What exactly is involved in an appeal?

In a sponsorship appeal, the Appellant (person who appeals) and the Applicant (person who is being sponsored) give evidence. The Appellant attends in person at the hearing room to give evidence and the Applicant gives evidence by phone. In other types of appeals, persons who have knowledge of the appeal matter may be witnesses who testify in person or by phone.

The opposing party to the appeal is the Respondent, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which is counsel for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. CBSA will serve its Appeal Record and disclosure at least 20 days before the hearing.