Open
Special Advocates Program
Supports independent legal counsel in confidential immigration proceedings
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
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.
/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
- No Condition
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
- 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.
Eligibility
Eligible expenses
- Adequate administrative support and resources for special advocates appointed to cases.
- Professional development sessions for members of the special advocate list.
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
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 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.
Who is eligible for the Special Advocates Program program?
To be eligible for the Special Advocates Program program, you must:
Only security-cleared private-practice lawyers on the list established by the Minister of Justice are eligible for appointment as special advocates.
What expenses are eligible under Special Advocates Program?
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.
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)
