About Vecina Law

Vecina Law is a one-lawyer immigration and refugee law practice in Toronto, in business since 2012 from an office on St. Clair Avenue West. The firm's work centers on permanent residence applications under the caregiver streams, refugee claims and appeals, and sponsorship applications and appeals, along with humanitarian and compassionate applications, visitor, study and work permits, citizenship applications, Federal Court judicial review, and notarial services.

Founder Jean Marie Vecina is a member of both the Philippine bar, admitted in 2007, and the Ontario bar, admitted in 2012, holding a Bachelor of Laws from the University of San Carlos in the Philippines, a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of the Philippines, and a foreign law degree accreditation from the University of Toronto. Before moving into Canadian immigration and refugee law, Vecina represented women's groups in the Philippines and was invited to speak at the United Nations 51st session of the Commission on the Status of Women, then worked in settlement services supporting newcomers, LGBTQ youth, and live-in caregivers. The practice has appeared before the Immigration and Refugee Board at every level, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal, and offers service in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano.

Practice areas

Milestones & recognition

  • Admitted to the Philippine bar in 2007 and the Ontario bar in 2012.
  • Invited to speak at the United Nations 51st session of the Commission on the Status of Women, addressing the status of young women.
  • Operating in Toronto since 2012.

In the community

  • Co-founder of the Caregivers Action Centre.
  • Board member of SoCirc.

The neighbourhood

The office sits on St. Clair Avenue West in the Corso Italia-Davenport area, a stretch of the city known for independent, family-run shops, bakeries, and cafes rather than chain storefronts. It's a fitting setting for a practice that has stayed a one-lawyer operation on the same strip since 2012 instead of growing into a large firm.

Frequently asked questions

Can Vecina Law help with a permanent residence application under the caregiver stream?
Yes. Permanent residence applications under the caregiver streams are one of the firm's main areas of practice.
Does Vecina Law represent refugee claimants?
Yes, the firm handles refugee claims and appeals, along with related detention reviews and Federal Court judicial review applications.
I received a removal order. Can Vecina Law help me stay in Canada?
The firm works on inadmissibility issues and removal order appeals, as well as humanitarian and compassionate applications.
Can Vecina Law help me sponsor a family member to come to Canada?
Yes, sponsorship applications and appeals are among the services the firm offers.
What languages does the Vecina Law team speak?
Services are offered in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano, and the legal assistant also speaks French, Turkish, and Arabic.
How long has Vecina Law been practicing in Toronto?
The firm has operated from its St. Clair Avenue West office in Toronto since 2012.

Where to find them

1345 St. Clair Ave. W, Unit 3A, Toronto, ON M6E 1C3 · 647-490-1349

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Listing compiled from the firm’s public website in September 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