The Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) may suggest that the appeal be decided through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADRis only suggested for appropriate cases. This process means that the sponsor and the Minister's counsel will sit down with a dispute resolution officer (DRO), assigned by the IAD, to discuss the case. The DRO will help clarify the issues in the case and encourage both sides to agree on a decision. If ADR is successful, there is no need for a hearing.
If Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has refused the application of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to sponsor the immigration of a close family member to Canada, the sponsor may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
Reasons of A sponsor MAY NOT appeal if the family member is inadmissible to Canada:
a serious criminal offence punished in Canada by a term of imprisonment of two years or more
involvement in organized crime
security grounds
violations of human or international rights, or
misrepresentation (unless the person is the sponsor’s spouse, common-law partner or child)