Canadian Immigration Podcast

Episode Number: 142 - The PNP Battle for PR in Canada - From Temporary to Tenuous

Introduction:

Key Topics Discussed:

Recent Changes in PNPs:

Alicia shares insights from the National Immigration CBA Conference in Montreal. Discussion on the rising CRS scores and their impact on the pressure on PNPs. Overview of provincial nominee programs compared to federal economic immigration programs.

Challenges in Provincial Nominee Programs:

Detailed breakdown of Express Entry-linked streams and the multi-stage application process. Challenges of achieving provincial nomination and its benefits. The reality of PNP limitations and the marketing myths around easy access to nominations.

Labour Market and Provincial Needs:

Importance of aligning with provincial labour market needs. Strategies for potential immigrants considering moving to less competitive provinces. Highlighting the recent federal measure to support skilled temporary workers in Manitoba, including a potential new policy for extending work permits.

Discussion on Systemic Issues and Potential Solutions:

Exploration of how provinces manage nomination quotas and processing times. Potential future reforms in PNPs and federal collaboration to address backlogs and labour market needs. Legal considerations and advice for navigating the complex PNP landscape.

Concluding Thoughts:

Recap of the challenges faced by temporary residents in securing permanent residency through PNPs. Advice for listeners on dealing with the competitive nature of PNPs and planning for potential changes in immigration policy.

Resources Mentioned:

Links:

Episode 141: Impacts of the Closure of the Self-Employed Persons Program and Changes to the Startup Visa

Host: Mark Holthe
Guests: Alicia Backman-Beharry, Pantea Jafari
Date: May 13, 2024

Introduction: Welcome to Episode 141 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the recent changes and closures of two significant immigration streams: the Self-Employed Persons Program and the Startup Visa Program. Joining me today are Alicia Backman-Beharry and special guest Pantea Jafari, who brings a wealth of experience from her extensive work with self-employed candidates.

Key Topics Covered:

Recent Changes to the Startup Visa Program:

The government's announcement on April 29 regarding new restrictions. Cap introduced on support by business incubators, venture capital, and angel investor groups, limiting them to endorsing only 10 startups each. Introduction of priority processing for members of Canada's Tech Network.

Closure of the Self-Employed Persons Program:

Sudden closure of the program as of April 30, leaving many potential applicants and stakeholders in a lurch. Discussion on the implications of the closure and the government's lack of notice. Pantea Jafari's insights into the potential reasons behind the closure, including the targeting of specific demographics and concerns over program costs.

Discussion on the Government's Approach:

Examination of the government's pattern of responding to program issues. Impact of these changes on Canada's image as a destination for innovative businesses and cultural professionals. The future of these immigration streams and possible government reforms.

Advice for Affected Individuals:

Strategies for individuals who were considering these now-closed or altered pathways. Discussion on alternative immigration options and the importance of seeking timely and expert advice.

Conclusion: Mark, Alicia, and Pantea discuss the broader implications of these immigration changes and what the future might hold, especially with an upcoming election that could influence immigration policies further.

Join Us Next Time: Don't miss our next episode, where we will continue to explore the latest developments in Canadian immigration law and policy. Subscribe to stay updated!

Links to Resources

Podcast Episode 140: What if I am not invited in an Express Entry Draw?

Host: Mark Holthe
Guest: Alicia Backman-Beharry

Introduction:

Key Points:

Overview of Express Entry:

Explanation of the Express Entry system, which started in January 2015. It is designed to manage applications for Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and some Provincial Nominee Programs.

Challenges with Express Entry:

Discussion on the high CRS scores making it challenging for individuals outside Canada to qualify. Emphasis on the need for strategies to improve chances of receiving an ITA.

Strategies to Improve CRS Scores:

Possibility of increasing language scores, gaining additional work experience, and pursuing higher education. Consideration of provincial nominee programs for additional points.

Category-Specific Draws:

Insight into how targeted draws based on specific criteria such as occupation or language can offer alternative pathways to receive an ITA.

Alternatives to Express Entry:

Exploration of other immigration pathways including provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship, and temporary work permits.

Future of Express Entry:

Discussion on potential changes and the importance of staying informed about immigration policies and category-specific draws.

Role of Immigration Lawyers:

How consulting with an expert can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to individual circumstances.

Conclusion:

Resources:

Next Episode Preview:

Listen and Subscribe:

Title: Making Sense of the Filipino Temporary Foreign Worker Exit Visa Requirements

Introduction: Welcome back to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. Today, we delve into one of the most complex aspects of immigration for Filipino workers—the exit visa requirements. This episode, which is also available as a vodcast on our Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube channel, features a special guest, Canadian Immigration Lawyer Lou Janssen Dangzalan.

Key Highlights:

Introduction of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW):

Lou explains the recent establishment of the DMW in the Philippines, which now handles the affairs of Filipinos working abroad. This department evolved from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, centralizing services under one department.

Understanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs):

Discussion on the concept of OFWs, their importance to the Philippine economy, and the legal framework that defines and governs their employment abroad.

Exit Visa Requirements:

A comprehensive overview of the Philippine government's requirements for Filipinos working overseas, including the necessity for exit clearances and how these regulations impact both workers and their foreign employers.

Direct Hiring Ban and Exemptions:

Insight into the Philippine Labor Code’s stipulations against direct hiring by foreign employers and the specific exemptions that allow for direct recruitment under certain conditions.

Enforcement Mechanisms:

Lou discusses how the Philippine government enforces compliance with employment regulations for OFWs, including blacklisting non-compliant employers and recruitment agencies.

Implications for Employers and Workers:

Practical advice for both employers and Filipino workers on navigating the complexities of compliance to ensure smooth and legal employment practices.

Conclusion: This episode sheds light on the critical but often misunderstood regulations affecting Filipino workers abroad. Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding legal pitfalls in the recruitment and employment of OFWs.

Additional Resources:

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on platforms like iTunes and Spotify and leave a review if you found this episode informative. Share this episode with anyone who might benefit from understanding more about Filipino exit visa requirements and the broader implications for international employment practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Labor Code of the Philippines: (Art.18. Ban on direct-hiring): https://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/1131/Labor%20Code%20of%20the%20Philippines%20-%20DOLE.pdf

Book a consult with Lou Janssen Dangzalan: https://www.ljd-law.ca/consultation

DMW Advisory 09/2024 - Documentation of Filipinos as OFWs under Canada’s Immigration Programs/Systems: https://dmw.gov.ph/resources/dsms/DMW/ISN-EXT/2024/DMW-ADVISORY-09-2024.pdf

Welcome to Episode 138 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia delve into the freshly released Budget 2024 to unearth the key takeaways impacting immigration. They offer insights into the potential directional shifts in policies based on where the government is channelling its financial resources.

Key Highlights:

Stabilization of the Refugee System: Discussion on the government's dual strategy to reduce asylum claims and manage the expulsion of individuals with denied claims. Mark and Alicia consider the impact of recent steps such as the visa requirements for Mexican citizens and changes in legislation affecting the immediate cancellation of temporary resident visas upon issuance of removal orders.

Sustainable Immigration Strategy: With a focus on a more sustainable approach to immigration, the podcast addresses the current imbalances in the system, particularly in the International Student Program, which is now under strict scrutiny.

Support for Newcomers: The budget has earmarked funds for legal aid to assist individuals with immigration proceedings, and $50 million for the recognition of foreign credentials, signalling a move toward better integrating skilled immigrants into the Canadian workforce.

Adjustment of Temporary Resident Intake: The podcast discusses the federal government's unprecedented move to set targets for temporary resident levels in an effort to manage intake and improve processing times, with an emphasis on transparency and policy planning.

Focus on Economic and Community Integration: This segment explores how the government's financial commitments indicate a desire for improved integration of immigrants into Canada's economic fabric and community support networks.

Targeted Draws: The discussion here is on the government's continued focus on targeted draws within the Express Entry system, which favours certain economic sectors and specific NOC codes known for chronic labour shortages.

Bonus Point:

Fee Increases: The podcast closes with a bonus discussion on the planned increase in government fees for immigration applications and the implications for potential immigrants and practitioners in the field.

For more insights and updates on Canadian immigration, visit Joorney Business Plans at www.joorney.ca with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a discount on business plan services, or book a legal consultation at www.holthelaw.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube channel for live Q&As that occur every Wednesday at 10:00am MT. 

If you need any immigration legal advice, please feel free to book a consultation with our firm Holthe Immigration Law: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation

Welcome to Episode 137 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this deep dive, your host, Canadian immigration lawyer Mark Holthe, along with co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry, unpack the complexities and risks of flagpoling, a practice many temporary residents in Canada consider for swiftly adjusting their immigration status.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Flagpoling: Flagpoling involves leaving Canada, usually at a U.S. land border, and re-entering to activate a new immigration status or extend the current one without the lengthy processing times typically experienced through inland applications.

Legislative Changes in 2024: Discover the recent legislative updates that have increased the stakes for individuals considering flagpoling, with potential drastic consequences like the automatic cancellation of visas and permits upon the issuance of a removal order.

Be Prepared: Learn the importance of arriving at the border with all necessary documents well-organized and ready for inspection, including the means to pay any associated fees.

Honesty is Key: Mark and Alicia emphasize being transparent and truthful with border officers, as misrepresentations can lead to application refusals and other severe consequences.

Respect and Politeness: Understand the human element of interacting with border officers and the significance of maintaining courtesy, even when faced with challenging situations.

Knowledge is Power: Applicants are urged to fully understand their application and the flagpoling process, ensuring they can clearly articulate their reasons for flagpoling to the border officers.

Avoid Peak Times and Be Patient: Timing can be everything; choosing off-peak hours to flagpole could result in a smoother experience. Patience is also vital, as wait times can be lengthy.

Follow Instructions: Being attentive and following border officers' directions can prevent misunderstandings and make the process more straightforward.

Clear Communication and Understanding Rights: Keeping communication clear, especially regarding the search of electronic devices, which officers have broad authority to inspect.

Last Resort with Risks: Flagpoling should be considered a last resort due to the high risks involved, especially for those with complex immigration situations or who have previously overstayed or worked without authorization.

Conclusion: Flagpoling is not a one-size-fits-all solution and can present significant risks for those who attempt it without fully understanding the process or being prepared for potential negative outcomes. This episode sheds light on the nuances of this practice and provides valuable guidance for temporary residents and their advisors to navigate this high-stakes process with greater awareness and caution.

For more insights on flagpoling and other Canadian immigration matters, follow Mark Holthe's insights and updates at Canadian Immigration Institute.

Remember, each immigration case is unique, and it’s advisable to consult with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer before proceeding with flagpoling or any significant immigration decisions.

Book a consultation: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 136: The Future of Immigration in Canada 2024

Welcome to Episode 136 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the future of immigration in Canada as we continue into 2024, focusing on recent announcements by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and the potential impact on temporary and permanent residency pathways.

Key Highlights:

Minister's Speech on Immigration Intentions: Immigration Minister Sean Fraser delivered a speech outlining the government's intentions for immigration, emphasizing the need to balance economic needs with humanitarian commitments.

Breakdown of Temporary Resident Numbers: Analysis of temporary resident numbers reveals that 42% are international students, 9% are under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, 44% are under the International Mobility Program, and 5% are Asylum seekers. The government aims to align temporary residence with economic goals.

International Student Restrictions: The government has implemented restrictions on international students, including caps on study permits, increased minimum funds requirements, and limitations on spousal work permits. These measures aim to reduce the number of international students and ensure that schools focus on programs contributing to the workforce.

LMIA Restrictions: The government has reduced the LMIA validity period from 18 months to 6 months, forcing employers to be more efficient in their recruitment and limiting the number of temporary foreign workers.

Asylum and Humanitarian Restrictions: The government is considering restrictions on asylum seekers and humanitarian pathways, focusing on linking internationally recognized refugees with Canadian employers through the Economic Mobility Pathway for Refugees (EMPP).

Future Plans for Temporary and Permanent Residency: Minister Fraser announced plans to expand the immigration levels plan to include both temporary resident arrivals and permanent resident arrivals. The government aims to ensure a robust pathway to permanent residency for those wishing to make Canada their long-term home.

Practical Advice for Temporary Residents: Temporary residents in Canada should focus on improving their language skills, especially French language, securing employer support for LMIAs, and applying for work permits and post-graduation work permits promptly to maximize their chances of transitioning to permanent residency.

Conclusion:

The future of immigration in Canada is undergoing significant changes, with the government aiming to align temporary and permanent residency pathways with economic needs while maintaining humanitarian commitments. International students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers should stay informed about policy changes and seek legal advice to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.

For more information and assistance with Canadian immigration matters, you can book a consultation with Mark Holthe or Alicia Backman-Beharry through the following link: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 135: Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications - When All Else Fails!

Welcome to Episode 135 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and special guest Ronalee Carey, a Canadian immigration lawyer based in Ottawa, discuss the intricacies of Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications in Canada. This episode provides valuable insights for those considering an H&C application as a last resort for obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

You can watch the video of this episode on the Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel. 

Key Highlights:

Understanding H&C Applications: H&C applications are for individuals who are inside Canada and have compelling humanitarian or compassionate grounds that justify granting them permanent resident status. These applications are considered when other immigration pathways are not available or viable.

Eligibility: Anyone inside Canada can apply for an H&C application, regardless of their status. However, there are specific exclusions, such as individuals with failed refugee claims within the first year and those inadmissible due to security concerns.

Factors Considered: Immigration officers consider several factors, including establishment in Canada, ties to Canada, best interests of children, adverse country conditions, health considerations, consequences of family separation, inability to leave Canada, and unique or exceptional circumstances.

Supporting Documents: Essential supporting documents include evidence of establishment in Canada, ties to family members, impact on children, country condition reports, medical reports, and any other documentation that supports the humanitarian and compassionate grounds of the application.

Approval Chances: The approval rate for H&C applications varies, and it's important to note that these applications are highly discretionary. Success depends on the strength of the case and the compelling nature of the humanitarian and compassionate grounds presented.

Process: H&C applications undergo a two-step process. The first step assesses the humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and if approved in principle, the applicant can apply for a work permit. The second step involves admissibility checks, including medical, criminal, and security screenings.

Considerations: It's crucial for applicants to understand that H&C applications should be a last resort. Applicants must have exhausted all other immigration options, and the application should be well-documented and compelling to have a chance of success.

Legal Advice: Given the complexity and discretionary nature of H&C applications, it's advisable to seek legal advice from experienced immigration lawyers to assess the viability of the application and ensure it is properly prepared and presented.

Conclusion:

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications are a complex and discretionary aspect of Canadian immigration law. They offer a potential pathway to permanent residency for individuals who have compelling humanitarian or compassionate reasons and have no other viable immigration options. Understanding the factors considered, preparing a well-documented application, and seeking legal advice are crucial steps in navigating this challenging process.

For more information and assistance with Canadian immigration matters, visit Ronalee Carey's website at Ronalee Carey Law or watch this episode on Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel at Canadian Immigration Institute.

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 134: Top 10 Essentials for Employers with Foreign Workers

Welcome to Episode 134 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where hosts Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the Top 10 Essentials employers should know when hiring foreign workers. This episode provides valuable insights and guidance for employers navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration law as they try to retain their workers in a volatile market.

Key Highlights:

Provincial Registration: Employers in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan must be provincially registered to employ foreign workers. This process can take several months and is crucial for compliance. Licensed Recruiters: Employers must work with bonded, licensed recruiters when hiring foreign workers. Ensure that the recruiter is properly licensed and bonded to avoid penalties. Understanding the Program: Know whether you are hiring under the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as it affects the hiring process and timeline. Plan Your Timing and Retention: Strategically plan your hiring process to ensure timely recruitment and retention of foreign workers. Consider long-term immigration goals and ensure proper work authorization. Employment Agreements: Have clear employment agreements in place that outline the terms of employment and compliance with immigration requirements. Compliance with Employment Standards: Ensure adherence to Employment Standards Code and Workers' Compensation requirements to provide a fair and safe workplace for foreign workers. Maintain Substantially the Same Employment Conditions: Employers must maintain the same employment conditions as stated in the LMIA or employment contract to avoid non-compliance. Workplace Free of Abuse: Create a workplace culture and policies that ensure foreign workers are free from physical, emotional, or psychological abuse and have access to healthcare services. Access to Healthcare Services: Ensure that foreign workers have access to healthcare services, especially if they become injured or ill at the workplace. Get Help from Experienced Immigration Lawyers: Stay up to date with immigration law changes and ensure compliance by seeking assistance from experienced immigration lawyers.

Conclusion:

Employing foreign workers in Canada requires careful planning, compliance with various regulations, and a commitment to providing a supportive work environment. By following these top 10 essentials, employers can navigate the complexities of immigration law and create a successful and compliant hiring strategy.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Canadian immigration law, policy, and practice. Visit Holthe Immigration Law for more information and assistance with your immigration needs.

Welcome to Episode 133 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where we dive into the newly announced Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Tourism and Hospitality Stream. Host Alicia Backman-Beharry and guest Igor Kyryliuk discuss the implications of this new stream and provide valuable tips for potential applicants.

[NOTE: As of the release of this episode, the AAIP has confirmed the first phase of the program is now closed. If filled extremely fast, but the AAIP will open future opportunities under this program as soon as the existing applications have been processed. It will be important to monitor the AAIP website carefully so that you are ready when the program opens once again. https://www.alberta.ca/tourism-and-hospitality-stream ] 

Key Highlights:

Important Tips for Applicants:

Create an Alberta.ca Account: Ensure you have a basic, unverified alberta.ca account ready for when the stream launches. Understand Your NOC and Wage: Make sure your job matches one of the eligible NOC codes and that you meet the wage requirements. Gather Proof of Employment and Job Offer: Collect documents to prove your past employment and obtain a job offer from an Alberta employer in the tourism and hospitality sector. Prove Intent to Reside and Ability to Settle: Show your ties to Alberta and your commitment to living in the province. Tell the Truth: Always be honest in your application and ensure consistency with previous applications to avoid misrepresentation.

Conclusion:

The new Alberta PNP Tourism and Hospitality Stream offers a promising opportunity for individuals working in this sector to establish themselves permanently in Alberta. By following the tips provided in this episode and preparing thoroughly, applicants can increase their chances of success in this competitive landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates on Canadian immigration law, policy, and practice, and a special thanks to our sponsor, Joorney Business Plans, for their continued support.

Take action: Sign up for the Express Entry Masterclass and check out the Express Entry Accelerator 2024 course to gain comprehensive knowledge and guidance on managing your application: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page 

Contact Information:

Stay tuned: For more insights and guidance on Canadian immigration, and remember to use the sponsor's code for a discount on professional business plan services.

Welcome to Episode 132 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, where we dive into the recent changes to the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and the introduction of a new pathway for the tourism and hospitality sector. Host Alicia Backman-Beharry is joined by articling student Igor Kyryliuk to discuss these significant updates and their impact on potential applicants, especially within the Ukrainian community in Alberta.

The new stream targets eighteen National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, including program leaders, restaurant and food service managers, chefs, cooks, bartenders, hotel front desk clerks, tour and travel guides, and various cleaning and support occupations. Applicants must also meet median wage requirements, which are yet to be detailed.

The recent changes to the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the introduction of the new Tourism and Hospitality Stream represent significant shifts in Alberta's immigration landscape. While the closure of the AOS may present challenges for many, the new stream offers opportunities for those in the tourism and hospitality sector to establish themselves permanently in Alberta.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on Canadian immigration law, policy, and practice. And a special thanks to our sponsor, Joorney Business Plans, for their continued support.

For more details and updates, visit the Canadian Immigration Podcast website and subscribe to stay informed on the latest developments in Canadian immigration.

Title: Express Entry - Top 5 Wrong Answers in Online Forums

Host: Mark Holthe

Sponsor: Joorney Business Plans - The leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. Mention the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a 10% discount on your first business plan.

Introduction:

Key Points:

Can you claim work experience while studying full-time in Canada?

Clarification on claiming work experience while studying full-time in Canada and the differences between the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Explanation of eligibility for work experience claims for Federal Skilled Worker Program, but not for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Can you change your Primary NOC after receiving an ITA?

Discussion on the possibility of changing the primary NOC (National Occupational Classification) after receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply) without affecting Express Entry eligibility or CRS score, with proper justification in the letter of explanation.

What must be included in a translation package?

Detailed breakdown of what should be included in a translation package for Express Entry applications, emphasizing the importance of stamps and affidavits from certified translators.

Can I remove work history Post-ITA:

Guidance on removing work history from the application after receiving an ITA, provided it does not affect eligibility or CRS score, and the necessity of full disclosure in the personal history section.

Can I list my Spouse as Non-Accompanying when they are already with me in Canada?

Strong advice against listing a spouse as non-accompanying if they are already in Canada to avoid misrepresentation allegations.

Course Promotion:

Reminder: Always verify information found in online forums with reputable sources or legal consultations to navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration law and policy.

Take action: Sign up for the Express Entry Masterclass and check out the Express Entry Accelerator 2024 course to gain comprehensive knowledge and guidance on managing your application: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page 

Contact Information:

Stay tuned: For more insights and guidance on Canadian immigration, and remember to use the sponsor's code for a discount on professional business plan services.

Title: Navigating Work Permit Options Under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement

Host: Mark Holthe

Guest: Alicia Backman-Beharry

Introduction:

Key Points:

Historical Context: Alicia discusses the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement as Canada's first with a South American country, established in 1997 and modernized in 2019 to include a chapter on trade and gender.

Trade and Gender: The modernized agreement includes progressive steps like a chapter on trade and gender, focusing on cooperation between parties to support women entrepreneurs and women in SMEs.

Chile's Progressive Moves: Discussion on Chile’s progressive nature and its ongoing negotiations with other international trade agreements.

Eligibility and Work Permits:

Details on who is eligible for work permits under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Comparison with other existing trade agreements and work permit programs.

Professional Category Nuances:

Alicia explains the specific nuances for professionals within the agreement, including education and licensing recognitions.

Application Process:

Guidance on the online application process for Chilean professionals, including the requirement for a visa and submission through the employer portal.

Representative Tips:

Mark and Alicia advise immigration practitioners on how to clearly outline the nature of the work permit and the associated exemption codes to avoid misunderstandings.

Sponsor: Joorney Business Plans - Specializing in preparing business plans for intercompany transfers under free trade agreements.

Conclusion:

Contact Information:

Endnote:

Remember to check out our sponsor, Joorney Business Plans, and use promo code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a discount on your first business plan.

Stay tuned for more episodes on our Business Immigration Series and reach out if you have topics to suggest or insights to share!

In this episode of our Business Immigration Series, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss one of the oldest and often underutilized Free Trade Agreement Work Permits, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). 

Key Highlights:

Important Links:

Book a Consultation: For personalized legal advice on Canadian immigration, book a consultation with Mark Holthe at https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation. 2024 Express Entry Accelerator DIY Course: Subscribe to prepare and enhance your Express Entry application with the Canadian Immigration Institute's DIY Course at https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page.

Sponsor Spotlight: Journey Business Plans

Journey Business Plans, our title sponsor, specializes in crafting comprehensive business plans tailored for immigration applications, including intercompany transfers, startup visas, and more. Discover their services at www.joorney.ca and use the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a 10% discount on your first business plan.

Conclusion:

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of GATS, shedding light on its potential as a tool for business immigration while acknowledging its limitations. Whether you're a professional seeking entry into Canada or a business looking to navigate immigration laws, GATS presents unique opportunities and challenges worth considering.

Thank you for tuning in to the Canadian Immigration Podcast. Stay informed on the latest in Canadian immigration law, policy, and practice by subscribing and joining us in future episodes.

In this episode of our Business Immigration Series, we navigate the intricacies of the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit, a cornerstone of Canada's International Mobility Program. Unpack the nuances of how this permit enables employers to hire temporary workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

We delve into the flexibility provided by Paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), exploring how it allows officers to respond to unique cases where foreign nationals can create substantial benefits across Canada. The conversation gets practical with real-world examples, such as the case of a Tanning Salon Manager, who was successfully able to secure a C10 work permit. 

Our discussion extends to the critical documentation and evidence required to showcase a foreign national's significant contribution to Canada's economic, social, or cultural fabric. We dissect the types of evidence that make a strong case, while steering clear of simple replications from the department's website.

Whether you're a business professional, immigration lawyer or consultant, or just curious about Canada's work permit pathways, this episode is your guide to understanding the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit.

Joorney Business Plans (Title Sponsor): https://www.joorney.ca/  

BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

🔺JOIN THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

🔺ULTIMATE GUIDE to proving your Work History for Express Entry: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/bsd-lead-magnet-records-of-employment-1

This is a continuation of our previous discussion with Pantea Jarafi regarding the systemic refusals of Canadian Self Employed applications in the Warsaw office. Mark Holthe and Pantea discuss the class-action case of Tafreshi v MCI 2022 FC 1089, and the struggle that 110 applicants have had to go through to obtain justice from IRCC. The issues to lie in a calculated and systemic refusal of Self-Employed applications in the Warsaw office and a refusal on the part of IRCC to adhere to the rule of law and respect basic principles of procedural fairness within the adjudication process.

Connect with Pantea directly if you feel like you have been affected by a similar issue or if you need help with a judicial review of your refused application: www.jafarilaw.ca/

Watch Part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnDIvxlDA-c&t=189s

Joorney Business Plans (Title Sponsor): https://www.joorney.ca/ 💻

BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

🔺JOIN THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

🔺ULTIMATE GUIDE to proving your Work History for Express Entry: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/bsd-lead-magnet-records-of-employment-1

In this Episode 126 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry tackle the intricacies of the Recognized Employer Pilot program, designed to simplify the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) process and reward employers with high standards. The podcast episode outlines key eligibility criteria, explores the program's benefits, and highlights potential challenges for businesses navigating the Canadian immigration landscape.

Here are just few things that Mark and Alicia discussed in this episode:

This episode provides valuable insights for employers navigating the LMIA process in Canada, offering guidance on how to benefit from the Recognized Employer Pilot program while emphasizing the importance of compliance and continuous efforts to hire Canadian workers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

About our Sponsor - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

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🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

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🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

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***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6 —— 🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community —— About our Sponsor - Joorney Business Plans: Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more. Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers. Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses 🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k 🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course 🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT 🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS 🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE 🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us 🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM 📱 Follow us on social Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5 Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv ***Disclaimer*** Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law. Show Notes: Intro Music Mark Holthe: Welcome back to the Canadian Immigration Podcast. This is Episode 125, and I'm your host, Mark Holthe. Today we're unpacking the intricacies of the CUSMA Trader and Investor work permits. These permits fall under the general category of what I call Canada Immigration’s best kept secrets. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: Before we delve into the depths of today's topic, let's quickly summarize the basic elements of the CUSMA Trader and Investor work permits. Mark Holthe: The CUSMA Trader work permit is designed for individuals who engage in substantial trade between the U.S. or Mexico and Canada. To qualify, applicants must have American or Mexican citizenship, work for an enterprise of the same nationality, and their trade activities must be primarily directed to Canada, comprising at least 50% of the company's international trade. Additionally, the role in Canada should be of a supervisory, executive, or involve essential skills. Mark Holthe: Moving on to the Investor work permit—this category is for those making a significant and active investment in a Canadian enterprise. The investor, who must also be an American or Mexican citizen, should be investing in a venture that promises more than just a personal living; it should generate employment and contribute economically to Canada. The invested funds must be substantial, which means they should be proportionate to the nature and scale of the business. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: With these summaries in mind, let's explore the nuanced criteria, application processes, and strategic considerations that come into play with these unique work permits. Full Disclosure: I don’t do many of these. But what I have learned has come from a combination of my limited exposure coupled with the things I have learned from the amazing members of our immigration bar that freely share their experience, insight and knowledge. I’ve attended countless seminars, conferences, webinars and workshops on immigration over the past few 20 years, and learned from my fellow colleague’s successes and failures. Because I have benefited so much from them, I created this podcast to pay it forward. So for this episode, I want to extend a special shout out to two outstanding business immigration lawyers David Garson and Joel Guberman who shared a ton of insight on these two very underutilized work permits in a fantastic webinar put on by the Canadian Bar Association’s immigration section back in April of 2021 during the relative height of the pandemic. The webinar was chaired by Robin Seligman so she get’s a shout out as well. Some of the scenarios and insight shared in this episode come from that webinar. So thanks so much David, Joel and Robin. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: Okay, Let's talk about the Investor work permit first. Here, the crux is the investment itself. The funds must genuinely be at risk in a Canadian enterprise. You can't just plan to invest; the investment has to be made upfront before applying for the visa. Mark Holthe: So, what qualifies as a substantial investment? Well, it's not specified in dollar amounts. It's about what's necessary to establish the business in Canada. The investment can't be marginal—simply sustaining the foreign worker's income isn't enough. It should be significant enough to employ other local employees too. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: The nationality of the company and the workers is key. Both must be either Mexican or American. The company must be U.S.-owned, and the individuals transferring must be U.S. citizens. And notably, for those with permanent residence in Canada or green card holders in the U.S., this permit isn't an option. Mark Holthe: In the case of global companies, if the headquarters are in the U.S. but the ownership isn't American—let's say, Dutch citizens own it—that doesn't fit the bill for the investor work permit. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: To give you an example of how the Investor work permit may fit where others don’t, Consider that this work permit is suitable for executives, managers, or those with essential skills. Normally you would think….ICT, but what if the person hasn’t yet been with the company for a year? And what if there is no reciprocity with Canadian’s working abroad for the company? In this situation, but the ICT and C20 would be ruled out. However, the Treaty Investor may be the perfect fit in this situation. Another significant advantage of the investor work permit is its objectivity. It's easier to demonstrate that requirements are met, and there is far less discretionary decision making by the officer….as would be the case with the C10 Significant Benefit work permit. JOORNEY BUSINESS PLAN AD SCRIPT Mark Holthe: Shifting gears to Trader work permits. Here, the company must be at least 50% owned by American or Mexican citizens and engage in substantial trade with Canada—meaning, at least half of the company's international trade should be with Canada. This is what makes the trade substantial and primarily directed to Canada. Mark Holthe: Ownership determination can be tricky, especially with publicly traded companies. Generally, if it's traded exclusively on a U.S. stock exchange, it's a U.S. company. But if it's traded on multiple exchanges, you need to pinpoint where the majority of the trade occurs. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: What defines substantial trade? It could be a few high-value transactions or many smaller ones that cumulatively are significant. For digital products, like apps, numerous low-value transactions can also meet the substantial trade criterion. Mark Holthe: There's a creative solution for companies that don't currently trade substantially with Canada. They could set up a separate 'Canada trading company' where 100% of its trade is with Canada, thereby meeting the substantial trade test. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: And a bonus for traders: you don't need a physical presence in Canada. This is ideal for service technicians who need to travel in and out of Canada. It also benefits consultants who could have multiple Canadian contracts with just one work permit, unlike the CUSMA professional category, which requires a separate work permit for each Canadian client. Mark Holthe: As we wrap up today's episode on CUSMA Trader and Investor work permits, I want to leave my fellow immigration practitioners with some practical tips that can make all the difference in your applications. These are going to jump around a little bit, but think of these as factors to consider in your overall assessment of this particular tool in your business immigration toolbox. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: When considering substantial investment, think of it as a sliding scale. It's not just about the amount—it's about the significance relative to the business. For instance, $100,000 might be substantial for a single restaurant acquisition but not for a franchise with multiple restaurants valued in the millions of dollars. Mark Holthe: Now, regarding arranged employment points under Express Entry, there's debate on whether CUSMA Trader and Investor entrants can gain these 200 points if they are self-employed or the actual owners of the involved companies. It appears that while Canadian work experience points may not be available, arranged employment points could be—if the applicant is a genuine T4 employee and not self-employed. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: A word of caution when completing the IMM 5321 form for Trader/Investor Status: it's dual-purpose, so stay vigilant. Answer only what's relevant to your client's situation, and if a section doesn't apply—say so clearly. Mark Holthe: And remember, for treaty traders, there's no requirement to declare the value of trade within Canada. This permit isn't about investment within Canadian borders—it's about trade volume with Canada. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: Lawyers should also note Canada's stance on investment. While the U.S. may be stricter, Canada welcomes solid applications that demonstrate economic benefits—like job creation within CAnada. So Strong advocacy is key here. Mark Holthe: Don't forget to explore agreements beyond CUSMA. Canada has other treaties, like CETA with the EU, which may not include trader permits due to different economic dynamics. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: A challenging aspect of CUSMA permits is the initial permit is only issued for one-year. Contrast this with the U.S.'s five-year term, which is more conducive to business stability. We need to advocate for extensions—there's no cap on these, and we should push the envelope for our clients' benefit. If the facts are right and a client is willing, you may just want to take a run at the 1 year limit. Few companies may be willing to invest millions of dollars when they are only securing a one year work permit that must be extended. Now there are not caps on how many times you can extend; however, it does create more uncertainty. Mark Holthe: For those acquiring existing businesses, a business plan might not be necessary, but it's crucial for startups. Your business plan must detail the investment's trajectory within Canada. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: Take advantage of the fact that these permits are not widely applied for. There's freedom in advocacy here. And if you're looking for guidance, the U.S. Foreign Affairs Manual can provide a valuable checklist to reference, though it's not a strict template for Canada, it can really point you in the right direction when you are considering how best to support these WP applications. Mark Holthe: A key limitation to remember: while both U.S. and Mexican citizens are eligible, there's no mixing and matching—U.S. companies can't bring in Mexican workers under these permits. Jingle Transition Mark Holthe: And for those needing to send technicians to Canada, the treaty trader permit is a golden ticket. It's more straightforward than LMIAs and doesn't necessitate a Canadian entity. Yet, ensure that at least 50% of the company's trade is with Canada—possibly through a dedicated U.S. division. Outro Music Mark Holthe: That's all for today's episode. Remember, each application is a story— and your job is to tell it well, and in a manner that an officer can get behind. Thank you for joining me today. Alicia will be back with me in the next episode where we continue our journey through the various international treaties Canada has entered into that can further expand your business immigration toolbox. Take care and all the best as we navigate our way through this crazy world of Canadian immigration. Outro Music Fades

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

About our Sponsor - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

In episode 122 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, the focus is on the top 10 crucial considerations when bringing an employee under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Mark Holthe, the seasoned immigration lawyer hosting the episode, expertly explores these key points and questions that can make or break an international hiring process. From examining the reciprocal relationships outlined in the FTA with the employee's country of origin to determining whether the FTA applies exclusively to citizens or extends to permanent residents, the episode offers essential guidance for employers and applicants alike. Further, the podcast delves into issues like bringing dependents, admissibility checks, work permit caps and extensions, and the importance of long-term planning. Business visitors' regulations under the FTA, coverage of technicians and trades employees, and the list of professionals eligible under the FTA are also thoroughly dissected, making this episode a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of international employment through Free Trade Agreements.

Top 10 things to remember when bringing an employee under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Reciprocal relationships (check the FTA with the employee’s country of origin) Check if the FTA is available to Permanent residents or only to citizens of the signatory country Bringing the employee’s spouse or children - check if the FTA facilitates entry for the dependents Screen the applicants and their dependents for admissibility (criminal and medical, security, misrepresentation, etc.) Check the caps, number, and duration of the work permits under the FTA Extensions - can you extend the Work Permit?  Make a long-term plan. Do you have a strategy to transition the employee to another Work Permit? Business visitors - does the FTA modify the regulations? Do you even need a Work Permit application under the FTA? Does the FTA cover Technicians and Trade employees? Professionals category - check the list of professionals under the FTA. Is it a positive list or a negative list?

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

Today, we're diving deep into the complexities of Employer Portal, offering guidance to employers and temporary foreign workers dealing with LMIA exemptions and employer-specific work permits. It can be a challenging journey, but understanding the process is key to a smoother experience. Let's explore the steps and potential pitfalls.

REGISTERING FOR EMPLOYER PORTAL: To kick things off, when an employee needs an employer-specific work permit but qualifies for an LMIA exempt category, employers must first register for an Employer Portal account. But the pain begins with setting up an alternate user, and the challenges of Two-Factor Authentication (TFA).

OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT: New requirements, effective since September 26, 2022, have added complexity. Employers must craft an offer of employment with precision. Key terms are crucial, and employers are reminded that they'll be held accountable for compliance under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

WORKER RIGHTS AND ABUSE PREVENTION: We discuss the critical aspects of worker rights, emphasizing the importance of posting and logging the time when employees receive this vital information. Employers must commit to a workplace free from abuse, and this involves having a signed and dated agreement. Providing a fully executed copy to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) is a must before submission through the Employer Portal.

REGULATED OCCUPATIONS: Employers need to be cautious of regulated occupations. Additional requirements or restrictions may apply.

DATA ENTRY AND TIME MANAGEMENT: The process of entering information can be cumbersome. Managing time-outs and keeping a separate document for critical data is essential for a smoother experience.

LMIA EXEMPTIONS AND FITTING IN THE BOX: Employers need to ensure that their case fits into an LMIA exemption. We discuss the importance of getting this step right and whether to rely on specific criteria or uploading supporting documents.

UPLOADING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT: The employment agreement plays a vital role. Employers must upload it with an acknowledgment from the employee that they have received Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) information.

DUPLICATE OFFERS AND PAYMENT: A crucial tip for employers is to create duplicate offers before proceeding to payment. This safeguards against application issues. It's worth noting that draft offers expire in 60 days, so time is of the essence.

PAYMENT MECHANICS AND COMMON GLITCHES: We delve into the mechanics of the $230 payment and common glitches. Employers need to be aware of potential issues, including the disappearance of essential numbers or letters (A # essential O#).

APPLYING FOR WORK PERMIT: It's not over yet! We guide employers on ensuring the employee properly applies for their work permit. The place and method of application depend on the employee's nationality, whether they're from the US, require an eTA, or a visa.

Navigating the Employer Portal can indeed be a challenging journey, filled with potential pain points and complexities. But armed with the right knowledge, employers and temporary foreign workers can overcome these hurdles and ensure a smoother process. Stay tuned for more insights and guidance in our upcoming episodes.

UPCOMING EPISODES: To wrap up, we offer a sneak peek into our next series of episodes where we uncover the hidden gems of the International Mobility Program (IMP) – Free Trade Agreements. These agreements are a game-changer for employers and employees.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

What to do when it all goes wrong? A discussion about how to get errors fixed for study permits, work permits, visitor visa or permanent residence. Examples will include what to do when you (the applicant) make a mistake, and what to do when IRCC makes a mistake.  

When you make a mistake:

When IRCC makes a mistake:

Get in touch with Adrienne Denham

Website: www.lebeaulaw.ca 

Consult: https://lebeaulaw.ca/immigration-law/

__________________________________________________________________________

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

Join Mark Holthe and Pantea Jafari as they discuss the recent case of Tafreshi v MCI 2022 FC 1089, and the struggle that 110 applicants have had to go through before they get justice from IRCC. The issue lies in a calculated systemic refusal of the Self-Employed applications in the Warsaw office.

Connect with Pantea if you feel like you're affected by a similar issue or if you need help with a judicial review of your refused application: www.jafarilaw.ca/

__________________________________________________________________________

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit Course and Masterclass: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/H-1B-Work-Permit-Course

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

In this episode Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the newly announced Canada Tech Talent Strategy and unveil the details on the new Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit. 

The New Tech Talent Strategy was announced on June 27, 2023 at the Collision Conference in Toronto. New Programs are geared to attract tech talent, including digital nomads. There will also be a New Innovation Stream for Tech Work Permits (coming later in 2023), and starting July 16, 2023, Canada launched new H1B Visa Holder Work Permit

Listen to this podcast to learn:

What is the Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit? How do you qualify for the new Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit? What do you need to do now to prepare for the new Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit
 Application Form Information  Documents

Join the Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit Course and Masterclass

___________________________________________________________________________

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡Canada H-1B Holder Work Permit Course and Masterclass: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/H-1B-Work-Permit-Course

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

In this episode Mark Holthe and Brady Schnell, Clareshold Economic Development Officer, share their views on the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, its successes and challenges. Who can apply for RNIP, how the candidates are selected for the RNIP, where, and how you should search for job offers? Find the answers to these and other questions by listening to the podcast episode.

About RNIP: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/rural-northern-immigration-pilot.html

Claresholm RNIP: https://www.claresholm.ca/rural-northern-immigration-pilot

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

In this episode of the Business Immigration Series Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss the implications of supporting foreign workers for permanent residence by their Canadian employers. Should you as employer support the PR application of your foreign worker? What if you just want to promote your foreign worker and unintentionally change their NOC code? Can your foreign worker claim CRS points for the job offer with your Canadian business?

Read more about the CRS points for the job offer: click here

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

It is well known that employers may be held liable for hiring a foreign worker without an authorization. But what if the employer did not know that the foreign worker was not authorized to work? What if on the surface the Work Permit looked just fine? Well, in this episode Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss "deemed knowledge" provisions, possible penalties, and risks that employers should always keep in mind when hiring a temporary foreign worker.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

In this episode we unveil our TOP 4 concerns (and scams) that emerged with the rollout of the CUAET program. Of course, the program is designed to allow as many Ukrainians to escape the atrocities of war or reunite with their loved ones in Canada and the overall goal of the program is understandable. However, the way the program was put in place opened the floodgate for scammers and those who abuse the system. Listen as Mark Holthe and Igor Kyryliuk discuss the biggest challenges and imperfections that cast a shadow on the whole CUAET program.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

This introductory episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast is all about CUAET (Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) and the challenges arising out of this program. Today Mark Holthe and Igor Kyryliuk discuss how the program was meant to function, and how it actually functions and is often used to scam or abuse of the immigration system.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

We've been discussing all sorts of problems that can arise during the process of applying for LMIA. This time we're going to focus on a more positive topic. In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Business Immigration Series, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss what happens after the LMIA is approved. Here are just some of the topics covered in this episode:

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law.

Everyone is talking about the massive strike that is happening now in Canada. In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast wetalk about the impact the strike is going to have on immigration processing times. We also discussed some of the interesting files we've been working on recently, the measures for the citizens of Iran, and of course, we've tried our luck in The Impossible Canadian Trivia.

We hope you'll enjoy this episode and invite you to play with us trying to guess the answers to 10 questions about Canadian culture, geography, immigration, and history. If you have your own challenging questions to add to our next game of "Impossible Trivia," don't hesitate to send them our way by emailing trivia@holthelaw.com.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

Here is the list of the questions we've discussed during this episode:

What is the name Canada thought to mean originally?

Did you know that since 1984 and up until 2022 Canada had a territorial dispute over one of the islands? The dispute also became known as a “whisky war”…So, what country did Canada have a dispute with? Maybe you can even name the island?

There is a place in Canada that has a surface so similar to that of Mars that NASA conducts experiments there. If you google this place you’d find tons of photos of Mars rovers, astronauts and other space equipment. The terrains are also quite stunning and they do look like Mars…It is also the largest uninhabited island in the world. Do you know in what province or territory this island is located?

This Canadian became known for his attempt to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. Despite the fact that one of his legs had been amputated he ran for 5373 km and 143 days. What is the name of this man?

How many days in the 5-year period must you spend in Canada to meet the residency obligation and maintain your PR status?

What was the requirement of the immigration policy that prevented the entry of the Kagamata Maru passengers into Canada?

What is the name of Canada's passenger train service?

Canada is bordered by how many oceans?

This equipment invented in Quebec helps millions of Canadians, and in fact, people from all over the world, during the winter. 

When in Canada, you might sometimes hear “hang a Larry” or “hang a Roger”… What do these two phrases mean?

In 2012 in Calgary Jason Kenny then the Minister of Immigration, in his statement mentioned Santa Claus and his Immigration status in Canada. As per our Minister, what is the immigration status of Santa Claus?

-------------------------------

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast we've gathered yet again as a team to discuss the latest news and updates about Immigration Law and to play in our third episode of the Canadian Impossible Trivia.

We hope you'll enjoy this episode and invite you to play with us trying to guess the answers to 10 questions about Canadian culture, geography, immigration, and history. If you have your own challenging questions to add to our next game of "Impossible Trivia," don't hesitate to send them our way by emailing trivia@holthelaw.com.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

Here is the list of the questions we've discussed during this episode:

Canada has 2,860 of these, twice as many as the United States. Quebec is the world’s top producer of this condiment. How many times have the Olympic Games been held in Canada? The border between Canada and the U.S. holds this distinction. People in Churchill, Manitoba, leave their cars unlocked for people escaping these. This cooking staple, derived from the rapeseed plant, was created in Canada. This very popular dog bread originates from Canada. What is the name of the breed? What Lake Manitou in Saskatchewan is famous for? Name the feature or characteristics of this lake that makes it stand out among all other 2 million plus lakes How many Timezones are there in Canada? It is anticipated that a new language test that will become acceptable for Express Entry in late 2023? What is the name of this test?

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💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

Welcome to the latest episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast! Today, our team gathered to discuss the latest developments in Canadian Immigration Law. As always, we were excited to dive into the nuances and complexities of our field, sharing insights and perspectives on the most pressing issues facing those navigating the Canadian immigration system.

But we also wanted to have a bit of fun, so we decided to play yet another round of our  "Impossible Trivia"! With 10 very hard questions on Canadian geography, history, immigration, and culture, we put our knowledge to the test and challenged each other to come up with the most accurate answers possible.

