Sponsorship Appeal Lawyer in Canada
If your spousal or family sponsorship application was refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Our immigration appeal lawyers help clients across Canada challenge refusals and build persuasive, well-supported cases for approval.
If your family sponsorship application was refused by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may be able to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
At Ayodele Law, our immigration appeal lawyers represent clients across Canada in challenging unfair sponsorship refusals. We help families overturn negative decisions, prepare persuasive appeal records, and advocate effectively before the IAD — combining compassion, strategy, and deep legal experience in Canadian immigration law.
What is a family sponsorship appeal?
A family sponsorship appeal is a formal legal process that allows a sponsor to challenge IRCC’s refusal of a family member’s permanent residence application. This includes applications for:
Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
Dependent or adopted children
Parents and grandparents
The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) has the authority to:
Review the reasons for refusal
Hear oral testimony and consider new evidence
Allow appeals based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds even if the applicant is otherwise ineligible
Unlike an initial IRCC decision, an IAD appeal gives you the opportunity to fully present your case before an independent tribunal.
Who can appeal a family sponsorship refusal?
You may be eligible to file a sponsorship appeal if:
✅ You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
✅ You applied to sponsor a spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent
✅ Your sponsorship application was refused by IRCC
Certain refusals cannot be appealed — for example, those based on serious criminality, misrepresentation, or security concerns. At Ayodele Law, we review your refusal letter, determine whether an IAD appeal is available, and advise if a judicial review in Federal Court is more appropriate.
| What Happens in a Family Sponsorship Appeal |
|---|
| ➊File a Notice of Appeal — must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your refusal from IRCC. |
| ➋Disclosure of Evidence and Witness Lists — both parties exchange relevant documents and witness information. |
| ➌Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Conference — an informal meeting to explore early resolution without a full hearing. |
| ➍Full Hearing before the IAD — your lawyer presents arguments, evidence, and witness testimony before a decision-maker. |
| ✔If the appeal is allowed: The refusal is overturned and the case is returned to IRCC for reprocessing. |
| ✖If the appeal is dismissed: You may still pursue a judicial review in Federal Court. |
Why hire Ayodele Law for your sponsorship appeal?
At Ayodele Law, we understand that family separation can be emotionally devastating. Each sponsorship appeal is handled with care, precision, and unwavering dedication to helping families reunite in Canada. Our sponsorship appeal lawyers approach every case with both legal expertise and empathy.
Our process includes:
- Conducting a thorough review of your IRCC refusal letter and full immigration file.
- Preparing persuasive legal submissions, evidence, and witness statements.
- Representing you at ADR conferences and full IAD hearings.
- Making compelling arguments grounded in law, fairness, and humanitarian considerations.
We help you tell your story clearly and persuasively so decision-makers understand the real human impact of your case. Led by Tracy Ayodele, our boutique immigration law firm brings a personalized and strategic approach to every sponsorship appeal, advocating for fair outcomes and lasting family reunification.
Have a question? Contact us below.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Family Sponsorship Appeals
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Yes, most Canadian citizens and permanent residents can appeal to the IAD if their sponsorship was refused—unless the refusal involved serious criminal or security issues.
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Concerns about relationship genuineness, financial support, or incomplete information are the leading causes.
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You must file your appeal within 30 days of the refusal. The full process can take several months to over a year, depending on complexity.
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Updated relationship evidence (photos, communication logs, travel records, affidavits), along with proof of ongoing commitment and hardship, strengthen your case.
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If the IAD allows your appeal, IRCC will reprocess your application and issue permanent residence once eligibility is confirmed.