 833-877-9797Transportation
Our office is easily accessible by public transit. The Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal is nearby, connecting to downtown Vancouver. Several bus routes also stop within walking distance.
Common Situations We Help With
Every immigration case is fact-specific and outcomes vary. Below are examples of common situations our team assists with in BC.
Confidential, respectful support for immigration and refugee matters
“I received a removal-related letter and needed urgent advice on my options and deadlines.”
“I needed help understanding the refugee claim process and preparing my materials for a hearing.”
“My immigration application was refused and I needed advice about appeal or judicial review options.”
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case
We can review your situation and explain practical next steps, including whether you should apply to Legal Aid BC.
Call 833-877-9797 TodayFrequently Asked Questions About Immigration Legal Aid in BC
General information about Legal Aid BC coverage for immigration and refugee issues, and how to apply.
Clear answers to help you take the next step
What is immigration legal aid in BC?
In British Columbia, immigration legal aid is provided through Legal Aid BC for certain immigration and refugee issues. In general, Legal Aid BC may provide a lawyer if you are in BC and you are facing an immigration proceeding that may result in removal from Canada or you wish to claim refugee status, and you qualify financially.
How do I know if I qualify?
Legal Aid BC decides eligibility based on both coverage and your financial circumstances. To find out, apply directly with Legal Aid BC by calling the immigration line or Call Centre, visiting a legal aid location, or applying online.
What documents do I need for a legal aid application?
Legal Aid BC typically asks for financial information (for example, recent pay stubs, income assistance stubs, tax returns, or bank records) and proof of assets, as well as any papers you have about your case (for example, notices or decisions). Requirements can vary depending on your situation.
How long does the legal aid application process take?
Timing depends on the issue and how you apply. For online applications, Legal Aid BC advises allowing 5–7 business days for an intake worker to follow up and provide a status update. Case timelines (hearings, appeals, and court processes) vary widely.
What if I don’t speak English well?
Legal Aid BC services are provided in English. If you can’t communicate with staff in English and can’t call with someone who can interpret for you, Legal Aid BC can arrange an interpreter. Interpreters are available for more than 100 languages.
Have More Questions?
If you want private legal advice about your immigration or refugee matter, contact our office.
Call 833-877-9797Contact Sohi Law Group
If you need private legal advice or representation for an immigration or refugee matter, contact our office. If you are seeking Legal Aid BC coverage, you must apply directly through Legal Aid BC.
Call us to discuss your immigration or refugee matter
Get in Touch
- Phone: 833-877-9797
- Address: 1501 Lonsdale Ave #26, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J2
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (weekends closed)
Urgent immigration issue?
If you are in detention, facing removal, or dealing with a short deadline, contact our office as soon as possible so we can assess options and next steps.
Prefer to speak by phone?
Call us to discuss your immigration or refugee matter and get clear next steps.
Call 833-877-9797Get Immigration and Refugee Legal Help in BC
Do not face immigration challenges alone. Sohi Law Group provides private immigration and refugee legal services in British Columbia, including advice on urgent timelines, hearings, appeals, and related applications. If you may qualify for Legal Aid BC, we can help you understand the process and what to prepare, but Legal Aid BC makes all eligibility and coverage decisions.
Take the First Step Today
Contact us to book a consultation and discuss next steps.
Call 833-877-9797
Clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances