New process speeds up deferral request and stay motion coverage
Published: April 7, 2026
LAO has introduced a new process to speed up legal aid applications for clients facing deportation.
Lawyers on the Refugee-Appellate roster can now use a lawyer-assisted application form to request coverage by email on behalf of clients who need the following services:
- Requests to Canada Border Services Agency to defer removal
- Motions in Federal Court to stay removal
The form consolidates essential case details and supporting documents needed to establish eligibility in these urgent proceedings.
This process allows lawyers to initiate applications for clients who already have a client number with LAO. In many cases, LAO may be able to issue coverage without the need for a client to call the contact centre. If the client is required to call the contact centre to confirm financial eligibility, LAO will notify the lawyer. For complete applications, LAO will strive to process decisions within three business days.
Clients may still apply by phone through the LAO contact centre at 416-979-1446 or toll free at 1-800-668-8258. Clients without an LAO client number must apply through the contact centre.
LAO may also send the new form to roster lawyers named by clients in applications to collect the information necessary to make eligibility decisions.
Applications are subject to standard legal and financial eligibility criteria. Please see the application form for more details. You can also find the form in LAO’s Forms Library.