Detention Review

Who can be detained and what are the grounds for detention?

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) may choose to detain a foreign national or permanent resident if there are reasonable grounds to believe that he or she:

  • is inadmissible to Canada,
  • is a danger to the public,
  • is unlikely to appear for an examination, hearing or removal,
  • has not established his/her identity.

A permanent resident or foreign national may also be detained when entering Canada if this is necessary to conduct examinations, or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that he or she is inadmissible to Canada on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, or criminality.

If you are detained, the CBSA will notify the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of your detention. While in detention, you may be held in a provincial correctional facility or in an immigration holding centre. The first step is to retain counsel to represent you. Within 48 hours of being detained, a member of the Immigration Division will review the reasons for your detention at a hearing called a detention review.

At the detention review, the Immigration Division (ID) will evaluate whether sufficient reasons remain for your detention and whether the situation which led to your detention still exists. The member from the ID will hear arguments from the Minister’s counsel about why you should remain detained. Your counsel will have the opportunity to respond and challenge any evidence contained in the allegations. There are a number of prescribed legal factors to consider. If the member from the ID finds that there are grounds for detention, then they must also consider: the length of time spent in detention, how long the detention is likely to continue, and alternatives to detention.

After this initial 48 hour review, there will be another detention review within 7 days. After this, the ID will review the grounds for detention at least every 30 days.

Based on the evidence provided at these detention reviews, the ID may order your release, with or without conditions, or maintain your detention.

Keep in mind that different rules of detention apply to a foreign national who has determined to be a “designated foreign national” due to their irregular arrival in Canada (as ordered by the Minister).

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What Our Clients Are Saying
bhautik bvaidya
bhautik bvaidya
I highly recommend Bellisimo Law group PCBellissimo Law Firm has been an incredible support for our family during one of the most challenging times. My mother faced an unexpected medical situation with no prior history just before her PR medical was requested, leaving us overwhelmed and unsure of our next steps. From the moment we met with Mario, Keely, and the team, we felt assured and in expert hands. They guided us through every step with professionalism, patience, and genuine care, especially in addressing the complex medical inadmissibility concerns. Keely’s clear guidance on the mitigation plan and the entire team's dedication made all the difference. Thanks to them, we’ve received our Passport Submission Request for PR. If you're facing an immigration challenge, particularly with medical issues, Bellissimo Law Firm is simply the best. Our deepest gratitude to the whole team for their hard work, compassion, and commitment. Thank you from our entire family!" Thanks to Mario and Keely once again for doing great work and always connecting with me with positive energy during this Journey !
Allison Kurtz
Allison Kurtz
Had a consultation this past week which was extremely helpful-- many answered questions, friendly staff, and prompt email communication. They made a terrifying process seem possible.
Gods child
Gods child
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Joseph Myatt
Joseph Myatt
Truly worth everything with these guys.I came in with a very complicated case and was so daunted by the whole process. Upon acquiring their services I was immediately calmed. They’re very thorough with their work and let you know exactly what they need to do. I had the pleasure of dealing with Viola Gniadek on my case a lot, and she was nothing short of superb. She handled any question or query we had quickly and promptly. All while doing so with such an amazing attitude. Not to mention she was dealing with it all with opposite sides of the world time zones!Would 110 percent recommend Bellissimo Law group for any immigration help! I tip my hat!
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Shankhnad Ghurburrun
Shankhnad Ghurburrun
Good service. Lijing and her team were very supportive and put in the time and were accessible online when we needed to make urgent and speedy changes. Once the application was made, it took less than 2 weeks for approval!.
Matthew
Matthew
A M
A M
I engaged them for a PRTD case. They were brilliant, extremely detail-oriented, and knew what they were doing at every step.Not just that, the service was impeccable. I am a fussy client, and I asked many painful questions. Michelle was very kind and patient with me throughout this process.Engage them with your eyes closed. You will be in good hands!
African Pride
African Pride
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