NOW REBRANDED
Matkowsky Immigration Law is now Unified Immigration Lawyers. Same firm, same lawyers — new name.
Matkowsky Immigration Law is now Unified Immigration Lawyers. Same firm, same lawyers — new name.
We represent individuals, families and corporations across Canada and the United States — from Federal Court appeals to spousal sponsorship and executive work visas. Flat fees. Direct counsel. Real outcomes.
At our firm, clients work directly with experienced immigration lawyers — not consultants or paralegals — from start to finish.
Hire us and we’ll credit your CAD $250 consultation fee in full toward the legal fees on your file.
Moving to Canada or the U.S. is a life-changing dream, but the immigration process can often be confusing, challenging and stressful. At Unified Immigration Lawyers, we believe you deserve skilled legal representation to guide you on this path.
Based in Toronto, Canada, we are a compassionate team of U.S. and Canadian immigration lawyers dedicated to keeping families together and helping professionals build their futures. Whether you’ve received a confusing government letter, are stuck with a delayed application, or are looking to appeal a refusal — we are here for you.
We pride ourselves on stepping in when things get difficult, fixing complex problems, and finding a clear path forward for you and your loved ones.
Choosing the right lawyer is a big decision, and one you want to get right. While all lawyers must meet certain professional standards, not all law firms are the same.
We regularly appear before the IRB and the Federal Court on refused and complex files, so we know how to build a strong case.
Licensed in Canada and the United States. One firm for both sides of the border, with no handoffs.
Quoted upfront at your consultation. No hidden fees and no hourly surprises.
From your first consultation you work with a licensed lawyer, never a sales rep, and you stay informed throughout.
Refusals, inadmissibility and complex corporate mobility are our focus, not the files we turn away.
Hiring a lawyer dramatically decreases your chances of denial — so you can focus on your life, not your file.
When you hire an immigration lawyer at our firm, you get exactly that — a lawyer. Most of our team are law school graduates, and a licensed immigration attorney personally drafts every legal argument, application, and submission on your file. Unlike many immigration law firms where paralegals or assistants handle the substantive work, our Toronto-based immigration analysts focus strictly on document organization, so our lawyers can dedicate 100% of their attention to building a winning immigration case for you.
Behind every approval is a client who needed more than a standard application. Read how we’ve turned refusals, inadmissibility findings and failed appeals into new beginnings in Canada and the U.S.
A permanent residence refusal and five-year ban were overturned after the Federal Court found that the applicant had not been given a meaningful opportunity to answer the allegations against him.
A spousal sponsorship refusal was overturned after the tribunal accepted the couple’s evidence and rejected stereotyped assumptions about their cultural compatibility.
A removal order appeal succeeded after the tribunal considered the client’s remorse and the serious mental-health consequences that removal would have on his Canadian common-law partner.
Use this form to tell us what you are going through. We will carefully review the details of your situation and get back to you within one business day to schedule your strategy session.
"*" indicates required fields
Use this form to tell us what you are going through. We will carefully review the details of your situation and get back to you within one business day to schedule your strategy session.
"*" indicates required fields
Our consultation fee is CAD $250. If you retain us, the consultation fee is credited toward the cost of your file.
Legal fees vary by matter type and complexity. Review our fees for applications, appeals, and other Canadian immigration services.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis.
Your $250 consultation gives you time with an immigration lawyer who will review your circumstances, answer your questions, and explain the next steps that may be available. If you retain the firm for your case, the $250 consultation fee will be fully credited toward your legal fees.
We meet with you, review your facts and documents, and design a clear legal strategy. You leave the consultation knowing your options, timelines and likely outcomes.
Once retained, we open your file, send a tailored document checklist, and collect everything required to build the strongest possible application or court record.
Our lawyers draft submissions, legal memoranda and supporting evidence — reviewed by senior counsel before anything is filed on your behalf.
We file with the relevant authority or court, monitor your file, respond to procedural fairness letters and updates, and keep you informed at every step until the decision is issued.
Our standing is earned in tribunals, in courtrooms, and in the reviews our clients leave behind.
Sonia Akilov holds the Law Society of Ontario’s Certified Specialist designation — a credential held by only a small fraction of Ontario immigration lawyers.
Full authority to advise and file on both sides of the border, so families and employers are never handed off to a second firm.
