Open
Special Advocates Program
Supports special advocates in closed immigration proceedings
Last Update: May 24, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Special Advocates Program supports the Minister of Justice in Division 9 proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It enables the selection, listing, and administrative support of security-cleared private-practice lawyers acting as special advocates in closed hearings.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Newcomers to Canada
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Independent selection and listing of special advocates.
- Publication of the special advocate list.
- Coordination of professional development for listed members.
- Administrative support for appointed special advocates.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Security-cleared private-practice lawyers.
Who is not eligible
- Lawyers who are not on the Minister of Justice’s special advocate list.
- Lawyers without the required security clearance.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through an independent selection process.
- Qualified candidates may be recommended to the Minister of Justice for listing.
- Special advocates are appointed from the published list when needed.
- The program provides administrative support and resources after appointment.
Additional information
- The program operates independently from counsel representing the Ministers.
- The Department of Justice encourages electronic submission of documents.
- Most program documents are received electronically.
- The current list of special advocates is publicly available and may be updated by the Minister of Justice.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Special Advocates Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Special Advocates Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Special Advocates Program?
The Special Advocates Program supports the Minister of Justice in Division 9 proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It enables the selection, listing, and administrative support of security-cleared private-practice lawyers acting as special advocates in closed hearings.
Who is eligible for the Special Advocates Program program?
To be eligible for the Special Advocates Program program, you must:
Security-cleared private-practice lawyers only.
Must be on the Minister of Justice list.
Applies to IRPA Division 9 proceedings.
What expenses are eligible under Special Advocates Program?
Independent selection and listing of special advocates.
Publication of the special advocate list.
Coordination of professional development for listed members.
Administrative support for appointed special advocates.
Who can I contact for more information about the Special Advocates Program?
You can contact Department of Justice Canada (JUS) by email at pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca.
Where is the Special Advocates Program available?
The Special Advocates Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Special Advocates Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Special Advocates Program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Special Advocates Program?
Special Advocates Program is funded by Department of Justice Canada (JUS)