Legal office work during pandemic

Can you handle my immigration matter remotely?

Yes — the whole matter, from first consultation to the hearing itself. Karb Law serves clients across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond by phone, email and secure video, and Immigration and Refugee Board hearings are now routinely held by videoconference. Working remotely does not weaken your case; what matters is preparation, and that is done the same way whether you are in Richmond Hill or another country.

Preparing for a video hearing — what actually goes wrong

The failures at remote hearings are rarely legal. They are a weak internet connection, a room where someone else can be heard, an interpreter joining late, or documents not filed to the tribunal in advance because "we can share the screen." Test the connection beforehand, sit alone in a quiet room with the door closed, keep your ID and your filed documents in front of you in paper form, and confirm every exhibit was disclosed before the deadline — screen-sharing is not a substitute for filing.

Working with us from outside Canada

A large part of immigration work involves people who are not in Canada at all — a sponsored spouse waiting abroad, a claimant whose family remains overseas, or a permanent resident stranded without a valid card. Time zones and distance are not obstacles: consultations are scheduled around them, documents are exchanged electronically, and where a signature must be witnessed we arrange it remotely or through a local official. What matters is starting early enough that deadlines are met from wherever you are.

Keeping your information secure

Remote work should not mean careless handling of sensitive material. Immigration files routinely contain passports, medical records, police certificates and details of what happened to you at home — so documents are exchanged through secure channels rather than casual attachments, uploads through this website are stored where they cannot be accessed publicly, and your file is discussed only with you and anyone you have authorized. Our privacy policy sets out exactly what is collected and how long it is kept.

Interpreters and remote hearings

If you need an interpreter, the tribunal arranges one for the hearing — but remote hearings put more weight on getting this right. Tell the Board early which language and dialect you need, because a mismatched dialect creates exactly the kind of inconsistency that damages credibility. On the day, speak in short segments and pause for the interpreter rather than talking through them, and say so immediately if you do not understand: an interpretation problem raised during the hearing can be addressed, while one raised afterwards rarely can.

What we still handle in person

Some things benefit from an in-office meeting: signing originals, very large document sets, or a matter where an interpreter and several family members are involved. Our office at 10211 Yonge Street, Suite 205 in Richmond Hill remains open for those.

Whether your matter is a refugee claim, an immigration appeal, an admissibility hearing or a removal order, you can start it today. Request a free assessment or call (416) 835-6989.