The stickiest and most complex areas of Canadian immigration and refugee law

Complex Inadmissibility and Detention Reviews

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At some point along your immigration journey, you may find yourself having to respond to an allegation that you are inadmissible to Canada on grounds of security, human rights or international rights violations, serious criminality, criminality, or organized criminality.

We assist applicants in responding to allegations, which are usually communicated in a procedural fairness letter. We help you strategize around what evidence to submit in response, which requires a thorough approach to gathering and uncovering that evidence. We also advocate for you with sharp and well-researched legal arguments. A procedural fairness letter, particularly with the high stakes of inadmissibility, requires you to put your best foot forward with a strong response from the very beginning.

If your case is referred to the Immigration Division, we can navigate the tribunal procedure for you, make sure you are well-prepared for your hearing, and advocate for you at the hearing.

Inadmissibility on security grounds can include:

  • Espionage against Canada or contrary to Canada’s interests
  • Subversion by force of any government
  • Subversion against a democratic government
  • Terrorism
  • Being a danger to the security of Canada
  • Acts of violence that would or might the lives or safety of persons in Canada
  • Being a member of an organization that engages, has engaged, or will engaged in espionage, subversion by force of a government, subversion of a democratic government, or terrorism.

Human or international rights violations can include:

  • Genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes (including breach of responsibility by a military commander or a superior, and including conspiracy, attempt, etc.)
  • Being a prescribed senior official in the service of a government that engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity 
  • Trafficking in human organs
  • In certain circumstances, being the subject of international sanctions, an order under the Special Economic Measures Act, or the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

Detention Reviews

If you find yourself detained in an immigration holding centre or in a provincial jail under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, you are entitled to regular reviews of your detention.

Detention can be based on reasons like posing a danger to the Canadian public or a security threat, being a flight risk, or being unable to confirm identity.

An immigration lawyer can advocate for your release before the Immigration Division, as well as challenging detention in court.

What People Say About Us

Hubert R.
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My wife and I had been denied a PR immigration application and were in need of a lawyer to help us appeal our case. After my first meeting with Will Tao I immediately knew that he was the man for our situation. Over the course of getting to know Will it became obvious that he was not only a top-notch lawyer but an amazing person. For Will, being a lawyer is not just a job but a calling. His numerous involvements in the community speak to that. Not only was Will always prepared and on top of our case but it was clear that he genuinely and sincerely cared about helping us. Each and every step of the way Will was open and forthright, clearly explaining the procedures involved moving forward. Will was always available to answer questions or give relevant advice and we were consistently impressed with his honest and ethical approach. Will intelligently, thoughtfully and systematically presented our case with passion and zeal. Despite numerous obstacles along the way we prevailed and our appeal was eventually successful. There is no doubt in my mind that Will’s diligence was a huge reason for this and we cannot recommend him highly enough, not only as a lawyer but as a person. SIX stars!!
Vicky W.
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Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value I was referred to lawyer Will Tao by an immigration consultant in Saskatoon who had attended one of his seminar. My mother’s case involved her failing to meet her 2 year residency obligation, and immigration denied her PR. My mom's case complicated by our recent move to Vancouver that our inability to set down community roots thus far. When I met Will I quickly decided he was the right person to go for my mom’s case. After working with Will, I find he is a very thoughtful and compassionate person. His assistant, Edris, also is very nice. I felt so much trust, and was very comfortable to work with them. We were assigned a very critical the minister's councel for the hearing. But with Will’s effort, my mom’s case got approved after all. Will is really the best immigration lawyer I ever seen. I will definitely recommend him to people who face a challenging immigration issue. We are forever grateful.
Nina T.
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I had a very positive and successful experience working with Will Tao. He is a genuinely kind person and did everything in his ability to advise me through a difficult immigration process applying for a Post Graduation Work Permit, which ended successfully! I would not be surprised if Mr. Tao is the most up-to-date and friendly immigration lawyer in Vancouver.
Umer S.
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Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Will Tao is hands down the best lawyer I came across. I got my PGWP rejected and being a recent graduate I was low on cash. Will not only did his best to work within my budget but also his advice got my work permit approved in only 7 days!! I have recommended all of my friends to go to Will Tao and I will 100% recommend everyone to go to Will for any immigration related issue!
Nina U.
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I’m so grateful that I made decision to switch to Will Tao at the last moment for my PR application. Spent tons of money to another lawyer and he couldn’t help me out but Will solved my application with an ease. Will Tao honestly the best I’ve ever worked with. I received my BCPNP nomination within 2 weeks and after one year I got my PR which is super fast even in COVID time. I feel really confident and safe when I were working with Will because he is very resourceful, responsive, genuine and knows the law very well. Also, he is really keen and careful each of every details. Thank you Will for providing me wonderful legal service.
Zhang A.
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I was denied a renewal of my PR card because I went to school abroad and didn’t spend enough time in Canada. Will Tao helped me thoroughly with this case. We spent a lot of time preparing and he’s good at what he’s doing. He’s alaways ready to answer my questions and walked me through what could happen. He works very hard and wants to be as prepared as possible which in hindsight saved me a lot of trouble. The hearing went smoothly and my appeal was approved.
Ian M.
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Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value I had a very positive and successful experience working with Will Tao. He is a genuinely kind person and did everything in his ability to advise me through a difficult immigration process applying for a Post Graduation Work Permit, which ended successfully! I would not be surprised if Mr. Tao is the most up-to-date and friendly immigration lawyer in Vancouver.
Yue L.
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Dr. Will Tao is professional and enthusiastic. He has keen observation and deep insight in visa application, especially post-graduate ones. I was lucky to get help from him.
Susana C.
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Will Tao is one of the best Lawyers my family has every worked with. He genuinely cares for each case he has and puts his work, energy and heart to it. He is a very smart and dedicated person, and no matter how hard the case is, or how many papers you need Will is the type of person that will do the impossible. I was just moving to Canada with my family (my mom and siblings) and our status was difficult and no lawyer would take my moms case because it was “impossible” but Will make it look very smooth. My family and I will always be grateful for him .

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