Business Details
38 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyer Toronto
Steven Tress, Barrister and Solicitor, has been a trusted Canadian immigration and criminal defense lawyer in Toronto since 1988. With over 36 years of experience, we specialize in immigration law, including permanent residence applications, family sponsorship, deportation hearings, and federal court appeals, alongside comprehensive criminal defense services. Our firm combines deep legal expertise with personalized client care, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving immigration policies and court precedents to deliver strategic, results-driven representation.We serve clients globally, offering meticulous document preparation, transparent communication, and advocacy tailored to individual circumstances. Our team, including legal assistant Jane Li, prioritizes client satisfaction through responsiveness, attention to detail, and a commitment to resolving complex cases efficiently and ethically.
Services
Immigration Appeals
Family Sponsorship
Criminal Defense
Permanent Residence
Study Permits
Deportation Hearings
Federal Court Litigation
Humanitarian Applications
Business Immigration
Citizenship Applications
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 36+ years of specialized immigration and criminal law expertise.
- Our team provides personalized, detail-oriented case management.
- We maintain transparent communication throughout the legal process.
- Our success record includes complex deportation appeals and federal court cases.
- We combine legal knowledge with compassionate, client-centered advocacy.
What people say
Outstanding professionalism
Tireless work ethic
Meticulous attention to detail
Exceptional client support
Compassionate advocacy
Services
Immigration Appeals
We represent clients in immigration appeals before the Immigration Appeal Division and Federal Court. Our team prepares comprehensive case strategies, compiles supporting documentation, and provides courtroom advocacy to challenge adverse immigration decisions. With decades of experience handling complex deportation and admissibility cases, we focus on presenting compelling arguments that address both legal and humanitarian considerations.
Family Sponsorship
Our firm assists Canadian citizens and permanent residents in sponsoring family members through spousal, parental, and dependent child applications. We guide clients through document preparation, application submission, and interview preparation while ensuring compliance with evolving immigration regulations. Our process emphasizes thorough case organization to demonstrate genuine relationships and financial capability.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients facing criminal charges across Ontario, including drug offenses, assault, and fraud. Our services cover bail hearings, trial representation, and appeals in both provincial and federal courts. With specialized knowledge of immigration consequences for criminal charges, we develop defense strategies that consider both legal outcomes and clients' residency status.
Permanent Residence
We assist with permanent residence applications through economic immigration, provincial nominee programs, and business immigration categories. Our services include eligibility assessment, application package preparation, and interview coaching. We focus on presenting clients' qualifications in ways that align with Canadian immigration priorities while addressing potential admissibility concerns.
Study Permits
We help international students obtain study permits and extend/reinstate their status. Our services cover application preparation, document verification, and compliance guidance for studying at Canadian educational institutions. We address unique circumstances such as previous refusals while ensuring applications demonstrate clear study intentions and financial capacity.
People
Steven Tress Criminal & Immigration Lawyer
Barrister and Solicitor
Licensed in Ontario since 1988, Steven Tress specializes in immigration and criminal law with global experience in entrepreneurial immigration cases. Adjunct instructor at Queen's University Immigration Law Program, active in Canadian Bar Association committees, and has lectured on immigration case management.
Jane Li
Legal Assistant
Licensed Paralegal and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with 9 years' experience. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she specializes in immigration policy and supports complex case preparation while pursuing full Canadian legal licensure.
Tracy Lee
Student Intern
Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work candidate at University of Windsor. Focuses on immigration law, refugee rights, and marginalized communities' access to justice through legal research and policy analysis.
Questions
What immigration services do you specialize in?
We specialize in permanent residence applications, family sponsorship, deportation appeals, study permits, and federal court litigation, with additional expertise in criminal defense cases involving immigration consequences.
How do you handle complex immigration cases?
We develop customized strategies backed by thorough research, comprehensive documentation, and courtroom advocacy. Our approach combines legal expertise with personalized attention to address unique case complexities.
Do you offer consultation services?
Yes, we provide detailed consultations to assess case viability, explain legal options, and develop strategic action plans tailored to clients' specific circumstances.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Toronto, we represent clients across Canada and internationally, handling immigration matters at visa offices worldwide and Canadian courts nationwide.
How do you communicate case updates?
We maintain transparent communication through regular updates via phone, email, and in-person meetings, ensuring clients remain informed throughout the legal process.
What makes your firm different?
Our unique combination of immigration and criminal law expertise, decades of experience, and personalized approach distinguishes us in handling complex, high-stakes cases.