From the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the bustling streets of Toronto, we tackled a wide range of topics and had a blast trying to outsmart each other. And while some of the questions were truly impossible, we all learned something new and expanded our understanding of this amazing country we call home.

Now, we want to invite you, our listeners, to join in on the fun! Listen to this episode to hear our best attempts at answering the most difficult Canadian trivia questions, and then share it with your friends to see if they can do any better. And if you have your own challenging questions to add to our next game of "Impossible Trivia," don't hesitate to send them our way by emailing trivia@holthelaw.com.

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

Here is the list of the questions we've discussed during this episode:

1. Question:Not a single road leads to this place. It is impossible to get there by car…And yes, it’s not an island (this place is not separated by water) it’s not a specific village or city… What is this place?

2. Question: Letters addressed to the postal code H0H 0H0 are delivered here.

3. Question: Canada has more of these than the rest of the world combined.

4. Question: Hockey is certainly a national sport in Canada. But there is also another national sport in Canada… What is this sport? 

5. Question: Canadians eat more of these than anyone else in the world…

6. Question: This is Canada’s most played sport?

7. Question: How many points does maple leaf on a flag have?

8. Question: This historic place is depicted on a Canadian currency, yet this place is not located in Canada. What is this place?

9. Question: What happened on February 2nd, 2023 and why this day is unique in the context of Economic Immigration Programs?

10. Question: In 2022, the following 3 countries were Canada’s top immigration sources according to each immigrant’s country of citizenship. The first one is India with 118, 095 immigrants, the second one is China with 31,815 immigrants… What was the third country?

-------------------------------

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

There are a thousand different reasons why the LMIA application may get refused. In this episode we share our TOP 4 reasons for LMIA refusals as well as our practical insights on how to minimize the chance of refusal. Here are just a few things that we discuss in this episode:

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast 

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this podcast do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law. 

Welcome to our 104th episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast and the 4th episode of our Business Immigration Series. This time Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry shared their view on where most companies go wrong when dealing with LMIA process.

In this episode, you will also learn about the most common mistakes that can occur and how to avoid them. Here are just some of the tips from today's episode:

Don't underestimate the complexity of the LMIA process and prepare properly Identify NOCs and the occupations you're trying to fill Check the compliance requirements Keep the documents for 6 years to be always ready for a compliance audit Learn about the penalties for non-compliance Speak to an immigration lawyer to learn about the potential issues and how you can avoid mistakes when filing the LMIA application. 

About our Sponsors - Joorney Business Plans:

Joorney Business Plans is the leading immigration business plan writing service provider in Canada. With more than ten years of experience, Joorney has grown to become a trusted partner for immigration consultants and lawyers. Joorney focuses on preparing business plans for ICTs, Startup Visa, Significant Benefit, Self Employed, PNPs, and more.

Their main competitive advantages are reliability, responsiveness, and overall customer service. For those of you who don't yet know about Joorney, ask your colleagues about them, they're amazing, or even better, try out their work. You can visit their website at https://bit.ly/HOLTHEJOORNEY10 and mention you listen to my podcast with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 which provides a 10% discount on a first business plan for new lawyers.

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast 

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

***Disclaimer***

Answers provided in this LIVE Q&A do not constitute legal advice and are for general information only. If you require a bit of legal advice applicable to your specific situation you may book a consultation with one of the immigration lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law. 

This is a very special episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. This time we gathered together as a team to discuss recent developments in the Canadian Immigration Law world and to play our very first Trivia (naming it "The Impossible Trivia" would be more appropriate in this case). 

Listen to this episode to learn more about all of our team members (Mark, Alicia, Chanelle, Cedric, Prem, and Igor), and join us for the Trivia game. We hope you'll have lots of fun guessing the answers, and learning new stuff about Canada.

Feel free to send us your questions for the next Trivia game by emailing trivia@holthelaw.com.

Here is the list of the questions we've discussed during this episode:

1. Question: The northernmost settlement in Canada is located approximately 3900 km north of Calgary, in Nunavut. It is located in the Arctic circle and other than polar bears and Canadian Forces station there is really not much going on.

However, when you google this location in Google Maps and zoom in you’ll find something weird – there are two institutions that you would never expect to see in such a remote area. Name at least one of them….

2. Question: In what year did First Nations peoples win the right to vote in federal elections without losing their status or treaty rights?

3. Question: We have a loon featured on a $1 coin, a polar bear featured on a $2 coin. What is featured on a Canadian dime?

4. Question: A breed of which animal was recognized as an official symbol of Canada in 2002? And yes, it’s not a beaver…

5. Question: How many National Parks and National Park Reserves does Canada currently have?

6. Question: What popular Canadian snack food was invented in 1949 by a Quebec businessman named Archibald?

7. Question: What is the name of Canada's longest river, which runs 4,241 kilometers from the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia to the Arctic Ocean in Nunavut?

8. Question: Which Canadian city was once known as "Bytown" in honor of the British explorer who founded it before being renamed?

9. Question: The answer to this question can be found in our blog post from June 23, 2022. With the rollout of the new TEER system, how many new occupations became eligible for Express Entry?

10. Question: This one also comes from our blog on holthelaw.com website. So, recently we’ve shared the Federal Court decision where the Court confirmed that IRCC must consider documents updated by webform or explain why not. What is the legal citation for this case?

-------------------------------

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast 

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

In this episode of our Business Immigration Series, we discuss the options available to avoid the need for an LMIA. As business immigration lawyers, the real value we bring to our clients is ensuring that they are aware of the many LMIA-exempt work permit options. Stay tuned in this episode as we pull the curtain back on the best part of business immigration law.... the International Mobility Program.

*** If you're an HR manager or an employer who is looking to hire temporary foreign workers for your operations in Canada - this episode is for you! ***

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💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

🎧Canadian Immigration Podcast - Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for upcoming episodes in our Business Immigration Series.

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

——

📱 Follow us on social:

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

This is yet another episode in our Business Immigration Series of the Canadian Immigration Podcast where we (Canadian Immigration Lawyers Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry) uncover some of the most important practical aspects of navigating the TFWP and IMP.

*** If you're an HR manager or an employer who is looking to hire temporary foreign workers for your operations in Canada - this episode is for you! ***

We often get asked by the HR managers the same question over and over again - "Does my employee need a work permit?"...well, in this episode Mark and Alicia will look at the relevant legislation, explain when your employee needs a work permit, what are the liabilities for not getting a work permit and counselling misrepresentation. We will also dive deep into many other aspects of getting a Work Permit for temporary foreign workers.

Check out our previous and inaugural episode of the Business Immigration Series where we talk about "How to hire a foreign worker?": View Episode

——

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast 

Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes in our Business Immigration series of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

——

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

Welcome to the centennial episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast! I can't believe that we've released 100 episodes since July 2014 and reached this new milestone.

This is also an inaugural intro episode to our Business Immigration 10-episode series of the Podcast where I and Alicia Backman-Beharry, Canadian Immigration Lawyer at Holthe Immigration Law discuss the realities of Canadian business immigration, LMIAs, and share the valuable insights that employers should be aware of when hiring a foreign worker in Canada.

In this episode you will learn:

As an employer, where do you start if you want to hire a foreign worker? What is the difference between TFWP and IMP? Do you even need to apply for LMIA and does your employee need a Work Permit? What activities qualify as work for the purposes of immigration? Why you have to be strategic and think long-term when you consider hiring a foreign worker? What are the negative consequences for not complying with the requirement of obtaining a Work Permit?

In the next episode you'll learn more about Work Permit exemptions (Public Policy short-term exemptions, Free Trade Agreements, such as CUSMA (USMCA), Emergency Service Providers exemptions, etc.)

——

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6

——

🔺CANADIAN IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE COMMUNITY: https://bit.ly/cii-community

——

🎧 Canadian Immigration Podcast 

Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes in our Business Immigration series of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.

iTunes: https://apple.co/3maWC64

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38Ix4tM

——

📱 Follow us on social

Instagram: https://bit.ly/390HHZg

Express Entry Law Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3x6ItvK

Holthe Immigration Law Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3NPQSu5

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3xd782U

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3xf1Nbv

——

Canada Immigration video Do-It-Yourself Courses

🟡 Express Entry Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3xbQP6k

🟡 Study Permit Course and Masterclass: https://bit.ly/study-permit-course

🟡 Spousal Sponsorship Course: https://bit.ly/Spousal-Sponsorship-Course-YT

🟡 PGWP 18-Month Extension Course: https://bit.ly/3Nli3MS

🟡 LMIA for High-Wage Positions Course: https://bit.ly/3AAwsjE

🟡 CUAET Course: https://bit.ly/3Az21us

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast Mark Holthe and Brandi Robb, a CELPIP Test instructor, will discuss test-taking tips to help viewers prepare for the CELPIP exam.

CELPIP is a Canadian English language proficiency test accepted for immigration, citizenship, and professional designations.

In today’s podcast, Mark and Brandi focus mainly on strategies to help Test Takers earn a high score in the Speaking component. However, you will also learn the following:

What is the main purpose of the CELPIP Test? How is CELPIP test structured, and which language skills does it cover? How is the test scored? Are there any strategies you can provide to help Test Takers score well on the Speaking parts? Where you can find CELPIP study materials? (See the links below) How early should you start preparing for the CELPIP Test? Where can you find out more about the CELPIP Test? (See the links below).

More about our guest: Brandi Robb works as a Content Developer and Online Instructor at Prometric Testing, which administers the CELPIP Test. She has over 20 years of teaching experience. Brandi holds a B.Ed., B.A. in English, and a certificate in English language teaching (CELTA). She is based in Vancouver. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys reading, running, and traveling.

Register for the CELPIP test: https://secure.celpip.ca/RegWebApp/#/shopping-cart?affiliate=398b7d90-1e28-44c6-b970-520736ac1412&companyName=HoltheImmigrationLaw/CanadianImmigrationInstitute&productId=72

Attend free CELPIP webinars: https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/webinars-workshops/

Watch official CELPIP prep videos: https://www.youtube.com/@CELPIPOfficial/

Get free study resources: https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/free-resources/

Review real Test Taker Speaking and Writing responses at all levels to understand how they're scored: https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/score-comparison-chart/

Buy CELPIP study materials: https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/study-materials/

Yes, there is a lot of fluff in the Strategy to Expand Transitions to Permanent Residence and it’s mostly a rehashing of what has already been said. Yes, for the most part, the Minister intends to either expand or adjust the existing pathways for temporary foreign workers and international student graduates seeking pathways to PR in Canada.

No, we don’t know for sure if he will be creating a new program for PGWP holders, similar to the 2021 TR to PR Pathway, or whether he will simply adjust the existing CRS criteria of Express Entry. However, if you take the time to read carefully, …and read between the lines, you will find there are a few things you had better pay close attention to because…it wasn’t all fluff!

Here is my TOP 6 List of Key Takeaways from the Minister’s Plan:

1. Work experience in key sectors will be increasingly important

2. Job offers from Canadian employers will be much more plentiful and essential

3. Express Entry is opening its doors to low-skilled work experience in Canada

4. Rural Canada is on the rise

5. French language ability has never been more important

6. International students must be strategic about where they are studying in Canada

Read the blog - "My TOP 6 List of Key Takeaways from the Minister’s Report: Strategy to Expand Transitions to Permanent Residency": https://www.holthelaw.com/blog/strategy-to-expand-transitions-to-permanent-residency 

***Book a consult with Mark: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation 

In this episode, Cedric Marin and Mark Holthe discuss how to prepare a Reconsideration request when your  Visa application is refused. 

Reminders:

The PGWP 18-Month Extension Course and Masterclass will open soon make sure you get notified when the course opens. 

Register here to get notified: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/PGWP-18-month-extension-course 

EXPRESS ENTRY

Don't miss the chance to be part of the upcoming Express Entry Master Class this coming  August 1 - 4, 2022. Just visit our website for more information about our courses: 

https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com 

Do you want advice from real lawyers? 

Book a consult with us at Holthe Immigration Law here: https://bit.ly/2ZaYSP5   

Subscribe to Canadian Immigration Institute on YouTube ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA?sub_confirmation=1    

Follow us on IG: Instagram: holthe.immigration.law    

Like and follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute   

Want to know how to declare your Canadian Spouse in your Express Entry Application?
Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry discuss and give you step by step run down on how to declare a spouse
including how to correct any information in case you declared incorrectly.

Check the youtube video to see the actual demo here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bzBbtzJ-4M&t=28s

Reminders:

The PGWP 18-Month Extension Course and Masterclass will open soon make sure you get notified when the course opens.

Register here to get notified: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/PGWP-18-month-extension-course

Don't miss the chance to be part of the upcoming Express Entry Master Class this coming  August 1 - 4, 2022.  Just visit our website for more information about our courses:

https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Do you want advice from real lawyers?

Book a consult with us at Holthe Immigration Law here: https://bit.ly/2ZaYSP5  

Subscribe toCanadian Immigration Institute on YouTube ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA?sub_confirmation=1   

Follow us on IG: Instagram: holthe.immigration.law   

Like and follow us on facebook: facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute  

New PGWP EXTENSIONS and EXPRESS ENTRY DRAWS will be Starting in July. This is fantastic news for so many international students wondering what the future will hold for them in Canada.

Join Canadian Immigration Lawyer, Mark Holthe "LIVE" in this latest Immigration News Update. There will be an opportunity for Q&A after the announcement. Book a consultation with the lawyers at Holthe Immigration Law: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation Subscribe to the Express Entry DIY Course and Master Class (April 25 - 29): https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page

Subscribe to Canadian Immigration Institute on YouTube? ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA?sub_confirmation=1

Follow us on IG: Instagram: holthe.immigration.law

Follow like and follow us on facebook: facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

For High-Quality Canadian Immigration content visit our website: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/

Blogs: https://www.holthelaw.com/blog

Mark Holthe and Chanelle Rosen Baum gives us a crash course on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. #Ontario INP Crash Course

Check Alicia's Blog post on study permit refusal here: https://www.holthelaw.com/blog/reasons-for-canadian-student-visa-refusal

Be part of the next Express Entry Course and Get the best chance of getting your application approved.

