Brian Yuen
IMMIGRATION LAWYER
(778) 331-1164
About Brian Yuen
Immigration & Refugee Litigator
With over 18 years of experience as a litigator, Brian Yuen provides sophisticated legal advocacy for those seeking safety, status, and stability in Canada. Called to the bar in 2008, Brian has built a practice defined by high-stakes advocacy and a deep commitment to human rights. He is recognized for his technical expertise and his ability to navigate the most complex facets of the Canadian immigration system. Brian also assists workers and employers with immigration related issues, and helps foreigners with a Canadian connection with their citizenship certificate applications.
Specialized Refugee Advocacy
Brian’s refugee practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. He focuses on representing individuals facing persecution across a broad spectrum of humanitarian issues, including:
LGBTQ+ Claimants
Protecting individuals fleeing violence or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Transgender Migrants
In light of the current legal landscape in the United States, Brian has emerged as a leading authority on assisting transgender individuals seeking to move to Canada. He provides expert guidance on Permanent Residency (PR), spousal sponsorships, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications, and citizenship certificates.
Political & Religious Asylum
Representing pro-democracy activists and individuals facing religious persecution.
Vulnerable Populations
Advocating for stateless people and addressing specialized women’s issues within the refugee context.
Proven Results in Litigation
Brian is a seasoned advocate who has successfully appeared before every level of the immigration tribunal and the courts:
- Tribunal Expertise: Extensive experience representing clients before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD), the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), and the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
- Federal Court: A strong track record of appearing before the Federal Court of Canada for Judicial Reviews, challenging administrative decisions to ensure due process for his clients.
- Comprehensive Services: Beyond litigation, Brian manages complex family reunifications and permanent residency pathways with meticulous care.
Leadership in the Legal Community
Brian does not just practice immigration law; he helps shape it through professional leadership and education:
- CBA Executive: He has served on the executive of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Immigration Section for the past three years, contributing to the governance of the profession in British Columbia.
- Public Speaker & Moderator: Brian is a frequent speaker and moderator at immigration law conferences and section meetings, sharing insights on evolving legal trends and procedures.
- Board Involvement: He currently serves as a Director of the Board for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, ensuring high standards of education for the legal community.
Academic & Professional Credentials
Brian’s multi-disciplinary background provides him with a unique advantage in complex cases.
- UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies, and Procedures (2019)
- Juris Doctor: University of Victoria (2007)
- Bachelor of Arts: University of British Columbia (2002)
Memberships
- Law Society of BC
- Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers
- Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers
- Trial Lawyers Association of BC
A Client-Centred Approach
Brian understands that immigration matters are deeply personal and often life-altering. Fluent in Cantonese and conversant in Mandarin, he bridges cultural and linguistic gaps to provide empathetic, clear, and effective representation. Outside of his practice, Brian is a competitive bodybuilder and is active in dog fostering and training.