Nearly 800 reviews from clients across more than 50 countries, consistently citing responsiveness and results.
Regular counsel before the Federal Court, the Immigration Appeal Division, and the Immigration Division on refusals, appeals, and removals.
Active members of the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
A decade of applications, appeals, and reversals for clients in over 50 countries — with an approval rate we’re proud to publish.
While the Canadian government does not force you to hire one, having a lawyer by your side can make all the difference in your journey. Government websites often make applying for a visa look as easy as filling out a few simple forms. However, the immigration rules behind those forms are incredibly strict and complex. A single missing document, an unchecked box, or a misunderstood question can lead to painful delays, returned applications, or a flat-out refusal. A skilled lawyer knows exactly what the immigration officers are looking for and helps you avoid these hidden traps.
Lawyers are trained in evidence, procedure and litigation. We can appear in court, file judicial reviews and represent you at hearings — work that consultants are not authorized to perform. For complex, refused or high-stakes cases, that matters.
A consultant is licensed to prepare certain forms and submissions. A lawyer is a member of a provincial law society, can give legal advice, represent clients in court, and handle litigation, appeals and judicial reviews. Our entire team is made up of licensed lawyers and paralegals — never consultants.
Absolutely! A refusal does not have to be the end of your Canadian dream. You can usually apply again at any time unless the government’s decision letter specifically tells you that you cannot. However, it is very important that you do not just submit the exact same application again. To improve your chances of getting approved, you must carefully address the reasons why you were refused the first time and provide a stronger application with better supporting documents or explanations. Our team is highly experienced in helping people fix past refusals and reapply with confidence.
You may have options: a reconsideration request, an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division, or a judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada. Strict deadlines apply — usually 15 to 60 days — so contact us as soon as you receive a refusal.
The most common reasons we see are insufficient documentation, credibility concerns, misrepresentation findings, criminal or medical inadmissibility, dual intent issues on temporary applications, and weak proof of ties or genuine relationship.
If your application to extend your stay or get a new permit is refused, you generally have to leave the country. If your temporary resident status expired recently, you might have the option to apply to “restore your status” within 90 days of your permit expiring. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee the government will approve a restoration application. If you get a refusal letter while inside Canada, it is crucial to speak to an immigration lawyer right away so we can help you understand your legal options and keep you safe.
Speak to a lawyer first. Depending on the case type and how long it has been delayed, we may file a writ of mandamus in the Federal Court of Canada to compel a decision. We routinely handle delayed PR, citizenship, work permit and spousal sponsorship files.
While immigration paperwork is rarely “easy,” Indian citizens actually have a massive advantage! Because of factors like high English proficiency, excellent education levels, and strong work experience, Indian applicants are generally very well-positioned to qualify for Canada’s immigration programs.
Canadian and U.S. immigration end to end: work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry and PNP, family and spousal sponsorship, H&C, citizenship, refugee claims, IRB and IAD appeals, judicial review at the Federal Court, TN, L-1, H-1B, O-1, marriage-based green cards, naturalization and removal defense.
Yes — this is one of our core practice areas. Our principal and senior lawyers regularly appear before the Federal Court of Canada and the Immigration Appeal Division.
Yes. We regularly handle urgent files including detention reviews, port-of-entry refusals, removal orders, deadline-driven appeals and time-critical work permit issues. Contact us as soon as possible so we can triage your file.
Yes. We work with clients across Canada, the United States and around the world. Consultations and ongoing communication happen by video, phone and secure email.
Yes. You are entitled to change representatives at any time. We will help you file the necessary Use of Representative forms with IRCC or the relevant court so the transition is seamless.
We work on flat fees that are quoted upfront after your consultation, so there are no surprises. See our Fees section for typical ranges, or book a consultation for a fixed quote on your specific matter.
Yes. Our consultation fee is CAD $250. If you retain us, that consultation fee is credited in full toward the legal fees on your file.
Yes. Our dual-licensed lawyers handle both Canadian and U.S. immigration, including cross-border moves, U.S. work visas such as TN, L-1 and H-1B, E-2, family petitions, employer petitions and waivers for inadmissibility. With one firm managing both sides, your strategy stays consistent in both countries and nothing falls through the cracks.