Click on this link to Register. https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page

Subscribe to Canadian Immigration Institute on YouTube? ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA?sub_confirmation=1

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Follow like and follow us on facebook: facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

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2022 FOREIGN WORKERS in Canada! GREAT NEWS!!! The Workforce Solutions Road Map recently announced by the Government of Canada offers much-needed relief for Canadian employers. #FSW #Canada #Canadaimmigration Canada is recovering from COVID-19 and has announced the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map. In this video, we'll be covering the five key policy changes that will be implemented in the coming week and will help Canada respond to current labour and skills shortages. Want help applying for an LMIA? Book a consult today: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation Subscribe to the LMIA DIY Course: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/lmia-guide-for-high-wage-positions Government Announcement - Workforce Solutions Road Map: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/04/government-of-canada-announces-workforce-solutions-road-map--further-changes-to-the-temporary-foreign-worker-program-to-address-labour-shortages-ac.html?s=09 If you want more quality content check on our blog posts: https://www.holthelaw.com/blog or Subscribe to our youtube channel and join us in the Live QandA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA

In this episode, we discuss the Top 10 Reasons for a Study Permit Canada visa refusal. We were joined by Alicia Backman-Beharry, who expounds on each item. If you want to study in Canada and are thinking of applying for a student permit, then you should not miss this! Here you'll know right off the bat if this path is for you. ⭐⭐Book a Study Permit consultation with Holthe Immigration Law🙋🙋: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation If you want more quality content check on our blog posts: https://www.holthelaw.com/blog or Subscribe to our youtube channel and join us in the Live QandA: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA Subscribe to our Express Entry Masterclass this coming April 25-29, 2022 we also offer CPD credits for RCIC consultants https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page 👨‍🏫👨‍🏫 🇨🇦🇨🇦

Canadian Study Permit school approval ratings are something no one is talking about for Designated Learning Institutions. Have you ever wondered if it really matters which post-secondary school you attend in Canada? Do some schools have better Canada Study Permit approval rates compared to others? In this episode, immigration lawyer, Lou Janssen Dangzalan joins me to reveal government data from IRCC on which schools are winners and which are not. This is one episode you are not going to want to miss. ⭐⭐Book a Study Permit consultation with Holthe Immigration Law🙋🙋: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation ⭐⭐Book a Study Permit consultation with LJD Law🤔🤔: https://www.ljd-law.ca/ 👨‍🏫👨‍🏫 🇨🇦🇨🇦 Subscribe to the Spousal Sponsorship MasterClass 👫🏽👫🏽: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/spousal-sponsorship-landing-page 👨‍🏫👨‍🏫 🇨🇦🇨🇦 Subscribe to the Express Entry MastClass: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page

Welcome back to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. This episode is all about job offers.

Many people out there are probably looking at Job Offers in Canada as their only way of immigrating to Canada because their points just aren't high enough. Well, in this episode today, our special guest Chanelle Rosenbaum, a Canadian Immigration Lawyer at Holthe Immigration Law is talking all about job offers, known fraud schemes that you have to be aware of and avoid at any cost, and the mistakes that we've seen so many people make before.

About the Sponsor of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Canadian Immigration Institute, an online platform designed to help people navigate Canadian immigration process on their own. On this platform, you will find Do-It-Yourself (DIY) video courses on Express Entry, Spousal Sponsorship, LMIA and so much more. These courses will guide you through the process of submitting your immigration application without the need to hire a lawyer. 

Visit Canadian Immigration Institute: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Are you looking for legal advice?

If you want to connect with Mark Holthe, Chanelle Rosenbaum, or if you want to retain Holthe Immigration Law to assist you with immigration to Canada feel free to book a consultation on our official website: www.holthelaw.com

Listen to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify and iTunes

Canadian Immigration Podcast is being broadcasted on our iTunes and Spotify channels. If you have enjoyed this podcast and think someone else would, too, please subscribe and share this episode!

Subscribe to our social media channels:

Canadian Immigration Institute Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Express Entry Law Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Holthe Immigration Law LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holthe-business-immigration-law

Holthe Immigration Law Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/holthe.immigration.law/

Holthe Immigration Law Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/HoltheLaw

What this episode is about?

In this episode of Immigration Nation, my good friend Robert Blanshay will be hosting a special episode about the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and the impact it is having on those still trapped in the country. We will be sharing audio clips from our interview with a judge in Kabul who is currently going through something none of us would ever wish to experience. The judge's name has been withheld to protect his identity.

Contact Immigration Lawyer Robert Blanshay: https://apply2canada.com/contact-us/

About the host of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

Mark Holthe is a Canadian Immigration Lawyer based in Lethbridge, Alberta. He has started his legal career with a large national law firm in Calgary where he initiated the business immigration practice at the firm. Since those early days, he has had the opportunity to work in a wide variety of law firm configurations before finally realizing that the best place for him was within the confines of an immigration boutique firm of his own making.

As a Canadian immigration lawyer, Mark has particular experience in assisting clients with all aspects of Canadian immigration law. He assists large national and multinational companies in navigating the complex world of Canadian immigration and provides strategic immigration advice to international and domestic companies seeking to recruit and retain foreign skilled and semi-skilled personnel.

Mark also assists temporary foreign workers with their transition to permanent resident status in Canada and over the past few years, he has taken great satisfaction in helping individuals and families with their various immigration related needs. Mark finds no greater satisfaction than helping to facilitate the reunification of families.

While attending law school, Mark worked as an Immigration officer for Citizenship and Immigration Canada on the Alberta/Montana border. While completing his final year of law school, he worked as a pro bono student to the Canada Border Services Agency Hearings Officers representing the minister before the Immigration Appeal Division in Calgary, Alberta. As a result of his prior experience as an immigration officer, Mark has been able to enhance the services he offers to his cross-border and overseas clients. Since that time, he has continued to work hard fostering positive relationships with the various immigration related government departments and has focused a significant portion of his practice on cross-border matters.

About the Sponsor of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

This episode sponsored by Canadian Immigration Institute, a platform designed to help people navigate Canadian immigration on their own. On this platform, I offer Do-It-Yourself (DIY) video courses guiding you through the process of submitting your immigration application without a need to hire a lawyer. These video courses not only allow people to better understand Canadian immigration but also earn me sufficient revenue to continue pushing out great free content on Canadian immigration.

Visit Canadian Immigration Institute: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Listen to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify and iTunes

Canadian Immigration Podcast is being broadcasted on our iTunes and Spotify channels. If you have enjoyed this podcast and think someone else would, too, please subscribe and share this episode!

Subscribe to our various social media channels

If you want to connect with Mark Holthe or retain Holthe Immigration Law to assist you with immigration to Canada feel free to book a consultation on our official website: www.holthelaw.com

Additionally, consider subscribing to our social media channels to stay up to date with the news on Canadian Immigration:

Canadian Immigration Institute Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Express Entry Law Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Holthe Immigration Law LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holthe-business-immigration-law

Holthe Immigration Law Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/holthe.immigration.law/

Holthe Immigration Law Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/HoltheLaw

What this episode is about?

In this episode I connected with Robert Leong, and we talked about many challenges faced by newcomers in Canada. One of the biggest challenges is credential recognition and continuing to pursue your career in Canada. Many immigrants feel that their options are quite limited until they recognize their credentials and meet all other requirements necessary to find a job. This includes having relevant work experience in Canadian market and becoming fully integrated into the workforce. 

Robert shared his own personal experience with immigrating to Canada, and shared the challenges he had to go through while trying to find his niche. We also talked about whether immigration is a good choice for everyone and what it takes to become truly successful in a new country. 

Listen to this episode if you are thinking about immigrating to Canada or you just recently landed. We share many insights and you may find a lot of inspiration that will help you through the hard times. 

About today’s guest of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

Robert Y.C. Leong

Canadian Immigration Lawyer

Robert read law in England, and after being called to the Bar, returned to his native Singapore where he practised as an Advocate & Solicitor for about 15 years.

After immigrating to Canada, he was called to the Bar in B.C., and now practises exclusively in citizenship and immigration law.

Apart from handling all types of temporary and permanent resident applications, Robert has also assisted clients in immigration enforcement cases, and has appeared before various Divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board, the Federal Court, and the Federal Court of Appeal.

Besides English, he is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and has appeared in various radio and TV programs discussing immigration issues of the day.

Robert has volunteers at pro bono legal clinics, speaks on immigration law at public libraries, and also sits on the board of a charity that helps to transform the lives of people with addiction. He’s also presented at various immigration law seminars for lawyers and for immigration consultants.

You can reach out to Robert via:

About the host of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

Mark Holthe is a Canadian Immigration Lawyer based in Lethbridge, Alberta. He has started his legal career with a large national law firm in Calgary where he initiated the business immigration practice at the firm. Since those early days, he has had the opportunity to work in a wide variety of law firm configurations before finally realizing that the best place for him was within the confines of an immigration boutique firm of his own making.

As a Canadian immigration lawyer, Mark has particular experience in assisting clients with all aspects of Canadian immigration law. He assists large national and multinational companies in navigating the complex world of Canadian immigration and provides strategic immigration advice to international and domestic companies seeking to recruit and retain foreign skilled and semi-skilled personnel.

Mark also assists temporary foreign workers with their transition to permanent resident status in Canada and over the past few years, he has taken great satisfaction in helping individuals and families with their various immigration related needs. Mark finds no greater satisfaction than helping to facilitate the reunification of families.

While attending law school, Mark worked as an Immigration officer for Citizenship and Immigration Canada on the Alberta/Montana border. While completing his final year of law school, he worked as a pro bono student to the Canada Border Services Agency Hearings Officers representing the minister before the Immigration Appeal Division in Calgary, Alberta. As a result of his prior experience as an immigration officer, Mark has been able to enhance the services he offers to his cross-border and overseas clients. Since that time, he has continued to work hard fostering positive relationships with the various immigration related government departments and has focused a significant portion of his practice on cross-border matters.

About the Sponsor of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

This episode sponsored by Canadian Immigration Institute, a platform designed to help people navigate Canadian immigration on their own. On this platform, I offer Do-It-Yourself (DIY) video courses guiding you through the process of submitting your immigration application without a need to hire a lawyer. These video courses not only allow people to better understand Canadian immigration but also earn me sufficient revenue to continue pushing out great free content on Canadian immigration.

Visit Canadian Immigration Institute: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Listen to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify and iTunes

Canadian Immigration Podcast is being broadcasted on our iTunes and Spotify channels. If you have enjoyed this podcast and think someone else would, too, please subscribe and share this episode!

Subscribe to our various social media channels

If you want to connect with me or retain Holthe Immigration Law to assist you with immigration to Canada feel free to book a consultation on our official website: www.holthelaw.com

Additionally, consider subscribing to our social media channels to stay up to date with the news on Canadian Immigration:

Canadian Immigration Institute Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Express Entry Law Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Holthe Immigration Law LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holthe-business-immigration-law

Holthe Immigration Law Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/holthe.immigration.law/

Holthe Immigration Law Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/HoltheLaw

What this episode is about?

We all know that love knows no boundaries. However, in reality there are a lot of obstacles international couples may need to go around if they want to stay together and not being separated by the border.

In this episode I invite Alicia Backman-Beharry, an amazing Canadian Immigration Lawyer who joined Holthe Immigration Law in August of 2020, to discuss spousal sponsorship applications. We talk about the differences between Inside and Outside Canada Sponsorships, benefits and drawbacks of each type of the application, as well as reasons why your Spouse or Common-Law Partner Class or Family Class application can be refused. 

COVID-19 and the travel restriction also had a significant impact on the processing of the Spousal Sponsorship applications. Alicia and I discussed how this global pandemic impacted applicants and how IRCC takes a ruthless approach of refusing applications for frivolous mistakes, in attempt to keep the processing time down.

I definitely recommend that you listen to this episode carefully, because even slightest mistake can crush your plans of sponsoring your loved ones. Also, take a note of tips we provide that can help you make sure your application is not refused:

1. Examine and follow your Documents Checklist with forensic level of details

2. Provide sufficient proof of genuineness of your relationships

3. Provide an explanation along with your application if any of the documents or questions do not apply to your situation.

4. Make sure you have added your signatures and validated your forms

5. Ensure your photos meet the requirements.

If you want to learn more about the difference between Spouse or Common-Law Partner Class and Family Class applications Alicia Backman-Beharry prepared a wonderful blogpost that covers everything you need to know about these two applications. Check the blog post here: https://www.holthelaw.com/spousal-sponsorship-canada/

About today’s guest of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

Alicia Backman-Beharry has practiced as an immigration lawyer for 17 years. She was called to the Alberta bar in 2003 and was an associate with a medium sized firm and a boutique immigration law firm. Alicia went out on her own as a sole practitioner 8 years ago. She works with corporations, individuals and other lawyers to solve difficult immigration legal issues. Prior to joining the Holthe Immigration Law team, she also contributed as a part-time program lawyer at a non-profit poverty law clinic.

She finds it rewarding to help individuals and companies through the complex world of Canadian Immigration law. Having taught courses on temporary and permanent residence, Alicia is able to see how various pieces of the immigration puzzle fit together, and can provide advice so that people understand which application to pursue and why.

During her career as Immigration Lawyer Alicia Backman-Beharry has assisted with a wide range of business immigration matters, including applications for Labour Market Impact Assessments, work permits, Intra-company transfers, and Employer Compliance Reviews. She also has extensive experience with Permanent Residence applications including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Humanitarian and Compassionate, and family class sponsorships. While working with the poverty law clinic, she routinely helped people with inadmissibility issues, refugee matters, restoration applications, and temporary residence permits. She has appeared before various Courts and Tribunals, including Federal Court, Provincial Court, the Court of Queen’s Bench, the Immigration and Refugee Board, the Immigration Division, and the Immigration Appeal Division.

Volunteering has always been a big part of how Alicia spends her time. She enjoyed 9 years on the Board of a large immigrant serving settlement organization, including serving as Secretary, Vice-Chair, Chair and Past-Chair of the Board and is a past Chair of the Immigration and Citizenship Law Alberta South Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

You can book a consultation with Alicia Backman-Beharry on our Holthe Immigration Law website: www.holthelaw.com/consultation

About the host of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

Mark Holthe is a Canadian Immigration Lawyer based in Lethbridge, Alberta. He has started his legal career with a large national law firm in Calgary where he initiated the business immigration practice at the firm. Since those early days, he has had the opportunity to work in a wide variety of law firm configurations before finally realizing that the best place for him was within the confines of an immigration boutique firm of his own making.

As a Canadian immigration lawyer, Mark has particular experience in assisting clients with all aspects of Canadian immigration law. He assists large national and multinational companies in navigating the complex world of Canadian immigration and provides strategic immigration advice to international and domestic companies seeking to recruit and retain foreign skilled and semi-skilled personnel.

Mark also assists temporary foreign workers with their transition to permanent resident status in Canada and over the past few years, he has taken great satisfaction in helping individuals and families with their various immigration related needs. Mark finds no greater satisfaction than helping to facilitate the reunification of families.

While attending law school, Mark worked as an Immigration officer for Citizenship and Immigration Canada on the Alberta/Montana border. While completing his final year of law school, he worked as a pro bono student to the Canada Border Services Agency Hearings Officers representing the minister before the Immigration Appeal Division in Calgary, Alberta. As a result of his prior experience as an immigration officer, Mark has been able to enhance the services he offers to his cross-border and overseas clients. Since that time, he has continued to work hard fostering positive relationships with the various immigration related government departments and has focused a significant portion of his practice on cross-border matters.

About the Sponsor of the Canadian Immigration Podcast

This episode sponsored by Canadian Immigration Institute, a platform designed to help people navigate Canadian immigration on their own. On this platform, I offer Do-It-Yourself (DIY) video courses guiding you through the process of submitting your immigration application without a need to hire a lawyer. These video courses not only allow people to better understand Canadian immigration but also earn me sufficient revenue to continue pushing out great free content on Canadian immigration.

Visit Canadian Immigration Institute: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Listen to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify and iTunes

Canadian Immigration Podcast is being broadcasted on our iTunes and Spotify channels. If you have enjoyed this podcast and think someone else would, too, please subscribe and share this episode!

