There is an old Indian proverb that says “a problem is solved when it gets tougher.”  We often deal with clients who have already started their own application. Often these clients received incorrect advice, causing their application to be delayed or even denied.  We are experienced at analyzing where things went wrong and finding solutions to set things right.  However, just because we can clean up a mess does not mean you should wait to see us after one is made.  We prefer you consult us at the beginning of any immigration issue, which will save you a great deal of stress, time and money.

Our parents described the day they became citizens of Canada as one of the proudest of their lives.  We want you to share those same feelings as you journey toward citizenship.  In July of 2015, laws changed making it more difficult to obtain Canadian citizenship.  We can guide you through the increasingly difficult citizenship process to help ensure you too can hold a Canadian passport and all the privileges that accompany it.  In addition to our experience as Canadian immigration lawyers, we are experienced trial lawyers. Should your citizenship application be refused, we are prepared to represent you in Federal Court to advocate that your path to citizenship be cleared.

We live in difficult times in which there are more displaced people than in all of human history. Persecution, conflict and all out war have led to millions of people across the globe being denied basic human rights such as shelter, education, employment, healthcare and other basic freedoms we take for granted. We know we can’t change the world but we can still help. We are passionate about giving voice to the voiceless throughout the refugee claim process.  We make sure no stone is left unturned in collecting all of the necessary information and documents to corroborate your story. We also take great care to prepare you for the types of questions you will face at your hearing. We consider it a privilege to offer safe haven and support on your journey to a new home.

The ability and willingness to appeal decisions made at lower levels is one of the most important and powerful tools in the arsenal of an immigration lawyer.  If a decision has been made contrary to your interests, we always take care to examine whether mistakes have been made or an injustice perpetrated that may provide a basis for appeal to the Federal Court or Federal Court of Appeal.  We are not just paper pushers.  We are experienced Canadian immigration lawyers who know how to effectively advocate on your behalf before a judge should a decision be made against you.  We believe that appeals have the power to open closed doors.

Countries all around the globe are tightening their borders and Canada is no exception.  Canadian immigration laws have grown increasingly strict in recent years meaning that foreign nationals and even permanent residents are at increased risk of being rendered inadmissible and even deported should they be found guilty of breaking Canadian laws.  We are equipped to handle issues of criminal inadmissibility like no other as we work closely with experienced criminal lawyers in our office to form a joint strategy to deal with your matters.  In this way, inadmissibility issues may be entirely avoided if we are able to obtain a positive outcome on the criminal side of your case.  If this is not possible, we are well prepared to argue against deportation and for successful rehabilitation so that you can continue with the life you have established in Canada.

There is nothing in our lives more important than family.  We have deep personal knowledge of the emotional and financial difficulty associated with living in a country distant from your loved ones.  That is why we take particular care and pride in reuniting families.  Whether it is a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or other relative, we identify what information is vital for a successful application and can help prepare personalized statements to make sure your story has impact.

As immigrants, our parents taught us that Canada was a land of opportunity where hard work would never go unrewarded.  They were right.  And the same is true for you.  You may have studied hard in your homeland to achieve a higher education and skilled employment.  You may have an entrepreneurial spirit and a mind for business.  Whatever your story, we are here to help you transition your accomplishments as smoothly as possible to a Canadian landscape.  We have experience with all Federal and Provincial programs and will make sure to find the best fit for you.

We provide you guidance tailored to your particular circumstances with Federal and Provincial immigration programs including:

• Federal:
  • Express Entry
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class

• Provincial:
  • Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
  • Skilled Immigration Program
  • Entrepreneur Program

Exceptional circumstances require an exceptional approach.  We understand that all immigration cases do not fit into neat little categories.  When you are not eligible for permanent residency under the usual grounds, we get to work to assess whether your case has the special qualities required for a Humanitarian & Compassionate application.  Successful applications require intensive research and preparation as well as compelling arguments to convince the Minister that denying landing would result in unusual, undeserved and disproportionate hardship.  Whether you are living inside or outside of Canada, our experience lets us give voice to your exceptional story.

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications can be raised in many situations including:

• Individuals who are facing a removal order;
• Individuals residing in Canada for significant periods of time without any immigration status;
• Individuals who have been denied their refugee claim;
• Denial of sponsorship due to criminal history;
• As well as many others.

Gaining permanent residency to a stable, prosperous and beautiful country like Canada is like winning the lottery.  Which is why losing permanent resident status can be equally devastating.  Families can be torn apart.  Careful financial arrangements upended.  Plans for a peaceful and hopeful future cast into doubt.  Permanent resident status can be jeopardized in a variety of ways and time is of the essence if you have been notified that you have not met your residency obligations.  As experienced Canadian immigration lawyers, we understand the need to immediately gather as much information as possible about your circumstances, the circumstances of your family, the reasons for breach of your obligations, your connections to Canada and more.  This information is the foundation for the arguments we advance before the Immigration Appeal Division and Federal Court in order to preserve your status and your future.

The decision to adopt a child and the ensuing adoption process is thrilling and nerve wracking all at the same time.  We take great joy in joining you through the twists and turns of this incredible journey.  We will make sure you understand and don’t run afoul of applicable local laws in the form of the B.C. Adoption Act as well as international law by way of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption to which Canada is a signatory.  You’ll also benefit from our combined expertise in both immigration law and family law,

Our passion for immigration law is rooted in the joy we take in bringing families together.  For us, there is no greater sense of satisfaction than actually helping you start a new family through adoption. Learn more about international adoption on our Legal Wire Blog.

The ability to work means far more than simply making money. There exists an inherent dignity in work as well as a promise for a better life for oneself and one’s family. We are living testament to what can be accomplished through the immigrant ethic for hard work. Your story is our story which is why we are so passionate about helping you build a foundation for your future by joining Canada’s work force. There are a variety of ways to qualify for a work permit in Canada including through the use of a Labour Market Opinion, an International Experience Class application, under the United States Canada Mexico Agreement (formerly NAFTA), an application if you have a Student Visa and programs such as the Live In Caregiver Program. We will assess the best program for your particular circumstances and work hard to put you to work.

We have had the privilege of attending Canadian universities which are regarded as some of the best post-secondary institutions in the entire world.  As a result, we can tell you first hand that furthering your studies in Canada promises to be a rich and rewarding experience where you will make friends and connections that will last a lifetime.  A Canadian immigration lawyer can guide you every step of the way on your educational journey from obtaining your study permit, extending or renewing your study permit, changing your program of study, restoring your status as a student and more.  We have studied and know the law so you don’t have to.

From spectacular scenery to equally spectacular people, Canada is one of the greatest countries in the world to visit. Whether you want to see the sites, visit friends or relatives, attend a special function or are a business visitor, we can help you get where you want to go. Our Canadian immigration lawyers can help with any type of visa,  and even recommend some of our favorite destinations too.