Frequently asked questions

The office explains how the consultation works when you book. A consultation is a working session with Manny. You explain what is happening and what you want, he reviews the documents you bring, and he tells you what your options look like, what is involved, and what he would need from you. If you decide to go ahead, the scope of the work and the fee are set out in a written retainer before any work starts. You are not committed to anything by booking a consultation. If Manny thinks your matter does not need a lawyer, or should not be filed yet, he will say so.

You can have your consultation in English, Punjabi or Hindi. Manny speaks all three, so you can explain your situation in the language you are most comfortable with, and ask questions the same way. Tell the office your preferred language when you book. Family members can join you if that helps, as long as you are comfortable with them hearing the details. The application itself will usually be completed in English or French, because those are the languages IRCC works in. Documents in other languages, such as a marriage certificate or police certificate, generally need a certified translation. Manny will tell you which documents need one and what the translation must include.

Both lawyers and regulated immigration consultants (RCICs) can prepare and submit most immigration applications. Lawyers are licensed by a provincial law society, such as the Law Society of Ontario. Consultants are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. A lawyer can also represent you in Federal Court, for example on judicial review of a refusal, which consultants cannot do except in rare cases the court allows. Communications with a lawyer for the purpose of legal advice are protected by solicitor-client privilege, and a lawyer can advise on related legal issues, such as a criminal charge. Many consultants do careful work. Whoever you choose, check their licence on the official register first. See Lawyer or consultant for a full comparison.

Not always. You are allowed to apply on your own, and IRCC treats applications the same whether or not you have a representative. Some people with simple applications and clear documents apply on their own without trouble. A lawyer is most useful when there is something unusual about your file: a past refusal, a gap or inconsistency in your history, a criminal charge or record, a medical issue, a relationship that may be questioned, or a deadline that is close. A lawyer also helps when you are not sure which route fits you. A consultation is a way to find out whether you need help at all. If Manny thinks you can handle it yourself, he will tell you.

It depends on the type of application, where it is processed, whether it is complete when submitted, whether IRCC asks for more information, and how many applications it is handling at the time. IRCC publishes its current estimates on its processing times page, and those estimates change often. No lawyer can promise you a date. What Manny can do is check your file for the things that commonly slow one down: missing documents, wrong forms, unclear answers and gaps that can lead to requests for more information. He can also tell you whether anything in your situation is likely to add time, such as an interview or a background check.

Read the refusal letter carefully and keep the envelope or email that shows when you received it. Depending on the application and the reasons, the options may include applying again with a stronger file, asking for reconsideration, an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division for some sponsorship and residency refusals, or judicial review in the Federal Court. Some of these have short and strict deadlines that start from the date you received the decision, so do not wait. You can also request the officer’s notes, which often explain the refusal in more detail than the letter. Bring the refusal letter and a copy of your application to a consultation. Manny will look at what was decided, why, and which options are still open to you.

Before any work starts, you receive a written retainer that sets out what Manny will do for you, what the fee is, and how it is to be paid. Government fees, such as IRCC processing fees and biometrics fees, are separate. You pay those to the Government of Canada, and the office will tell you which ones apply. Other costs, such as certified translations, medical exams and police certificates, are also separate. If the scope of the work changes, for example because IRCC asks for an interview or a refusal needs to be challenged, you will discuss it and agree on it in writing before any additional work begins.

In-person consultations are held at the office at 1 Nelson Street W, Suite 200B, in downtown Brampton. If you live outside Brampton, or outside Canada, ask the office whether a phone or video consultation suits your matter. If you meet by video, have your documents ready to share, and find a private place to talk, so that you can speak freely. The same confidentiality applies however you meet. If you are outside Canada, mention your time zone when you book, so that the office can suggest a time that works for both of you.

Bring what you have. Useful documents include your passport and any expired passports, your current immigration document, any letters from IRCC, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and copies of anything you have already submitted. For a sponsorship, bring proof of the relationship and your recent tax documents. For work or study, bring your job offer, LMIA or letter of acceptance. If there is any criminal charge or record, in Canada or elsewhere, bring the court documents. A short list of your travel dates in and out of Canada can help too. Write down your questions before you come. You do not need everything for a first meeting. The full list is on the Contact page.

Yes. Communications with a lawyer for the purpose of getting legal advice are protected by solicitor-client privilege, and Manny is bound by the Law Society of Ontario’s rules on confidentiality. The office will not share your information without your permission, except where the law requires it. One step comes first: before you share the details of your matter, the office runs a conflict check. It needs your name and the names of other people involved, such as a sponsor or an employer, and a short description. This confirms Manny can act for you. Until then, please do not send confidential details through the website form or by email. Give your name, phone number and a one-line description only.

Yes, for drivers. Manny defends drivers who are being sued after a car accident in Ontario when their own insurer has denied coverage, for example after an impaired driving charge or because the insurer says the driver gave wrong information on the policy. He also acts for drivers who had no insurance, and for drivers an insurer is trying to recover money from. If you have been served with a statement of claim, you usually have 20 days to respond if you were served in Ontario, so call the office at 905-452-0348 soon. If your insurer has accepted the claim and appointed a lawyer for you, it will usually tell you who is acting. See the Insurance defence page. Conflict checks apply to every matter.

It can. A charge or a conviction, in Canada or outside it, may affect a visa or permit application, a sponsorship, a permanent residence application or a citizenship application. For permanent residents and people without status, some convictions can lead to a loss of status or removal from Canada. How a criminal case ends can make a large difference to the immigration result, so the two need to be looked at together, and early, before a plea or sentence is decided. Manny takes on some criminal matters and advises on how a charge or record may affect immigration. If you have been charged, tell your criminal lawyer about your immigration status, and book a consultation to talk about the immigration side.

The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with evening and weekend appointments by arrangement. Outside office hours, leave a voicemail or send a short note through the booking page, and the office will reply promptly. If you have received a letter with a deadline, say so in your note, and give the date you received it. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Go to the Law Society of Ontario’s public directory at lsodirectory.lso.ca and search for “Hundal”. The listing shows whether a lawyer is licensed, whether they are entitled to practise law in Ontario, and any regulatory history. It is free and takes about a minute. It is good practice to check anyone you pay for immigration help, lawyer or consultant. For consultants, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants keeps its own public register at college-ic.ca. If someone will not give you their licence number, or their name does not appear on the right register, do not pay them. See Lawyer or consultant.