Subscribe to our various social media channels

If you want to connect with me or retain Holthe Immigration Law to assist you with immigration to Canada feel free to book a consultation on our official website: www.holthelaw.com

Additionally, consider subscribing to our social media channels to stay up to date with the news on Canadian Immigration:

Canadian Immigration Institute Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvm03Tm2e-ndNkWhiiQUlA

Canadian Immigration Institute Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Express Entry Law Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Holthe Immigration Law LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holthe-business-immigration-law

Holthe Immigration Law Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/holthe.immigration.law/

Holthe Immigration Law Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/HoltheLaw

Misrepresentation is one of the most serious wrongdoings that the applicant for Permanent Residence in Canada can do. In other words you want to avoid misrepresentation at all cost throughout each stage of the immigration process. And let's call things by their proper name - lying is never a good idea whether you're lying in immigration or any other context.

However, what if you never intended to misrepresent your case or did not even know that you have misrepresented something? This is just one of the issues that I have discussed with Rekha McNutt in today's episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast where we touched on the various aspects of appealing the removal of PRs for misrepresentation.

Rekha practices primarily in immigration law.  She has extensive experience with temporary resident visas, express entry, federal skilled workers, Canadian experience class, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, family class sponsorships, refugee claims, pre-removal risk assessments, and in-Canada humanitarian and compassionate permanent residence applications.

Rekha has focused much of her practice on Federal Court Judicial Review applications of various types of negative immigration-related decisions.

Rekha had appeared before the Alberta Provincial Court and the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta.  She has also appeared extensively before the Federal Court of Canada and Immigration Tribunals such as the Immigration Division, Refugee Protection Division, and the Immigration Appeal Division.

Rekha is the past-Chair (2015-2016 & 2016-2017) of the Southern Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Immigration Section.

In this episode Rekha and I had an awesome and engaging conversation about misrepresentation and the consequences of such wrongdoings. It is surprising that there are so many ways how almost anyone can become a victim of their own carelessness, lack of understanding of the immigration processes or even reports filed by their close circle of friends or relatives. Rekha gave a full explanation of what misrepresentation really is and how serious and challenging the consequences may get if IRCC believes there was a misrep. Additionally, in this episode we discussed the following:

Sponsor:

Affiliate Program:

Additional Resources:

Topics for our Next Podcast

If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line at mholthe@holthelaw.com. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes and Spotify

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

We also encourage you to subscribe to our Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify.

It is not a secret that Permanent Residents can lose their status and be removed from Canada for committing a crime. In fact, a lot of people have heard some stories about PRs being removed from Canada for violating the law. However, not everyone knows specifics and details on how this removal process is done and if there are any ways Permanent Residents can challenge their removal from Canada. Well, today's episode is really focused on Permanent Residents and Criminality. In this episode of the Special Series on Immigration Hearings and Appeals I discuss everything you might want to know about Criminality as a ground for removal of Permanent Resident from Canada with amazing Canadian Immigration Lawyer Rekha McNutt.

Rekha practices primarily in immigration law.  She has extensive experience with temporary resident visas, express entry, federal skilled workers, Canadian experience class, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, family class sponsorships, refugee claims, pre-removal risk assessments, and in-Canada humanitarian and compassionate permanent residence applications.

Rekha has focused much of her practice on Federal Court Judicial Review applications of various types of negative immigration-related decisions.

Rekha had appeared before the Alberta Provincial Court and the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta.  She has also appeared extensively before the Federal Court of Canada and Immigration Tribunals such as the Immigration Division, Refugee Protection Division, and the Immigration Appeal Division.

Rekha is the past-Chair (2015-2016 & 2016-2017) of the Southern Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Immigration Section.

In this episode Rekha and I had a very interesting discussion on challenging removal of PRs from Canada based on criminality. Rekha shared insights and demystified what happens to a PR charged with a criminal offense and how this fact is treated both within criminal as well as immigration system. Additionally, in this episode we discussed the following:

Sponsor:

Affiliate Program:

Additional Resources:

Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line at mholthe@holthelaw.com. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes and Spotify

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

We also encourage you to subscribe to our Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify.

For US companies relying upon foreign workers, Monday, June 23, 2020, was a day of significant disappointment. President Trump announced that many categories of foreign workers would no longer be granted entry to the US until the end of 2020. Fortunately, Canada's immigration policy is far more welcoming. If you are a US company that is going to be hurt by these latest rounds of restrictions, Canada may just be the answer. Tune in to this episode where US Immigration Attorney, Nicole Ezer, explains what these restrictions mean for your company and Canadian Immigration Lawyer, Mark Holthe, shares some great "made-in-Canada" solutions to turn your disappointment into relief.

Many US companies were left reeling on Monday, June 23rd when President Trump announced that H-1B, L, J and H-2B visas would be blocked until the end of 2020. These four non-immigrant visa categories are relied upon heavily by US companies seeking to fill critical skill shortages in the US.

Now what is a US company going to do?

They were already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but this most recent announcement feels like insult to injury.

In this episode US immigration attorney, Nicole Ezer shares some great insight into what these restrictions really mean for US companies and why things may not be as bad as they seem.  I then take some time to pull the curtain back on some very practical solutions that Canada's facilitative immigration policy offer to struggling US companies and their foreign workers.

Nicole Ezer is the founder of Ezer Law Group, a business immigration boutique law firm based in Houston, Texas. She is my go-to attorney for any US bound business immigration need. We have collaborated for years on mutual cross-border clients and I have fortunate to call her my friend.

Nicole has practiced in the areas of family-based immigration, naturalization and asylum and participated in activities that provide education to industries and communities regarding immigration issues.

She is a frequent speaker before industry, HR groups and for attorney CLE activities, and is a 2002 Graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Leadership Forum. Nicole has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center, teaching “Business Immigration Basics”.

Nicole has focused her practice on immigration policies and planning and consulting for companies of all sizes. She is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Nicole develops, implements and updates immigration policies for multinational corporations.

Sponsor:

None of this would be possible if it were not for my Canadian Immigration Institute. My DIY courses earn me sufficient revenue to continue pushing out great free content on Canadian Immigration.

Affiliate Program:

[Tweet "Canada is a great option for suffering US companies?"]

Additional Resources:

Topics for our Next Podcast

If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line at mholthe@holthelaw.com. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes and Spotify

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

We also encourage you to subscribe to our Canadian Immigration Podcast on Spotify.

During this episode Canadian Immigration Lawyers Mark Holthe and Arghavan Gerami get into discussion on whether the approaches taken by the CBSA during COVID-19 go in line with the principles of the Open Government, transparency and rule of law. Lack of responsiveness to the dialogue between CBSA and law practitioners and public played important role in formulating the view that people were left on their own in figuring out the details of the legal basis upon which the officers make their decisions at the border.

In a pandemic people need more transparency and clarity on new policies and procedures that the Government implements. However, as discussed during this episode many attempts to bring clarify and request any information that would allow people to be aware of new changes in cross-border travel were left unanswered. The host and guest of this episode also address the issue of lack of communication from the Government in interpreting what is considered to be “non-essential” purpose. All these factors directly affected many refugee claimants and people attempting to cross the border, but eventually turned away because of the “optional/non-essential” nature of their travel.

Arghavan Gerami Bio:

Arghavan Gerami is the Founder and Senior Counsel at Gerami Law Professional Corporation (‘PC’), a full-service immigration law firm in Ottawa, Ontario.  She completed her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007.

Ms. Gerami worked at the Ministry of Attorney General and the Department of Justice before transitioning to private practice in 2011. She also had the privilege of serving the Honourable Mr. Justice M. Evans at the Federal Court of Appeal.

Since founding Gerami Law PC in 2011 Ms. Gerami has focused her practice on immigration and refugee litigation and represented numerous clients before the Federal and provincial Courts, as well as the various divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Ms. Gerami is an Executive Member on the Immigration Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.  In 2017 and 2018 Ms. Gerami also served on the Organizing Committee of the annual CBA Immigration Law Conference.  She has been interviewed on national and local television, and quoted in national and local newspapers such as the Globe and Mail, National Post and the Ottawa Citizen.  Ms. Gerami has also published numerous journal articles, presented at immigration and refugee law conferences and events across Canada, and provided guest lectures at the University of Ottawa. 

As a Supervising Principal to articling students, Ms. Gerami enjoys facilitating the career development of law students and young lawyers. She also enjoys travelling as a well as spending time with her two children, husband and Bambi (her dog).

Show notes summary: [NOTE: Igor try to soft the information below and write up the show notes so that they are not quite as harsh]

COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on immigration and the way immigration law is practiced in Canada. Pandemic revealed a whole set of challenges with transparency and in some instances, showed the unwillingness of the authorities to reveal the bases upon which the decisions by the CBSA are being made.

Uncertainty, inconsistent application of the rule of law, and many other issues, exacerbated by COVID caused concern among immigration lawyers. At some point it seemed like CBSA has been conducting itself as if it’s above the rule of law. Here are just some of the issues discussed and analyzed during the podcast: 

- Uncertainty with the Canada-US agreement, as CBSA was unwilling to disclose the details of the border agreement with the US. This approach was going contrary with the spirit of transparency and for long time prevented lawyers from learning the details of the Agreement;

- refusing to disclose the manual on what constitutes essential purpose, that is being applied to make administrator decisions with very significant consequences;

- a number of reports about inconsistent application of the rule of law, complicated by the continuous modification of policy, made it difficult for people to know and understand their rights;

- some of the media reports of serious misconducts.

Overall, recent events and experience of Canadian immigration lawyers raise concerns regarding the lack of accountability and transparency in actions of the immigration authorities.  Without a doubt there is an understanding that the Government had to deal with unprecedented challenges, but there are also the expectations of respect, transparency, openness to dialogue and observance of the rule of law by the CBSA.

People need to be able to trust decision makers, individuals in the positions of power and have the right to know details of the acts used to make decisions on the cases that affect them. This is particularly true in times when individuals are experiencing significant fear and anxiety due to a pandemic. 

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This is the second part to our Canadian Business Immigration series. Just as in the previous episode, Canadian Immigration Lawyers Mark Holthe and Jeffrey Lowe discuss different business immigration strategies available to investors to Canada. However, this time there will be much more specifics and business immigration case studies. We are going to pull the curtain back on options that potential business immigration clients may want to consider as they look to invest in Canada and use that investment of time and money to secure permanent resident status for them and their families.

For the Part 2 of the episode dedicated to Canadian Business Immigration Canadian Immigration Lawyer Jeffrey Lowe joined Mark Holthe to shed some light on some of the best business immigration options available for entrepreneurs and like-minded foreign nationals who are looking to invest in Canada and secure permanent resident status in the process.

In particular, during this episode you will learn about the process of investing in Canada and 4 ways foreign nationals can invest in Canada. Following, Mark Holthe and Jeffrey Lowe address pros and cons of each of these pathways, and discuss how to find business opportunities when investing in Canada.

What makes this episode so awesome is the case studies and analysis of different immigration scenarios for potential business investors. On top of that, you will find some precious practical tips for business investors in Canada from our guest, Canadian Immigration Lawyer Jeffrey Lowe.

You can learn more about Jeffrey and his background working as a Canadian immigration lawyer in Episode 19 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.

Jeffrey S. Lowe has practised Immigration and Business law in British Columbia since 1983. He holds both a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, and is considered an innovator in the convergence of Business, Technology and the Law. Jeffrey is the Chief Inspirational Officer of Lowe & Company, and has taught Immigration Law, Practice Management and Legal Ethics to lawyers across Canada since 1990.

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Since 2014 Canada has been without any real immigrant investor program at a federal level. However, in this episode we are going to pull the curtain back on three great options that your business immigration clients may want to consider as they look to invest in Canada and use that investment of time and money to secure permanent resident status for them and their families.

It was great to have Canadian Immigration Lawyer Jeffrey Lowe join me to shed some light on some of the best business immigration options available for entrepreneurs and like-minded foreign nationals who are looking to invest in Canada and secure permanent resident status in the process. You can learn more about Jeffrey and his background working as a Canadian immigration lawyer in Episode 19 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.

Jeffrey S. Lowe has practised Immigration and Business law in British Columbia since 1983. He holds both a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, and is considered an innovator in the convergence of Business, Technology and the Law. Jeffrey is the Chief Inspirational Officer of Lowe & Company, and has taught Immigration Law, Practice Management and Legal Ethics to lawyers across Canada since 1990.

In this episode Jeffrey and I discussed three of his favourite option when advising high net worth clients seeking to immigrate to Canada. Two of the programs are PNP based and the third is a home grown strategy involving a combination of creative work permits and existing skilled worker programs to secure PR status in Canada.

 Show Notes for This Episode:

Introduction to Business Immigration 2 general routes: Entrepreneur Provincial Nominee Programs 7 Provinces and 2 Territories have them Most work the same way; And The “Canadian Business Experience Strategy” (a new term coined by Jeffrey!) Buy or invest in a business Apply for a Work Permit through a number of options: Owner Operator LMIA NAFTA Investor; CETA or CPTPP Investor; Significant Benefit Work Permit; Work in Canada; Apply to Immigrate under Express Entry Closer look at 2 Entrepreneur PNP Programs we recommend: BC PNP Programs: Base Program: $600K PNW $200K minimum investment Create 1 job Can buy a business or start new. Need to spend 75% of your time in BC Need CLB 4 when applying for Nomination (after 2 years) Regional Pilot: $300K PNW; $100K Minimum Investment Create 1 Job Must start new business Need to spend 75% of your time in BC Need CLB 4 at the beginning 66 Communities, with <1,000 people to 75K people Must have Community support for your proposed business Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Investment in GTA: $800K PNW $600K minimum investment Create 2 jobs Need to spend 75% of your time in Ontario Need CLB 4 when you apply for nomination Investment in Tech sector or outside GTA: $400K PNW $200K minimum investment Create 1 job Need to spend 75% of your time in Ontario Need CLB 4 when you apply for nomination

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None of this would be possible if it were not for my Canadian Immigration Institute. My DIY courses earn me sufficient revenue to continue pushing out great free content on Canadian Immigration.

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With over 700,000 international students in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has been struggling with what to do with them all. Many of these students are wondering if they have a future in Canada over the long term. In this episode Canadian Immigration Lawyer Will Tao joins me talk about some of the challenges students experience when studying in Canada and some essential tips to avoiding the most common pitfalls.

I was super happy to have Will Tao join me again after an almost four year absence on my Podcast. The last time he joined me, he was just cutting his teeth in the world of immigration law. However, he has worked hard to establish himself as a thought leader in our industry and someone who truly practices immigration law the right way.

Will Tao (pronouns: he/him) is a Canadian Immigration and Refugee Lawyer at Edelmann and Co., who lives and works on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish – sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations.

Will provides legal services in all areas of Canadian immigration and refugee law with a focus on complex applications, overcoming refusals, inadmissibility matters, appeals, and judicial reviews. Will regularly appeals before the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada. His focus is on international students, families, and temporary foreign workers.

Will also provides strategic advice and consultation to government, media, educational institutions, and businesses on immigration/refugee, decolonization, and race equity related issues. He is the founder and creator of Vancouver Immigration Blog, where he hopes to make immigration and refugee law more accessible to the general public. He is a second-generation Canadian, product of immigrants, and finds his personal motivation in the sacrifices of his parents and the resilience of Indigenous ancestors to this land.

