Having your refugee claim denied can be devastating—but it’s not the end of the road. In Canada, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, you have legal rights to appeal a refugee refusal and seek protection through various judicial or administrative processes. However, these appeals are time-sensitive, complex, and require clear legal reasoning and strong evidence.
At Gigera Law Services, we represent individuals and families whose claims for refugee status or asylum have been refused. Our team understands the human urgency behind these cases—and we act fast to build compelling refugee appeals grounded in law, supported by facts, and aligned with international human rights principles.
Whether you’re filing an appeal in Calgary, responding to a UK First-tier Tribunal ruling, or engaging with Nigeria’s legal system—we are with you every step of the way.
A refugee appeal is a legal process that allows a person whose refugee claim has been denied to challenge the decision in a higher court or tribunal. The goal is to overturn the original decision by showing that the decision was wrong in fact, law, or procedure, or by presenting new evidence.
Refugee appeals may involve:
The presentation of additional documentation or testimony
Arguments about errors in the original legal decision
Claims under humanitarian or compassionate grounds
Urgent applications to stay a removal or deportation order
Refugee claims may be refused for reasons such as:
Lack of credibility or inconsistent testimony
Incomplete documentation or missing evidence
Failure to meet the definition of a Convention Refugee or Protected Person
Safe Third Country rule application (Canada)
Procedural errors or missed deadlines
Negative country condition findings
Even if your claim was denied, you may still have a strong case under appeal.
Legal Assessment of Claim Refusal and Appeal Options
Filing Appeals with the Refugee Appeal Division (Canada)
First-tier Tribunal Appeals (UK)
Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications (Canada)
Appeals to Nigeria’s Refugee Appeals Body or Courts
Stay of Removal Applications
Preparation of Legal Briefs and Country Condition Reports
Representation in Hearings and Oral Arguments
Judicial Reviews in Federal or High Courts
In Canada, most denied refugee claimants can appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Refugee claims rejected by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)
Those not excluded under law (e.g. manifestly unfounded claims)
15-day deadline to file a Notice of Appeal
30 days to submit a full Appellant’s Record
Appeals are usually decided based on written submissions
Oral hearings may be granted in limited cases
Review your RPD decision for legal or factual errors
Build a persuasive written submission and legal brief
Submit urgent stay of removal if you’re facing deportation
Represent you in any RAD hearing or subsequent judicial review
Refugee claimants in the UK can appeal a refusal by the Home Office to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).
Applicants who received a refusal letter from the Home Office
Those with a right of appeal under the Immigration Act 2014
Appeal must be filed within 14 days (in-country) or 28 days (out-of-country)
Tribunal reviews evidence, legal arguments, and may hold an oral hearing
If denied again, a further appeal can be made to the Upper Tribunal
Draft and file your Notice of Appeal and case bundle
Gather and present supporting evidence and country reports
Prepare you for tribunal hearings and cross-examinations
Challenge procedural errors, credibility issues, or legal misinterpretations
File onward appeals to higher courts if required
Nigeria’s refugee claim processes are governed by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and often involve collaboration with UNHCR. Appeals may be brought through internal reviews or the Nigerian courts.
Claim rejected by the Commission or asylum panel
Lack of procedural fairness or human rights violations
Need to halt a removal or deportation order
Represent asylum seekers denied protection in Nigeria
File constitutional or humanitarian claims for protection
Collaborate with NGOs and human rights bodies
Initiate legal actions in Nigeria’s Federal High Court
Correct Legal Errors – Appeal if the decision was made using wrong facts or laws
Introduce New Evidence – You may now have stronger documentation
Protect Against Deportation – Filing a timely appeal can pause removal orders
Uphold Your Rights – Every person deserves a fair hearing and protection from harm
Access Humanitarian Relief – In Canada, a Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application may still apply
Claim Decision Review
We examine your rejection letter, tribunal ruling, or Home Office decision in detail.
Eligibility & Timeline Check
We assess your legal right to appeal and the deadlines for submission.
Building Your Appeal
We gather new or missing evidence, expert opinions, and legal arguments.
Submission & Representation
We file your appeal and represent you in hearings or written submissions.
Post-Appeal Guidance
Whether approved or refused, we guide your next legal steps—re-application, judicial review, or new immigration path.
- Canada: 15 days from the decision
- UK: 14 days (in-country)
- Nigeria: Varies depending on the review process
In most cases, yes. We also file stay of removal applications to prevent deportation while your case is under review.
In some cases, extensions can be requested with strong reasons. Contact us immediately.
Yes, especially in Canada. We help build strong H&C applications when appeals are not successful.
Gigera Law Services proudly serves individuals, families, immigrants, entrepreneurs, and organizations in Canada, Nigeria, and the UK
©2025. Gigera Law Services | All Rights Reserved.