Effective preparation is the key to success in inadmissibility hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Whether you represent clients facing medical, criminal, or misrepresentation inadmissibility findings, knowing how to organize your case, prepare your client, and present persuasive evidence can make a decisive difference in the outcome.

In our upcoming course, Inadmissibility Hearings at the IRB, [Instructor Name] will share practical, experience-based strategies to help practitioners prepare thoroughly and advocate effectively. Below are some key takeaways from the session.

Focus Your Preparation

Before the hearing, identify the red flags in your client’s case and gather evidence that clearly supports your theory. Each document and testimony should help prove a material fact or address a potential weakness. Strong preparation ensures your submissions remain consistent, logical, and persuasive before the IRB.

Run an Effective Hearing Preparation Session

A well-prepared client is critical. Conduct multiple preparation sessions to review expectations, clarify facts, and address inconsistencies. Use pointed questions to test your client’s understanding and ensure they are ready for both examination and re-examination.

Build a Strong Examination Strategy

Create a list of material facts you need to establish and compare it to your client’s burden of proof. Make sure every evidentiary requirement is addressed through your documentation or witness testimony. A structured, fact-driven strategy will help you stay organized and confident throughout the hearing.

Draft Effective Examination Questions

Plan your questions in chronological order, anticipating different possible answers or outcomes. Draft more questions than you expect to use — this flexibility allows you to adapt seamlessly during the hearing while maintaining control of the narrative.

Prepare Your Client for Success

Before the hearing, review your planned questions with your client. Discuss potential issues, rehearse responses, and ensure they understand the process and tone of an IRB hearing. Preparation helps your client remain consistent and credible — two essential factors in a successful inadmissibility case.

The Inadmissibility Hearings at the IRB course offers practical tools and real-world guidance to help immigration practitioners improve their hearing preparation, strengthen their advocacy, and achieve better outcomes for their clients.

👩‍🏫 Instructor: Adrienne Smith
📅 Date: October 30, 2025 and on demand following the live event
⏱️ CPD Hours: 3
🔗 Register here