Out of status protected person

[hundred huts]

Hello everyone,

I have a quite complex case that I'd appreciate your time and patience with. I'm currently living in Alberta and I’ve been out of legal status in Canada for about a year. I don’t have any valid ID except for an expired passport. During my last year of uni, my parents found out I was gay and and ex-muslim, and they completely cut me off, so I was never able to finish and get a PGWP. I've also had a run in with the cops back home during a quasi-sting operation also due to similar reasons. I don't know how many details regarding my case you'd like, but yes I do believe my life is threatened if I return. Essentially they found countless evidence of me denouncing my religion online (quite aggressively) and of my relationships, and they threatened to either get rid of me through the police or by their own hands (they're quite devout).

I believe I may now have a removal order or be at risk of deportation, but I'm not sure as I have no idea where to check. I’ve been thinking about making a refugee claim, but I’m not sure if I even can anymore, especially if there’s already a removal order in place. I know I completely screwed up by letting myself go out of status, and I completely own that. I was just lost and confused at that time, trying to survive. However, my back "home" isn't really home; I've never lived there, nor do I speak the language or know anyone there now due to what happened. I grew up in a different country than my nationality as it did not offer birth-right citizenship.

I'm desperate for direction. Are there any legal aid services, lawyers, or organizations in Alberta that help people in my situation? Any advice, experiences, or next steps would mean the world to me.

 

[wiener]

Hello everyone,

I have a quite complex case that I'd appreciate your time and patience with. I'm currently living in Alberta and I’ve been out of legal status in Canada for about a year. I don’t have any valid ID except for an expired passport. During my last year of uni, my parents found out I was gay and and ex-muslim, and they completely cut me off, so I was never able to finish and get a PGWP. I've also had a run in with the cops back home during a quasi-sting operation also due to similar reasons. I don't know how many details regarding my case you'd like, but yes I do believe my life is threatened if I return. Essentially they found countless evidence of me denouncing my religion online (quite aggressively) and of my relationships, and they threatened to either get rid of me through the police or by their own hands (they're quite devout).

I believe I may now have a removal order or be at risk of deportation, but I'm not sure as I have no idea where to check. I’ve been thinking about making a refugee claim, but I’m not sure if I even can anymore, especially if there’s already a removal order in place. I know I completely screwed up by letting myself go out of status, and I completely own that. I was just lost and confused at that time, trying to survive. However, my back "home" isn't really home; I've never lived there, nor do I speak the language or know anyone there now due to what happened. I grew up in a different country than my nationality as it did not offer birth-right citizenship.

I'm desperate for direction. Are there any legal aid services, lawyers, or organizations in Alberta that help people in my situation? Any advice, experiences, or next steps would mean the world to me.

If you are under removal order, you are not eligible to make refugee claim. However, you may be able to file H and C application. I highly suggest you to consult lawyer as soon as possible.

 

[hundred huts]

If you are under removal order, you are not eligible to make refugee claim. However, you may be able to file H and C application. I highly suggest you to consult lawyer as soon as possible.

Hey! Thanks for your reply.
1) Is there anyway to find out if one is under a removal order or not?
2) Do you know of any way to consult with a lawyer that's affordable? I can't really afford a $10K+ lawyer.

 

[canuck78]

Hey! Thanks for your reply.
1) Is there anyway to find out if one is under a removal order or not?
2) Do you know of any way to consult with a lawyer that's affordable? I can't really afford a $10K+ lawyer.

Would start here. Not in Alberta myself but Google is pretty handy to try and find some resources.

 

[hundred huts]

Would start here. Not in Alberta myself but Google is pretty handy to try and find some resources.

Thanks my friend.

 

[canuck78]

Thanks my friend.

Sorry the link didn’t paste the first time.
https://www.legalaid.ab.ca/

 

[Copingwithlife]

Sorry the link didn’t paste the first time.
https://www.legalaid.ab.ca/

My sister works for legal aid in Calgary.

They will only take cases such as these if it’s a HIGH chance of success. Reason being is that the Government of Alberta has slashed funding and they’ll only spend funds on cases they feel they’ll win.

And they’ll do their due diligence in taking it , because so many have misrepresented their cases in the past

 

[hundred huts]

My sister works for legal aid in Calgary.

They will only take cases such as these if it’s a HIGH chance of success. Reason being is that the Government of Alberta has slashed funding and they’ll only spend funds on cases they feel they’ll win.

And they’ll do their due diligence in taking it , because so many have misrepresented their cases in the past

That's very good to know. Thank you!

 

[SKROR]

You can file a refugee claim any time even if you are out of status. And about removal order there are 99.9% chances that IRCC/CBSA don't have any idea about your status in Canada as long as you didn't file for any extension of stay or any recent decision on your file has been finalized. If you entered on study visa and now your visa is expired. IRCC don't track such cases at all unless someone file a complaint or something.

So your chances are high, go for it.

Also, move fast as this new bill( STRONG BORDERS ACT) is about to get passed that will make you ineligible to file a refugee claim.

PRRA will still be an option for you though.

I hope it helps.

Thanks

 

[canuck78]

You can file a refugee claim any time even if you are out of status. And about removal order there are 99.9% chances that IRCC/CBSA don't have any idea about your status in Canada as long as you didn't file for any extension of stay or any recent decision on your file has been finalized. If you entered on study visa and now your visa is expired. IRCC don't track such cases at all unless someone file a complaint or something.


So your chances are high, go for it.

Also, move fast as this new bill( STRONG BORDERS ACT) is about to get passed that will make you ineligible to file a refugee claim.

PRRA will still be an option for you though.

I hope it helps.

Thanks

IRCC has actually started to track what happened to all the international students and if they attended school so there is a good chance that if they don’t know you haven’t met the terms of your study permit and are without status they will soon. One of the big issues that was ignored for a long time. Once you file an asylum claim they will also know you are still in Canada