Pathway finder
Someone is in immigration detention: A family member or friend
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Outside office hours, leave a message at 905-452-0348 with your number, and say if someone is detained or has a removal date.
Routes people usually look at
1
What to do today
Call a lawyer now. The first review is within 48 hours. Write down the person’s full name, date of birth and where they are held. Find any immigration papers or numbers they have.2
Release at the 48-hour review
A member of the Immigration Division decides if the person should stay detained. A person may stay detained if they are unlikely to come to their hearings. Other reasons are that they are a danger to the public, or no one has confirmed who they are. The member must also look at other options instead of detention.3
Release on conditions with a bondsperson
A bondsperson is a family member or friend who promises the person will follow the rules of their release. One rule may be reporting to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Another may be living at a set address. The promise can include a cash deposit or a guarantee to pay.4
Release through a community program
Where one is available, instead of a bondsperson.
What’s usually involved
- Find out where the person is held. Get their client ID or UCI number, if you can.
- Call a lawyer right away, so they can prepare for the first review.
- Decide who can be the bondsperson, and gather their documents.
- Attend the review, usually by video, and answer the member’s questions.
- If release is refused, prepare for the seven-day review with stronger evidence.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
Reviews happen within 48 hours, within the next seven days, and then at least every 30 days. See the IRB’s detention review page. It also explains what a bondsperson does.
Common pitfalls
- Offering a bondsperson who does not know the person well or cannot supervise them
- Offering more money than you can afford to lose
- The bondsperson and the detained person giving answers that do not match
- Waiting until after the first review to call a lawyer
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
Time-critical: call the office now
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring this summary. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.