If you are in BC, you can get a lawyer to represent you in your immigration law case if:
- you are facing an immigration proceeding that may result in your removal from Canada, or
- you wish to claim refugee status.
If you wish to claim refugee status and you qualify, you can get a lawyer to:
- help you fill out forms
- help you prepare for a refugee claim hearing
- represent you at your hearing
Legal Aid BC immigration line
For more information about what to do or who can help, or to apply for legal aid, call the Legal Aid BC immigration line (interpreters are available):
604-601-6076 (Greater Vancouver), or
1-888-601-6076 (elsewhere in BC)
You do not need to have an appointment with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) before you contact Legal Aid BC (LABC).
You can also visit LABC’s Vancouver Regional Centre.
If you’re in detention, ask to speak to duty counsel or call the legal aid immigration line.
New immigration and asylum measures under Bill C-12
On March 26, 2026, the Government of Canada changed the eligibility requirements to make a claim for refugee protection. Claims must now be made within one year of entering Canada. The change will be applied retroactively to anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and made a claim on or after June 3, 2025. If a person entered Canada after that date and made or makes a claim both more than one year later and after June 3, 2025, that claim will not be eligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
People who entered Canada without reporting for examination at a port of entry who made or make a claim after 14 days of being in Canada will also not be eligible to have their claim referred to the IRB.
If you recently received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) alleging that the above situation applies to you, contact LABC at the phone number above as soon as possible.