Special Advocates Program
Last Update: September 25, 2025
Canada
Supports independent legal counsel in confidential immigration proceedings
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Other Support
Overview
The Special Advocates Program provides administrative support and resources to security-cleared, private-practice lawyers appointed to protect the interests of permanent residents or foreign nationals involved in closed proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The program does not specify a maximum funding amount and focuses on supporting the coordination, professional development, and casework of special advocates during security certificate and related immigration processes.
Activities funded
- Establishing and coordinating an independent selection process to recommend candidates for the special advocate list.
- Publishing and maintaining public access to the list of eligible special advocates.
- Facilitating access to the special advocate list for individuals involved in Division 9 proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
- Coordinating professional development sessions for listed special advocates.
- Providing administrative support and resources to appointed special advocates in Division 9 cases.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Facilitating interpreter and admin support for Division 9 legal cases
$ 29,500
Coordinating selection committee for new special advocate appointments
$ 57,000
Developing an online portal for listing eligible special advocates
$ 47,500
Organizing legal seminar series for special advocate training program
$ 24,900
Publishing accessible summaries about the special advocate legal process
$ 41,000
Supporting ongoing legal research for Division 9 precedent tracking
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a private-practice lawyer holding top-secret security clearance.
- The applicant must be included on the list of security-cleared lawyers established by the Minister of Justice.
Eligible expenses
- Adequate administrative support and resources for special advocates appointed to cases.
- Professional development sessions for members of the special advocate list.
How to apply
1
Confirm eligibility and listing
- Review the eligibility criteria for becoming a special advocate
- Ensure you are a private-practice lawyer with top-secret security clearance
- Confirm your name is included on the official list established by the Minister of Justice
2
Participate in selection process
- Participate in the independent selection process coordinated by the Special Advocates Program
- Submit necessary documentation as requested during the selection process
- Await recommendation for inclusion on the special advocate list
3
Undertake assignment and training
- Once included, attend appointment for a case as a special advocate
- Receive administrative support and resources for case assignments
- Engage in professional development sessions coordinated by the program
Additional information
- Special advocates are private-practice lawyers who hold top-secret security clearance and are independent from the government.
- The list of eligible special advocates is published to facilitate public access as per section 85(1) of the IRPA.
- The Special Advocates Program receives most documents electronically in support of sustainable development practices.
- Professional development sessions are coordinated for members on the special advocate list.
Contacts
pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca
Canada
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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.
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