Understanding your rights during the refugee/spousal sponsorship journey

Protection of your rights while awaiting your hearing as a refugee claimant or during a spousal sponsorship process
About this Event

Join us for an informative session focused on domestic violence and the immigration and refugee process in Canada.
This workshop will cover the process and importance of reporting domestic violence while awaiting a refugee hearing or during an appeal before the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). The session will also discuss the importance of full disclosure during refugee hearings, as well as the possibility, in certain cases, of obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit for individuals currently in the spousal sponsorship process.
The workshop will be facilitated by Paula Vargas, a Calgary-based immigration and refugee lawyer whose practice focuses on representing individuals seeking protection in Canada. Paula works closely with clients fleeing persecution and advocates for individuals navigating Canada’s immigration and refugee protection system. She is an internationally trained lawyer licensed in both Alberta and Colombia.
A female officer from the Calgary Police Service will also be present during the session to answer questions and provide information about the process of reporting domestic violence to the Calgary Police Service.
This session is intended to provide practical information, increase awareness of available supports, and help participants better understand their rights and available pathways within the immigration and refugee system.