Immigration Appeal Division
Immigration appeal support for sponsorship refusals, removals, and residency cases.
Appealing to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
Denied a sponsorship? Facing a removal order? Ayodele Law will fight for your right to stay in Canada.
If you've received a refusal or removal order from Canadian immigration authorities, you may be eligible to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)—a specialized tribunal within the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
At Ayodele Law, we represent individuals and families in complex IAD appeals involving sponsorship denials, permanent resident status issues, and removal orders. We prepare your case with care and clarity to give you the best chance at success.
What Is the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)?
The IAD hears immigration-related appeals on matters such as:
Family sponsorship refusals
Removal orders issued to permanent residents or foreign nationals
Residency obligation appeals for permanent residents who spent extended time outside Canada
Minister’s appeals against favorable decisions
Unlike Federal Court, the IAD holds full hearings where evidence and witnesses can be presented. It also has discretionary power to allow appeals on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, even when the law is technically against the applicant.
Who Can Appeal to the IAD?
You may be eligible to file an appeal if:
You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident whose family sponsorship (e.g., spouse, parent) was refused
You are a permanent resident or protected person facing a removal order
You lost your permanent resident status due to not meeting the 730-day residency obligation
Not everyone is eligible. Inadmissibility on serious criminal or security grounds, for example, may bar you from appealing to the IAD. Ayodele Law can assess your eligibility and advise you of your legal options.
What Happens in an IAD Appeal?
IAD proceedings involve:
Filing a Notice of Appeal (within 30 days of the refusal/removal)
Disclosure of documents and witness lists
A full hearing, often months later, where your lawyer presents arguments, evidence, and witnesses
A decision that may overturn the original refusal or removal
The IAD has the power to:
Allow the appeal (resulting in a visa issuance or cancellation of the removal order)
Dismiss the appeal (you may then seek judicial review in Federal Court)
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we understand what’s at stake—family unity, permanent status, or even your ability to remain in Canada. We offer comprehensive support, including:
Reviewing your immigration file and appeal eligibility
Preparing compelling legal submissions and documentation
Representing you at your IAD hearing
Making arguments based on law, fairness, and humanitarian factors
We help you tell your story in a way the Board can understand and act on.
Why Choose Ayodele Law
Strategic. Tenacious. Proven.
At Ayodele Law, we bring a deeply analytical and client-focused approach to immigration appeals. As the founder of a boutique immigration law firm, Tracy Ayodele is known for passionately defending her clients’ rights — and getting results.
✔️ Strong Track Record of Success — Appeals, reviews, and reconsiderations
✔️ Personalized Legal Strategy — Every case is approached uniquely and meticulously
✔️ Direct Lawyer Involvement — Work with Tracy directly throughout your matter
✔️ Fast Action When It Matters — We act quickly to meet appeal deadlines
✔️ Clear, Honest Advice — We’ll tell you when it’s worth fighting — and how
What to Expect: Our Process
Your Path to Challenging a Refusal Starts Here
Step 1: Book a Case Review
We review your refusal letter and supporting documentation.
Step 2: Legal Strategy + Timeline
We’ll advise you on your best legal option — appeal, judicial review, or reapplication — and walk you through the risks and benefits.
Step 3: We Represent You
We prepare and submit all required filings, represent you at hearings (if applicable), and keep you informed at every step.
Book a Consultation with Ayodele Law
Don’t go through the appeal process alone. With deadlines, legal technicalities, and the high stakes involved, it’s essential to have an experienced immigration appeal lawyer by your side.
📞 Contact Ayodele Law today to schedule your confidential consultation and start your appeal with confidence.
FAQ: Spousal Sponsorship Appeals
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Yes, if you applied outside Canada (outland sponsorship) and were refused, you can file an appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter.
However, inland sponsorships (when the applicant is in Canada) are not appealable—you must reapply or seek judicial review through Federal Court
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Appeals often hinge on demonstrating the officer’s reasoning was flawed in one of these areas:
Relationship not genuine or entered for immigration purposes
Misrepresentation or missing information
Sponsor ineligible (e.g., income requirements, criminal history)
Sponsored person inadmissible (health, security, criminal issues)
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File Notice of Appeal within 30 days
Receive confirmation and appeal record (application + case notes) within ~120 days
Submit evidence and attend either an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) mediation or a formal hearing
A decision may take several months to over a year depending on each case and backlog
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Typical supporting proof includes:
Personal statements detailing the relationship story
Photos, travel records, communication logs
Joint financial documents (bank statements, lease files)
Letters from family/friends and community references
New or clarified documentation addressing the refusal reasons
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Yes, if you're doing inland sponsorship, your spouse/partner may apply for an open work permit and work while waiting for PR.
If it's outland, they must apply separately for a work permit, which isn't guaranteed
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If successful, the IAD sets aside the refusal, and your case returns to IRCC for re-processing as a priority. However, processing times after that vary and can take several more months.
Tracy has a wealth of experience in immigration law, and her deep understanding of the process was evident throughout my case. The team at Ayodele Law treated me with respect and kindness, making me feel more than just another case file. Thanks to Tracy, I Had a Successful Outcome, I highly recommend Ayodele Law.
- Ayodele Law Client
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