Canada Is Asking the Court to Dismiss Hundreds of Immigration Cases — Here’s Why Using a Certified Immigration Lawyer Matters More Than Ever
A recent development at the Federal Court of Canada is sending a strong warning to immigration applicants across Canada: how you pursue your immigration case matters just as much as what you apply for.
In January 2026, the federal government asked the court to dismiss 430 immigration-related court cases at once, alleging they were prepared and filed by unauthorized “ghost agents.” While many of the applicants may have had legitimate concerns about long processing delays, the way their cases were handled could now cost them everything.
This case highlights a growing and dangerous trend in Canadian immigration — and why working with a licensed, professional immigration lawyer is no longer optional for complex matters.
What Happened?
The cases before the court involved applicants — primarily from China — who had applied for study permits, work permits, or visitor visas. After experiencing long delays, they turned to the Federal Court seeking mandamus orders, which ask the court to force immigration officials to make a decision.
On the surface, many of these cases appeared reasonable. Some applicants had been waiting well over a year for a response. But the government noticed something alarming.
Red flags included:
Identical wording, formatting, and legal arguments across hundreds of applications
Shared phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses
Applicants claiming to be “self-represented” despite clear evidence otherwise
The government now alleges these cases were prepared by unauthorized representatives — people who are not lawyers and not legally allowed to represent applicants before the Federal Court.
Why the Government Is Moving to Dismiss Them
Importantly, the government is not disputing whether delays existed. Instead, it is arguing that:
The applicants were not truthful to the court
An unauthorized person acted on their behalf
Federal Court rules were violated
Under Canadian law, a person may only be represented before the Federal Court by:
A licensed lawyer, or
An authorized legal professional
If the court agrees with the government, all 430 cases could be dismissed, regardless of how strong the underlying immigration delay arguments were.
The Real Problem: Ghost Consultants
This case exposes the damage caused by ghost immigration consultants — individuals who operate behind the scenes, often within cultural or community networks, offering “cheap” legal help without any licensing, training, or accountability.
These ghost agents:
Cannot legally represent clients in court
Often use copy-and-paste templates
Are not regulated or insured
Face no consequences when things go wrong
Meanwhile, the applicant pays the price. In previous cases, applicants caught in similar situations have been ordered to pay court costs and had their proceedings permanently quashed.
Why Certified Immigration Lawyers Matter
At Ayodele Law, we regularly speak with clients who come to us after things have already gone wrong. Unfortunately, by then, the damage can be difficult — or impossible — to undo.
A licensed immigration lawyer:
Is legally authorized to represent you before IRCC and the courts
Is accountable to a professional regulator
Tailors legal arguments to your specific facts
Ensures accuracy, credibility, and compliance
Protects you from allegations of misrepresentation
In contrast, using an unauthorized representative can result in:
Case dismissal
Refusals based on credibility
Findings of misrepresentation
Loss of appeal rights
Permanent immigration consequences
Delays Are Real — But Cutting Corners Is Risky
Canada’s immigration system is under enormous strain. Immigration cases now make up the majority of the Federal Court’s workload, with filings more than tripling since 2019. Processing delays are real. Mandamus applications can be effective when done properly.
But this case makes one thing clear: Courts will not tolerate shortcuts, misrepresentation, or unauthorized advocacy — even if your underlying complaint is valid.
A Word on AI and “DIY” Legal Help
Some experts are now warning that AI tools may become the “next ghost consultant” — used to mass-produce legal filings without legal oversight.
While technology can support lawyers, it cannot replace regulated legal judgment, ethical obligations, or courtroom accountability.
If your future in Canada is on the line, this is not the place to experiment.
How Ayodele Law Can Help
Ayodele Law is a Canadian immigration law firm representing clients across Canada in:
Study, work, and visitor visas
Immigration refusals and appeals
Federal Court judicial reviews and mandamus applications
Complex and delayed cases
We believe in doing things properly the first time — with transparency, professionalism, and respect for the legal system.
If you’re facing delays, refusals, or court action, speak with a certified immigration lawyer before taking the next step.
Your case deserves more than a template. It deserves proper legal representation.