Giving you advice that matters

Refugees/Humanitarian and
Compassionate (H&C)
Grounds

Refugees/Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds

Consultation
Learn More

We take an informed and research-based approach to refugee claims and H&C applications. We look beyond the National Documentation Packages and investigate the unique circumstances of your claim.

We assist individuals and families who are seeking protection from persecution, risks to their lives, and/or risks of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment to apply for refugee protection in Canada. We help by preparing your Basis of Claim form and other required application forms, advising you as to what types of evidence will support your refugee claim, conducting legal research as well as case-specific research on country conditions (using reports from human rights organizations, news articles, and the National Documentation Package for your country), compiling evidence into a document disclosure We will also prepare you to testify at your refugee hearing, and we will make submissions to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The refugee claim process is complex, so it is a good idea to have a lawyer assist you with your claim.

Some individuals also have their protected person status in Canada threatened by cessation or vacation, which could lead to the removal of PR status. We help represent clients in these proceedings to preseve their PR status in Canada.

We also represent individuals and families in relation to refugee appeals before the Refugee Appeal Division and judicial reviews in Federal Court.

H&C applications may be an option for foreign nationals to become permanent residents in Canada even if they are inadmissible or do not meet the eligibility requirements for permanent residence of any other class. Factors that an immigration officer may consider in deciding whether or not to grant an H&C application include evidence of establishment in Canada; any hardship that would be caused to the foreign national if they are forced to return to their home country; family and community support available to the foreign national; and the best interests of any child affected by the decision, taking into account the child’s age, education, gender, special needs, degree of establishment in Canada, and level of dependency of the child on the foreign national.

What People Say About Us

Hubert R.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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.
☆☆☆☆☆
Read More
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 .

Set Up an Initial Consultation

Get in touch with our team

Our online booking form is the fastest way to book a consultation with one of our lawyers for a 1-on-1 virtual or in-person meeting.

Click here to begin an online booking

Alternatively, you can use the standard web form below to book a consultation with one of our lawyers, and a member of our team will contact you within two (2) business days.