In this episode Will and I discussed the plight of international students in Canada and pulled back the curtain on what is really happening in the background of immigration processing. Will took some time to share his thoughts on the challenges international students face in Canada and offered a few solutions to some of the most common pitfalls.

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Have you ever wondered why the Canadian Immigration process can be so darn hard and unforgiving? In this episode I share a few of my own thoughts on Canadian Immigration from the many years I have spent working in the trenches.

This episode came about quite spontaneously. As I was walking through the Cottonwood trees in our community wilderness park along the banks of the Old Man River near Lethbridge, I started think about my immigration practice and how much it had changed since I first decided to focus exclusively on immigration law back in 2003.

To say that things have changed is an understatement. When I started practicing, I had just finished working on the border as an officer and completed a year of pro bono work with the hearings officers in Calgary, Alberta. I had tons of great relationships established within the various immigration departments and was well positioned to start my practice as an immigration lawyer.

However, over time the landscape shifted and with that so too went officer discretion. In this Episode, I shared some insight on why these changes have occurred and the impact it has had on my practice and how I serve my clients.

I also shared a little bit about my new law firm Holthe Immigration Law, why I created it and how it is the perfect solution for how I want to practice for the rest of my career. I've got big plans for my little law firm. If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to work with a great group of lawyers looking to change the world please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Getting your immigration application refused sucks! Fortunately, you don't simply have to accept the rejection and live with it. In this episode, Rekha McNutt joins me in our first episode of our Special Series on Immigration Hearings and Appeals to pull back the curtain on Sponsorship Appeals at the Immigration Appeal Division.

Rekha practices primarily in immigration law.  She has extensive experience with temporary resident visas, express entry, federal skilled workers, Canadian experience class, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, family class sponsorships, refugee claims, pre-removal risk assessments, and in-Canada humanitarian and compassionate permanent residence applications.

Rekha has focused much of her practice on Federal Court Judicial Review applications of various types of negative immigration-related decisions.

Rekha had appeared before the Alberta Provincial Court and the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta.  She has also appeared extensively before the Federal Court of Canada and Immigration Tribunals such as the Immigration Division, Refugee Protection Division, and the Immigration Appeal Division.

Rekha is the past-Chair (2015-2016 & 2016-2017) of the Southern Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Immigration Section.

In this episode Rekha and I covered the following areas:

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One of the saddest things to see is for skilled immigrants and refugees to sacrifice so much to come to Canada and then not have the ability to continue working in their chosen profession once they get here. One of the more common barriers is the cost of applying for certification.

Often newcomers are unable to afford the application fees upon arrival and end up working in lower paying positions which only leave them with enough income to survive...never being able to afford the application fees. So what's the solution? .....Windmill Microlending. Listen in to my interview with Onai Abote who shares the remarkable Windmill story and how it has helped countless immigrants realize their dream of working in their chosen profession in Canada.

Onai Petra Abote, is the Community Relationship Specialist with Windmill Microlending (formerly Immigrant Access Fund) in Calgary. Onai joined Windmill Microlending from Postmedia, publishers of the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun where she was part of the advertising management team working as Media Coordinator and also featured as a columnist for both brands. Her achievements include developing clear internal communications for her department, successfully organizing high profile events, ensuring deadlines were met and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders. She also served as a committee member on the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund Committee - a fund that awards grants to some of the cities agencies working with vulnerable groups.

Onai is a qualified journalist with over 10 years’ experience working as a journalist in Zimbabwe - where she was born and raised. She worked as a freelance television producer for Reuters, and then later as Project Coordinator (and journalist) for The Source – Zimbabwe’s first business and financial news agency launched and supported by Thomson Reuters Foundation and European Journalism Centre.

As the Windmill Microlending Community Relationship Specialist in the Calgary office, Onai's focus includes executing Windmill Microlending ongoing strategic outreach plan - deepening the organization’s extensive referral network of immigrant-serving organizations, learning institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations and ethno- and occupation-specific groups. While the primary geographic focus is Calgary and Edmonton, she has also represented Windmill Microlending across British Columbia, and built referral networks across Canada in collaboration with counterparts in other provinces.

In this episode Onai and I covered the following areas:

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Whether you are a seasoned immigration practitioner or new to the caregiver world, a caregiver yourself looking to immigrate to Canada or someone currently working in Canada as a caregiver and wanting to become a permanent resident, this episode is for you. Quebec based immigration lawyer, Matthew Aronson joined me in this amazing episode filled with do's and dont's, tips and strategies and a virtual walkthrough of the new Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs. I think this episode ranks up there as one of the top "hands-on" episodes I have ever produced with an immigration lawyer to date.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has once again revamped the caregiver programs in this country. Whether or not the new Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs will succeed in accomplishing what they were designed to do, or doomed to fail, will play out in the coming years. Regardless, if you are considering accessing one of these programs, this episode is an absolute must.

Immigration lawyer Matt Aronson spent some time with me deconstructing the new pilot programs and offering a ton of extremely helpful information to help you navigate the complexities of not only the new pilots, but what to do with the existing caregiver currently working in Canada.

A graduate of McGill Law, Me. Matthew E. Aronson is a member of both the Barreau du Quebec and of the Law Society of Ontario.

Me. Aronson practices immigration, corporate commercial and real estate law. In immigration, he does all types of visitor, study and work permits, as well as Permanent Residency applications for Skilled Workers and for spouses of Canadians. He has developed a particular specialty in obtaining work permits and permanent residency for in-home caregivers.

He began his career at one of Canada’s premier corporate commercial law firms and has since gained experience in a boutique litigation firm and a well-known immigration firm before moving in-house at an international private equity firm as an Asset Manager and Advisor on Real Estate matters for several years. He returned to private practice in 2015, and jointed Adessky Attorneys as the head of its immigration practice. Since that time, he has advised both employers and workers in matters pertaining to work permits and PR cases.

When not practicing law, Me. Aronson is active in his community as a volunteer, serving on the Board of Notre-Dame-des-Arts, an arts-oriented local charity, as well as being VP Legal for his own family business, MKRLAB Community Workshop.

In this episode we covered the following areas:

Who are caregivers? What do you need to qualify? New Caregiver pilot programs – what has changed, how the pilot programs can benefit workers, as well as some common pitfalls to avoid The ‘Quebec Acceptation’ - how caregivers can work in Quebec, and what it means for PR. Legacy programs – how to continue accessing the old (and new) PR pathways if you’re already a Caregiver in Canada. Tips and tricks to streamline an application and avoid common errors and delays.

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One of the most heartbreaking realities of practicing Canadian immigration law is the fact that not all applications submitted will get approved.There is nothing worse than having to inform a client that their application was rejected. Inevitably, the first question a client asks after being told about the refusal, is how can we appeal that refusal.

Well, in this special series I will be releasing over the next couple of months, my good friend and colleague Rekha McNutt will join me to explore all of the ins and outs of the Canadian immigration appeal process and what happens in these hearings. Whether you are an immigration lawyer, consultant, or recently rejected applicant, this series is for you.

This special series on immigration appeals came about when Rekha and I realized that it was really difficult to try to limit the scope of this topic to just one episode. As we discussed the possible areas of immigration appeal, it became readily apparent that a special series on immigration appeals would be far more useful to the immigration practitioner and their clients than a high level discussion at the 10,000 foot level.

After all, this Podcast was designed to be very practical in nature and filled with numerous take aways that we and our clients could use in navigating our way through this complex area of immigration law, policy, and practice. I'll leave the 10,000 foot level for my good friends, Peter, Steven, and Deanna over at the Borderlines Podcast....which is one I highly recommend you check out.

So after discussing the possible ways in which we could structure this series, we settled on breaking things down by division first and then type of appeal within each division. Here are the general topics you can expect in the coming weeks and months:

Immigration Division - detention reviews and admissibility Immigration Appeal Division - spousal and parental sponsorship, removal order appeals Refugee Protection Division - refugee claims Refugee Appeal Division - refugee appeals Special Episode - s.117(9)(d) refusals

I think you are going to absolutely love this series whether you are a new practicing lawyer, a seasoned practitioner, or an everyday applicant staring at a refusal letter and wondering where to turn now.

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Another federal election has come and gone and after the dust has settled, Canada will have a minority Liberal government. The question is.....how will this impact Canadian immigration law, policy and practice?

In this episode I invited my good friend and fellow immigration lawyer, Ravi Jain to join me to weigh in on where we think immigration policy is headed following this fall Federal election. Now that we now we will have a minority Liberal government for the next 4 years (or less), what impact will this really have on the future of Canadian immigration for us immigration lawyers, consultants and our clients?

Although Ravi and I are both serving as table officers with the National Immigration Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association, all of the view expressed in this episode are ours alone and do not reflect those of the Canadian Bar Association and the National Immigration law section. This episode is just two friends sharing our thoughts on what we feel may be in store for Canadian immigration in the coming years.

Here is what we covered:

Parents and Grandparents Refugees MPs in and out Economic Immigration Programs Temporary Foreign Worker Program Immigration Consultants

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Express Entry is one of the most volatile, scary, and stressful applications that can be submitted to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In this episode I share with you some of my best insights and tips on navigating the Express Entry process safely.

In the first few years of Express Entry, when I received an email from IRCC related to a file starting with the letter "E", my stomach started to churn and my stress levels started to rise. I hesitated going to my Rep Portal to check to see what this notification could mean. Was it just a simple request for Passports, or was it the dreaded refusal letter for having failed to upload some innocuous document?

Although I don't feel that way now, I know that many of you fellow practitioners likely do....or if you don't, it's likely because you haven't yet filed many Express Entry applications.  So in order to help reduce the stress level and increase the satisfaction level, I pull back the curtain and share some insight on the whole process and some tips for avoiding some of the more troubling areas.

Here is what I covered:

Quick Overview of Express Entry CRS Trends and the Rounds of Invitations How our Clients can Increase Their CRS Scores Things you must know about Express Entry Break for our Sponsor - CII My Essential Practice Tips Top 5 Crazy Reasons EE Applications were Refused Top 5 Most Common Reasons for Refusal

Click on this link to access the Slide Deck Mark talked about in this Episode: AQAADI - Express Entry - Holthe 2019

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People preparing to emigrate to Canada often have one or more of the following misconceptions about the Canadian healthcare system: “Medicare works the same across the country,” or  “Coverage is immediate upon arrival,” or “Emergency medical care is covered even if I have a waiting period”. In this episode Jason Cummings joins me to debunk these common misconceptions and set the record straight for all newcomers to Canada.

These misconceptions can be costly to a newcomer.  For instance, each year tens of thousands of new residents of Canada settle in a Province or Territory that has a waiting period for public health coverage (Medicare).  During a Medicare waiting period, “un-insured residents” are responsible to pay for hospital and medical services, even in an emergency, and costs can be very high, even catastrophic.  The same risk can arise when a temporary resident loses Medicare eligibility due to the expiry of a work or study permit.

In this episode Canadian health insurance broker Jason Cummings, General Manager of David Cummings Insurance Services Ltd, joined me to help shed some light on what new permanent residents and temporary residents face when on-boarding into the “Canadian health system” and to offer some consumer education insights about the types of private medical insurance used to cover Medicare gaps.

Jason Cummings - General Manager of David Cummings Insurance Services Ltd. (DCIS).

Jason Cummings comes to work motivated to make a positive difference in people’s lives. With over 20 years’ experience, Jason is a recognized expert in health and travel insurance who has been interviewed for CBC’s The National, CBC News Vancouver, and CBC Radio and he presents information about Canada’s healthcare system and private health insurance in live workshops and online.  Jason leads the DCIS team of agents and associates with the vision of relentlessly championing duty of care, good faith, and the dignity of each person.

About DCIS Insurance Services Founded in 1987 by Jason’s father David Cummings, DCIS is a boutique insurance brokerage of choice, specializing in health insurance solutions for people moving to or visiting Canada, and for people relocating or travelling outside their country of origin to other destinations worldwide. Through a network of trusted advisors DCIS also provides personal life insurance, disability insurance, and group benefits. The DCIS team are committed to ensuring individuals, families, and organizations are well advised, offered competitive insurance solutions, equipped for successful use of their insurance, and supported at time of claim.

In this episode Jason shared valuable insights for prospective immigrants and temporary residents about on-boarding into the Canadian health system:

Public health coverage does not operate the same across Canada. Before departing for Canada, learn how Medicare eligibility and enrolment works in the Province or Territory you will settle in. New Permanent Residents face a Medicare waiting period (approx.3 months) in three Provinces and all Territories. Be sure to buy interim (private) medical insurance for any Medicare waiting period or gap. Work permit holders (and study permit holders) face a more complex set of rules and variables in regard to Medicare eligibility and maintaining Medicare coverage. Not all interim medical plans are created equally. Give the purchase of medical insurance the consideration due to any important financial decision. Whether on your own, or with the help of an insurance broker, be informed about the types of plan available, and especially about the plan you choose to buy.

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With the increasing numbers of refugee claimants crossing into Canada via the US border, the topic of refugees has become extremely polarizing in our country. As we approach another election year, political divisiveness and rhetoric from all parties will continue to dominate the media. What we are left with is a lot of misinformation being spread that only exacerbates the confusion the average Canadian has regarding the refugee issue.

In this episode Canadian immigration lawyer Hart Kaminker joined me to help shed some light on this topic and provide some great insight from a refugee lawyer perspective. Tune in to this episode and get rid of your pre-conceived ideas about refugees once and for all.

Hart Kaminker has extensive experience in all facets of Immigration and Citizenship law with focused knowledge in litigation, the processing of permanent and temporary applications, and reviewing decisions of Immigration tribunals and international visa officers.

Hart has represented clients before the Federal Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal and all levels of the Immigration and Refugee Board including the Refugee Protection Division, the Refugee Appeal Division and the Immigration Appeal Division.

Hart is often called upon to speak at events for the Canadian Bar Association and other community organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. He has also served on the Board of Governors at Beth Tikvah Synagogue and the UJA Israel Engagement Committee.

In this episode Hart shared insight on the following topics related to Canadian refugee law:

Current influx of refugees from the United States Safe Third Country Agreement Scheduling problems at the RPD Life working as a refugee lawyer

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Quebec has gone through some fairly significant changes to it's immigration programs. If you want to know how these changes may impact on Quebec based work permits and immigration, you've come to the right place. Canadian Immigration Lawyer Genna Evelyn joined me to share some insight on some of the significant changes that have been launched and some fantastic employment opportunities that exist for foreign nationals destined for Quebec.

Genna Evelyn practices immigration law from the small border city of Saint-Georges de Beauce in Quebec. Originally from Ontario, she has practiced in numerous areas of law in both Ontario and New Brunswick since 2007 before joining the BB Immigration team in 2017.

Ms. Evelyn has a Bachelor’s of Law from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Law from Université Laval with a research focus on immigration law. She offers services in both her English and French and is a member of both the Barreau du Québec and the Law Society of Ontario.

In addition to practicing immigration law privately, Ms. Evelyn also runs an Immigration Legal Clinic in Saint-Georges which provides free consultations to immigrants and others living in the region looking for help with their immigration procedures.

