Appeals & Refusals — ServiceLanka

🌐 Language:

📍 Toronto, Ontario, Canada

⚖ Special help

Appeals &
refusals

A refusal is not necessarily the end. Many IRCC decisions can be appealed, reviewed, or challenged — but the windows are short and the process is complex. We act fast, assess your options honestly, and fight for the best possible outcome.

සිංහං · தமிழ் · English · ⏱ Deadlines are short — act fast

Consultation

Free

We review your refusal letter and advise on your best options before any deadline passes.

IAD appeal deadline
30 days from refusal
RAD appeal deadline
15 days from refusal
Federal Court deadline
15 days (removal orders)
Applies to
Visa, PR, refugee, sponsorship

IAD deadline

30 days

RAD deadline

15 days

Federal Court

15 days

Covers

All IRCC refusals

First step

Review refusal letter

Overview

Appeal pathways

Common refusal reasons

How it works

FAQ

✅ What types of refusals can be challenged

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Visitor visa (TRV) refusals — including refused applications for tourism, family visits, or events

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Study permit and work permit refusals, both from inside Canada and from overseas

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Spousal and family sponsorship refusals by IRCC or the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)

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Permanent residence refusals under Express Entry, PNP, or other streams

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Refugee claim refusals by the RPD — appealable to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD)

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Removal orders and inadmissibility findings

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Citizenship application refusals

Not all refusals have a formal appeal route — some require a Federal Court Judicial Review or a fresh reapplication. We assess your specific situation and tell you exactly what is available.

🎁 How we help you

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Refusal letter analysis

We read your refusal letter carefully and identify the exact grounds for refusal — the first step to knowing your options

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Pathway assessment

We identify every available option — appeal, judicial review, reapplication, or H&C — and recommend the strongest route

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Grounds of appeal drafting

Strong, legally grounded written submissions that clearly address why the decision was wrong or unfair

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New evidence preparation

Where appeals allow new evidence, we help you identify and prepare the strongest additional documentation

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Hearing preparation

For IAD and RAD hearings, we prepare you thoroughly so you know exactly what to expect and how to present your case

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Deadline management

We track every deadline and file on time — missing a deadline means losing the right to appeal entirely

💡 Reapplication vs. appeal — which is right for you?

⚖ Appealing the decision

Best when the officer made a legal error, applied the wrong standard, or ignored key evidence. You are arguing the decision itself was wrong. Strict deadlines apply — usually 15–30 days. The appeal body reviews the original decision.

📄 Fresh reapplication

Best when your circumstances have genuinely changed, or when you can address the specific concerns raised in the refusal with stronger evidence. A new application gets a fresh review — but the same weaknesses will be scrutinised again. We help you fix them first.

ⓘ In some cases, both an appeal and a reapplication can be pursued simultaneously. We assess your situation and recommend the right strategy for your specific refusal.

📌 Available appeal pathways

The right pathway depends on what was refused and why. We identify the correct route and act before any deadline passes.

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IAD

Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)

Applies to: Sponsorship refusalsRemoval ordersPR status loss

The IAD hears appeals from Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose family sponsorship was refused, from people facing removal orders, and from permanent residents who have lost PR status. The IAD can allow the appeal, dismiss it, or send the matter back for redetermination. Hearings are held in person or by videoconference.

⏱ Must file within 30 days of refusal

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RAD

Refugee Appeal Division (RAD)

Applies to: Refused refugee claims

If your refugee claim was refused by the RPD, you can appeal to the RAD. The RAD reviews the decision on the record and may accept new evidence in limited circumstances. It can confirm the refusal, allow the appeal, or send the matter back. A strong written submission is critical — there is usually no in-person hearing.

⏱ Must file within 15 days of refusal

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Federal Court — Judicial Review

Applies to: Visa refusalsPR refusalsRAD refusalsIRCC decisions

When no formal appeal exists, the Federal Court can review whether IRCC or the IRB made a legal error, ignored evidence, or acted unreasonably. The Court does not rehear the case — it reviews the decision for correctness or reasonableness. Leave must be granted before a full hearing. We work with Federal Court counsel and prepare your application for leave and judicial review.

⏱ Must apply within 15 days (removal orders) or 60 days (other decisions)

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H&C

Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Application

Applies to: Anyone with strong ties to Canada

An H&C application asks the Minister to grant permanent residence based on your establishment in Canada, the best interests of any children involved, and the hardship you would face if removed. It can be filed alongside or after other appeals and is not subject to the same short deadlines. It is a powerful tool when other options are exhausted or closed.

✅ No strict deadline — but earlier is always better

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PRRA

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)

Applies to: People facing imminent removal

If you are facing removal from Canada, you may be eligible for a PRRA — an assessment of whether you face risk to life, torture, or cruel and unusual treatment if returned to Sri Lanka. It is triggered when IRCC issues a removal order and you apply for protection. It is a last line of defence, and the bar is high — strong new evidence is essential.

⚠ Applied for after removal order is issued

🔎 Why applications are commonly refused

Understanding why your application was refused is the first step to challenging it. Most refusals fall into one of these categories — and most can be addressed. We read your refusal letter and identify exactly what went wrong.

Insufficient ties to home country. The officer was not satisfied you would leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay — common for visitor visa refusals. We help you build a stronger evidence package showing family, employment, property, and financial ties to Sri Lanka.

Financial concerns. The officer did not believe you had enough funds to support yourself, or that your sponsor could support you. We address this with stronger bank statements, employment letters, and proof of assets.

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Missing documents, unclear translations, or inconsistencies between forms and supporting evidence — very common and very fixable. We review everything before reapplication.

Genuineness of relationship (sponsorship). The officer was not convinced the spousal or partner relationship is genuine. We help build a comprehensive evidence package — communication records, photos, shared finances, and statutory declarations.

