Temporary Refugee and Immigration Certificate Authorizations for COVID‑19

Published: February 8, 2021

This is a news posting. Please read the update “COVID-19: Update on temporary certificate authorizations for immigration matters” for up-to-date information.

The following authorizations have been extended until September 30, 2021. An additional two hours will continue to be added to all new Basis of Claim certificates. Lawyers may now request an additional two hours for representation before the RPD for hearings scheduled to take place between July 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. Please use the updated COVID‑19 Refugee and Immigration Authorization Request form.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is implementing some temporary measures to assist private bar lawyers representing refugee claimants and Humanitarian and Compassionate applicants. These temporary changes are to reflect the additional work to advise and assist clients during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

This communication contains important information on the temporary measures and how lawyers can request and bill them. Please access the links under “More information” for up-to-date content about the temporary measures.