Nigerian Lawyer in Toronto
Called to the Nigerian Bar. Called to the Bar of Ontario. Livingstone Law walks alongside Nigerian, African, and newcomer communities, offering counsel from a lawyer who has lived and practised on both sides of the journey.
Based in Toronto, we act for immigration, refugee, citizenship, and Federal Court clients anywhere in Canada. For Ontario-regulated matters, such as criminal, family, business, and estate law, we serve clients throughout Ontario.
Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.
A Family Called to the Law
Oluwaseun Quadri grew up in a family where the law is a calling: his mother is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and all of his siblings are lawyers. He was called to the Nigerian Bar before immigrating to Canada and being called to the Bar of Ontario in Toronto.
That journey, through the Nigerian legal system, through Canadian immigration, and into practice as an Ontario lawyer, is the same journey many of our clients are on. When you explain your situation, you will not need to translate it.
How We Help Our Nigerian, African & Newcomer Clients
From first arrival to building a life and a business here, these are the matters we are asked about most. Immigration and Federal Court work reaches clients across Canada; the rest is for our clients in Ontario.
Immigration from Nigeria
- •Spousal and family sponsorship applications
- •Study permits, work permits, and visitor visas
- •Visa refusals and reapplications
- •Express Entry and permanent residence
- •Responses to IRCC procedural fairness letters
- •Refugee claims and judicial review at the Federal Court
Criminal Defence
- •24/7 response for arrests and bail hearings
- •Defence from first appearance through trial
- •Advice on how criminal charges can affect immigration status
- •Representation for newcomers and permanent residents
Canada–Nigeria Business & Family Matters
- •Canada–Nigeria commercial transactions
- •Cross-border estate and property matters
- •Family law with assets or family in both countries
Corporate & Commercial Law
- •Setting up small businesses and incorporation
- •Compliance for entrepreneurial newcomers
- •Commercial contracts, leases, and shareholder agreements
Wills & Estate Planning
- •Wills, powers of attorney, and trusts
- •Protecting assets across borders
- •Setting up local (Canadian) testaments
Clear Fees, No Surprises
Legal fees should never be a mystery. For most matters, whatever the area of law, we work on a flat fee agreed in writing before any work begins, so you know the full cost from the start rather than facing an open-ended hourly bill. For larger matters, we can structure payment around milestones, so you pay in steps as your case moves forward. You receive a clear breakdown of every fee before we begin, and your first consultation is free.
What immigration services typically cost in Canada
Fees depend on the type of application and how complex your case is. As a general guide across Canadian firms:
- Initial consultation$100 to $300 (ours is free)
- Work, study, or visitor permits$1,000 to $3,000
- Express Entry or permanent residence$2,500 to $5,000+
- Family sponsorship$2,000 to $4,500+
- Refugee claims, inadmissibility, or appeals$3,000 to $10,000+
These are typical industry ranges to help you plan. We give you an exact flat-fee quote for your specific matter at your consultation.
Common Questions from Our Community
Can you help me sponsor my spouse or family member from Nigeria?
Yes. We prepare spousal and family sponsorship applications, respond to requests and concerns from IRCC, and act on refusals. Sponsorship files involving Nigeria often face close scrutiny of the genuineness of the relationship, so thorough preparation of evidence from the start makes a real difference.
My study permit or visitor visa was refused. What are my options?
A refusal is not necessarily the end. Depending on the reasons given, options can include a stronger reapplication that squarely addresses the officer's concerns, or judicial review at the Federal Court where the decision was unreasonable. Timelines for judicial review are short, so seek advice promptly.
I received a PFL (procedural fairness letter) from IRCC about my application. What should I do?
Treat it as urgent. These letters usually give a short deadline (sometimes as little as 7 days) to respond, and the response often decides the application. Get legal advice before replying. We prepare focused responses with the documentation needed to address the officer's specific concerns.
I lost my refugee claim. What can I do?
A refusal is often not the final word. Depending on your situation, options can include an appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division, judicial review at the Federal Court where an appeal is not available, a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, or a humanitarian and compassionate application. The deadlines are short and strict, so speak with a lawyer right away.
I was banned for misrepresentation. Can I challenge the decision?
Possibly. A misrepresentation finding usually carries a five-year bar and can affect your status, but depending on the circumstances you may be able to seek judicial review of the decision at the Federal Court, or address it carefully in a future application. These cases are complex and time-sensitive, so have your specific decision reviewed by a lawyer as soon as possible.
Do you understand Nigerian documents and institutions?
Yes, first-hand. Oluwaseun Quadri was called to the Nigerian Bar before the Bar of Ontario, and works regularly with Nigerian documentation and institutions in Canadian applications.
I am a newcomer facing criminal charges. Will this affect my immigration status?
It can. For permanent residents and temporary residents, certain findings of guilt can lead to inadmissibility and removal proceedings. It is important that your criminal defence strategy takes your immigration status into account from day one, and we advise on both together.
Can you help me if I am not in Toronto or Ontario?
Yes. Immigration, refugee, citizenship, and Federal Court matters are federal, so we act for clients anywhere in Canada, and most steps can be handled by phone, email, and video. For Ontario matters such as criminal or family law, we work with clients across Ontario.
General information only, not legal advice. Every matter is different; speak with a lawyer about your specific situation.