Unless there are other inadmissibility issues
beyond the `Lack of Status', a lawyer is usually not needed. There is a public policy in place that waives the requirement to have legal status for an Inland (SCPLC) sponsorship application. This also means that status will not be given until the applicant has received an Open Work Permit (if submitting the OWP application AFTER reaching the AIP stage, or until the PR has been given if not applying for the OWP.
There is no guarantee that your friend will not be removed from Canada, but hopefully (if they act ASAP) time will not be an enemy.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...on-refugee-protection-act-spousal-policy.html
4. Public interest
The Minister has determined that it is in the public interest to assess all foreign nationals,
regardless of status (in spousal or common-law relationships with Canadian citizens or permanent residents), under the provisions of the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class if they meet the following conditions:
- Have made an application for permanent residence either on H&C grounds or via the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class;
- Are the subjects of a sponsorship undertaking that is made by their spouse or common-law partner.