Misrepresentation concerns. The officer believed information was withheld or incorrect — this can result in a ban on future applications. We address misrepresentation findings carefully, as these require a specific legal strategy.

Credibility issues (refugee claims). The RPD did not find the claimant’s account credible or consistent. A strong RAD appeal can challenge credibility findings if the RPD made errors in assessing the evidence or applied the wrong standard.

Study or work permit: purpose of visit. The officer was not satisfied the primary purpose of your visit was study or work, or that you would return home afterwards. We address this with a stronger letter of intent and supporting evidence.

Medical or criminal inadmissibility. The applicant was found inadmissible based on a medical condition or criminal history. These require specific legal remedies including criminal rehabilitation or Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) — we advise on the right approach.

🌎 How we work with you after a refusal

The moment you receive a refusal letter, reach out. Many appeal windows are only 15 days. Even if you are not sure what to do, call or WhatsApp us — we can advise within hours on whether an appeal is possible and what the deadline is.

Do this today

Free refusal review

We read your refusal letter in full and identify the precise grounds — what the officer found lacking, what legal standard was applied, and whether the decision was reasonable. We give you an honest assessment of your chances and your options — in Sinhala, Tamil, or English.

Day 1

Strategy recommendation

We recommend the strongest pathway — appeal, judicial review, reapplication, H&C, or a combination. We explain what each option involves, what it costs, and what the realistic outcomes are. You decide; we execute.

Days 1 – 3

Filing the appeal or application

We prepare and file the appeal notice, grounds of appeal, or application for leave — whichever is required — before the deadline. For IAD and RAD appeals, we draft detailed written submissions addressing every ground of refusal. For Federal Court, we work with qualified legal counsel.

Before the deadline — no exceptions

Evidence preparation

Where the appeal allows new evidence, we help you identify and organise the strongest additional documentation — updated financial records, relationship evidence, country condition reports, or expert opinions. Every document is reviewed before submission.

Weeks after filing

Hearing preparation (if applicable)

For IAD hearings, we prepare you thoroughly — what to expect, how to present yourself, what questions to anticipate, and how to respond under pressure. RAD appeals are usually decided on written submissions only, but we prepare those with equal care.

Before the hearing date

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Decision & next steps

We inform you immediately on the outcome. If the appeal succeeds, we guide you on next steps. If refused, we advise honestly on remaining options — whether that is a further appeal, a fresh application with a stronger case, or an H&C application. We do not disappear after filing.

Varies by pathway

💬 Frequently asked questions

I just received a refusal letter. What should I do first? ⌄

Read the letter carefully and note the date it was issued — appeal deadlines are calculated from this date, not from when you received it. Then contact us immediately. Do not wait to decide whether you want to appeal — deadlines run regardless. We can review your letter and tell you within hours what your options are and how much time you have.

My visitor visa was refused. Can I appeal it? ⌄

Visitor visa refusals do not have a formal appeal route through the IAD. However, you can apply for a Judicial Review at the Federal Court if the officer made a legal error, or you can reapply with a stronger application addressing the specific concerns raised. In most cases, a well-prepared reapplication is faster and more practical than a judicial review. We assess which approach is right for your situation.

My spouse’s sponsorship was refused. What are our options? ⌄

Spousal sponsorship refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of the refusal. The IAD allows you to present new evidence, including updated documentation of your relationship. This is one of the most important appeals we assist with — the outcome determines whether your family can be together in Canada. We build the strongest possible case for your hearing.

My refugee claim was refused. How long do I have to appeal? ⌄

You have 15 days from the date of the RPD decision to file a Notice of Appeal with the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). This is one of the shortest deadlines in Canadian immigration law. Contact us the day you receive the decision. The RAD reviews the RPD’s decision and we prepare detailed written submissions challenging every error or unreasonable finding.

Can I stay in Canada while my appeal is being processed? ⌄

It depends on the type of appeal. Filing an IAD appeal on a removal order generally stays (pauses) the removal while the appeal is pending. Filing a RAD appeal after a refugee refusal also pauses removal in most cases. For other types of judicial review, you may need to apply for a stay of removal separately. We advise you on this immediately — remaining in Canada legally during the appeal is critical.

I missed the appeal deadline. Is there anything I can do? ⌄

In some cases, it may be possible to file a late appeal with an explanation for the delay — but this is not guaranteed and depends on the appeal body. If the deadline has truly passed and no appeal is possible, other options may still exist: a fresh application, an H&C application, or a PRRA if removal is imminent. Contact us immediately and we will tell you honestly what is still available.

What is a Judicial Review and how is it different from an appeal? ⌄

An appeal allows an appeal body to look at the full case again, sometimes with new evidence. A Judicial Review at the Federal Court is different — the Court does not rehear the case. Instead, it asks whether the original decision was legally correct or reasonable. You must first get “leave” (permission) from the Court before a full review is heard. Judicial Review is the main remedy for visa and permit refusals that have no formal appeal route.

Do you help people across Canada or only in Toronto? ⌄

We help Sri Lankans across Canada — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, and beyond. Everything is handled remotely via WhatsApp, email, and video calls. IAD and RAD hearings can be attended by videoconference. You do not need to come to our office.

Received a refusal?

Send us your refusal letter and we will review it and tell you your options — before any deadline passes.

Related services

Helpful resources

Our office

GTA Square
155–5215 Finch Ave East
Toronto, Ontario M1S 0C2
+1 416-666-5627
[email protected]

⏱We act fast — deadlines are short

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📍Toronto office · Remote across Canada

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Appeals &
refusals

Received a refusal?

Don’t let a refusal be the final answer.

Appeals &refusals

Received a refusal?

Don’t let a refusal be the final answer.

Appeals &
refusals