In this episode Genna shared insight on the following Quebec immigration programs:

Quebec Foreign Worker Program Quebec Skilled Worker Program Quebec Experience Program Entrepreneur / Investor Program

In this Episode, Genna also shared some great news that her region in Quebec is seriously hurting for workers. If you or someone you know is interested in a job opportunity in Quebec check out this website: https://www.labeauceembauche.com/

In this episode Genna shared some of the advantages that exist for spouse's of foreign workers who wish to become the principal application in a PR application. I had asked her to confirm whether spouse's of refugees (on Canadian open work permits) would be eligible for some of these programs. However, Genna later confirmed with me that it wouldn’t be possible for the spouse of a refugee applicant to use these new avenues because they only apply to open work permit holders under s. 205(c)(ii) which would only include spouses of foreign workers and students.

[Tweet "What's new with Quebec Immigration"]

Additional Resources:

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With the legalization of marijuana in Canada on October 17, 2018, there continues to exist tremendous confusion on how this will impact Canadian marijuana users travelling to the US and American's coming to Canada for a little "marijuana tourism". The issue is complex for individuals, but down right maddening for multinational companies sending employees back and forth across the Canada/US border on a daily basis.

In this episode, I was joined by Canadian and US Immigration Attorney Henry Chang who shared some great advice on the real dangers that exist for users of marijuana seeking to travel cross border between Canada and the US and some great tips for employees of Canadian marijuana companies travelling to the US.

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Henry Chang, a partner with the law firm of Blaney McMurtry in Toronto, Ontario, has always been a great resource for anything related to cross border immigration. As an immigration lawyer/attorney licensed to practice immigration law on both sides of the border, he was the perfect choice to join me on this Episode to explore the hidden dangers and pitfalls that the legalization of pot in Canada has created for Canadians and Americans crossing the Canada/US border.

Henry is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the State Bar of California. He is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top lawyers by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Who’s Who Legal, and Best Lawyers. He also holds an AV (Preeminent) rating, the highest possible rating, from Martindale-Hubbell.

Henry is the chair of the firm’s Immigration Law Group. As a recognized authority in the field of United States and Canadian business immigration law, his style of legal representation is often referred to as the “gold standard” for cross-border mobility law. With limited exceptions, Henry personally supervises the preparation of such cases, in order to ensure the highest probability of a successful outcome.

Henry lectures extensively in Canada, the United States, and overseas. His work has been published in numerous nationally- and internationally- recognized publications, including LexisNexis’ Immigration Law & Procedure, which has been cited in over 300 Federal Court decisions in cases from across the U.S. circuit courts of appeals, federal district courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Two of Henry's more recent articles have propelled him forward as one of the go-to lawyers on this topic and landed him many interviews with media seeking to demystify some of the lesser known dangers that are lurking in the shadows for marijuana users crossing the border.

How the Legalization of Marijuana Will Affect Your Ability to Travel to the United States

Canadian Companies Should Educate Their Employees Prior to Marijuana Legalization

In this episode Henry and I covered the following topics:

Canadians travelling to the US after legalization Employees of Canadian companies travelling to the US Americans coming to Canada for "marijuana tourism" Bringing marijuana across the border (into Canada or the US)

[Tweet "What you must know about Pot and cross border travel"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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For the past 15 years, I have routinely requested that my business immigration clients provide business plans to support the various business class applications I seek on their behalf in Canada. I never gave a thought to recommending the services of a business plan writing company....that is until I learned how great an impact they can have on the approval of a business immigration application.

In this episode, I was joined by Mariannella Manzur, Vice President at Joorney Business Plans who shared some great insight and opened my eyes to how outsourcing this essential component of a business immigration application can make all the difference in its success or failure.

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Normally, I don't invite 3rd party vendors to join me on my Podcast. I tend to invite other practitioners to talk about the nuts and bolts of various Canadian immigration applications. However, as I have been doing more and more business immigration application as the Canadian economy continues to rebound, the need for solid business plans has become increasingly important.

Traditionally, I have left the development of these business plans to my clients. However, I have come to realize that not all business plans are created equal. In fact, a company can put together a fantastic business plan that is extremely persuasive for securing much needed financing, but completely useless for the purposes of securing a business visa.

As a business immigration lawyer, it is essential that I am doing everything in my ability to give my client the best chance of success. As I have become increasingly aware of the significant impact a well written business plan can have on the success or failure of my client's application, I would be borderline negligent not to introduce my clients to the possibility of outsourcing the business plan development to professionals.

Over the years I have danced around companies like Joorney Business Plans. However, it was not until recently that I truly discovered the broad scope of services they can offer to my clients... and that the costs of these services are entirely reasonable in the context of business immigration applications. In fact, they offer so much more than drafting a simple business plan.

Joorney Business Plans

Joorney is one of the leading Business Plan writing companies in the industry. They specialize in providing custom business plan writing services and market analysis. Since 2012, they have completed over 2,500 projects with expertise in 120+ industries, and they can handle communications in many different languages. They have successfully established 500 B2B partners throughout the USA and continue to grow in Canada.

With their breadth of experience across many different industries, Joorney is ideally situated to support our client's in a variety of different areas including: consulting projects, strategic plans, investor approaches, market analysis and much more. The team at Joorney is flexible enough to adapts to the unique needs of our clients while provided extremely responsive service at competitive rates.

Joorney's main focus is business plans for immigration. They specialize in business plans for Provincial Nominee Programs, Intra-company Transfers, Self Employed, and LMIAs. They hand all aspects of business plan development. They also provide market research for clients wanting to enter the Canadian market.

Joorney is offering a 10% discount to everyone who let's them know they heard about them right here on the Canadian Immigration Podcast

After listening to what Marianella Manzur had to say about her company today, I can honestly say that they will become one of my go to companies for the development of business plans.....

.....tune in to this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast and you will understand why outsourcing the development of business plans to experts within the immigration field may be the best decision your client ever made.

In this episode we covered the following topics:

Introduction of Joorney - Marianella Manzur and Joorney Business Plans Main Focus of Joorney: Business Plans Market Research Feasibility Analysis Financial Models Idea Selection Process Client Process Flow Competitive Advantage

[Tweet "Why outsourcing business plan creation for immigration makes sense"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

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If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created a fair amount of anxiety for us immigration lawyers. What would they change? Would caps be put in place on renewals? Would certain professions be removed? Would the work permit options simply be scrapped? With all of the posturing of President Trump, these were all possible outcomes. On September 30, 2018, we learned the fate that awaited NAFTA....

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Fortunately, all parties were able to recognize that the free flow of business personnel was in the best interest of all three member countries. When the dust settled, Chapter 16 of the newly branded United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) was left untouched. We can expect the USMCA to become law some time in early 2020.

Most business immigration lawyers, such as myself (and our clients) let out a significant sigh of relief.

Although some of us carried faint hopes that these negotiations would provide an opportunity to update the list of professionals to include digital media occupations that didn’t exist back in 2004 when NAFTA was created. We will continue to settle for the status quo.

So now that NAFTA has not been scrapped, I want to take this opportunity to remind all of you Canadian, American, and Mexican business owners why the USMCA is so important for the movement of cross-border personnel and why it would have truly sucked to see it go.

In this episode, Billie Young an ex-immigration officer like me and member of my immigration Team here at Stringam LLP, joined me to share our "Top 5 reasons why every Canadian, American, and Mexican company will love the USMCA just as much as they did the old NAFTA".

Business Visitors - working in Canada without a work permit After-Sale Service Providers - service contemplated in original sales contract Professionals - hands down...the best work permit option Intra-company transferees - ideal for cross border transfers Traders / Investors - less useful; however, can fill some gaps left by the others

[Tweet "Top 5 reasons immigration lawyers love the USMCA"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

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If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

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So... IRCC is asking you to provide a police clearance. No problem...right? WRONG! Although obtaining police clearances for Canadian immigration purposes can seem like a pretty straightforward thing to do, if taken lightly, it can mean the difference between getting your application approved or rejected.

In this episode, Canadian immigration lawyer Shirish Chotalia joins me to discuss the ins and outs of the volatile area of police clearances and security screening. If you are involved in filing immigration applications, to any degree, you will not want to proceed any further before listening to this Episode.

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In this episode Shirish and I discuss some of our craziest client experiences trying to get police clearances to satisfy IRCC's requirements. When it comes to pretty much any requested document these days, IRCC is ruthless. If you don't have it and can't provide it, by the time they want it, you can count on your application getting rejected.

Ms. Shirish Chotalia has more than 30 years  experience in the field of immigration law. She has successfully opposed the decisions of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in the Federal Court and litigated complex cases since 1987. She has successfully conducted appeal hearings and managed complex immigration challenges. ​

If you have not yet had a chance, you can learn more about Shirish in Season 1 Episode 35 : Defending the Vulnerable – An Immigration Lawyer’s Story! This Episode was awesome. It really gives you a feel for who Shirish is and the great advocacy work she has done for her clients over the years....in many cases on a Pro Bono capacity.

In this episode, Shirish and I covered the following topics:

[Tweet "Everything you need to know about police clearances"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

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Visa processing can be tricky business. Although IRCC has taken significant measures to streamline the process and make it easier for us to file applications online and through the various processing centres, inevitably efficiency of process runs into a wall.....for some of our clients, it can be a BRICK WALL. In this episode, Canadian immigration lawyer Christy Jones joins me to discuss some of the more challenging scenarios she has had to work through and together we share some strategies for helping you navigate those quirky cases we all seem to get from time to time.

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As a young immigration lawyer, the best decision I ever made was to join the Canadian Bar Association's National Immigration section. Why?

Because it is probably the most collegial group of professionals in the country. There was always someone willing to share their past experience dealing with tricky situations. This willingness to share gave me access to a wealth of experience that allowed me the ability to quickly climb the steep immigration learning curve essential to practicing in this ever changing area of the law.

In this Episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, I was joined my immigration lawyer Christy Jones who practices out of her firm in Toronto, to share some insight on the world of visa office process from a practical perspective. Anyone can follow the IRCC guides and document checklists essential for filing a complete application. However, what do you do when things start to go off the rails and there is no instruction guide on how to deal with it?

This episode is devoted to a number of case scenarios where Christy and I share our thoughts on how best to deal with them. Our listeners will quickly discover that despite our many years of immigration practice, and our relatively consistent approach to most situations, there are times when our approaches to resolving an issue can be quite different. I guess this is what makes immigration so challenging, and yet so enjoyable....there is always more than one way to solve an immigration problem.

Here is a short list of the scenarios we discussed in this episode:

Scenario 1: Employee requiring a Work Permit, with one DUI is denied entry to Canada, and advised to seek a TRP through a visa office before attempting to re-enter. His intended position in Canada renders him eligible for expedited processing under the GSS.

Scenario 2: A GSS eligible application is to be prepared under the intra company transfer (specialized knowledge) provisions, but is not terribly strong. The applicant is visa exempt, but you are not sure whether an officer at the port of entry will agree with the specialized knowledge argument to be presented and the applicant has a long flight to Canada. You decide applying at the POE is too risky. Should you apply online to be processed under the GSS or submit the application to the IMWU for an opinion?

Scenario 3: Applicant with a Work Permit approved under the GSS arrives at the port of entry. The work permit is issued indicating that a medical exam is required within 30 days, however the applicant had not resided in a designated country, and there was no medical conducted toward Work Permit approval.

Scenario 4: An applicant eligible for a Work Permit exemption under the GSS is not issued a Visitor Record at the port of entry upon arrival.

[Tweet "Learn some tips on Visa Processing from experienced immigration counsel"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

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Are you an Alberta based foreign worker frustrated with how high the CRS has climbed for Express Entry? Are you beginning to think you will never get an ITA? If this is you, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program's new Alberta Opportunity Stream may just be the solution for you. 

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In this Episode I am flying solo to waste no time in demystifying the recent changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. I love to share information about immigration that affects my dear Province of Alberta. Finally, I have something to share that is actually a pretty big deal.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream was previously announced back in 2017 with a proposed launch date of January 2018. However, there was a fairly huge push back when stakeholders realized that anyone on an open work permit was going to be left in the dust when it came to getting nominations from the Province of Alberta. Credit to Brad Trefan and the other powers that be in Edmonton - they suspended the launch of the Alberta Opportunity Stream to listen to stakeholders and make sure they got it right. The local chapter of the Canadian Bar Association was one of many stakeholders who offered their thoughts on the proposed changes.

I think Brad and the gang actually did a pretty good job at getting the balance just about right!

On June 14, 2018 the Alberta Opportunity Stream was officially launched. In this Episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, I share my thoughts on the changes and highlight what this new Selection Criteria is all about.

[Tweet "Alberta Opportunity Stream comes to life."]

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

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Do you need to get documents translated quickly for your immigration application? Are you struggling with who to choose and how to know if the person doing the translation is worth their salt? Tune in to this Episode where I interview the owner of one of the most respected translation and interpreter companies in Alberta. Not only will you come away with essential tips on how to choose a translator, but greater insight on how difficult it actually is to translate properly. Join me as we pull the curtains back on the mysterious world of document translation and interpretation.

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In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, I caught up with Monica De Maria, the Owner and President of Giovanni Translation and Interpretation located in Calgary, Alberta.

Giovanni Translation & Interpretation was formed 37 years ago in Calgary, Alberta. The company has grown over the decades and now offers translation and interpretation services in over 60 languages to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, oil companies, law enforcement agencies, the Courts, law firms, insurance companies, medical professionals, and community organizations.

The company was founded by Monica's parents and she has continued forward in maintaining the company as one of the most well respected translation and interpretation companies in all of Alberta and beyond. It was an absolute pleasure to interview Monica. As a lawyer or consultant advising on Canadian immigration matters, you are most assuredly going to have need of a translator or interpreter at some point in time.

Monica is a graduate of the University of Calgary, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with distinction and of the University of Ottawa, where she was granted a BA Honours in Translation Magna Cum Laude.

Following graduation, Monica launched her career as a professional translator and interpreter offering services in any combination of French, Spanish and English. She is recognized as a certified legal interpreter by both the Association of Translators & Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) and the Alberta Court Interpreters Association (ACIA). She is also accredited by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) as a French and Spanish interpreter and provides interpretation services to the IRB, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (formerly known as CIC). She travels all over the province of Alberta to interpret at court proceedings and questionings.

In addition to her skills as a legal interpreter, Monica is also recognized as a French and Spanish medical interpreter. She completed the Health Care Interpreter program at Bow Valley College in both French and Spanish and interprets at hospitals and clinics and for Independent Medical Examinations. Moreover, Monica provides simultaneous interpretation services at conferences and for the government.

In this episode, we covered the following topics:

The history of her company and how Monica got into translation. The difference between a certified and uncertified translator. The most common documents Giovanni translates for immigration purposes. The process involved in getting a document translated. How interpreters work with the IAD and IRB Tips for choosing a translator Best practices for working with a translator to get your documents translated fast.

[Tweet "Essential tips on getting your immigration document translated fast"]

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

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Are you considering sending one of your clients to a Canadian port of entry to benefit from faster processing? STOP! Listen to this Episode before you even think about doing this. Yes.....you will get faster processing - however, you may not be as thrilled with the decision you get on that application. Join me in this Episode where I share some of my own x-immigration officer insight on navigating Canadian ports of entry.

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For the last couple of years, I have always followed an interview format on my Canadian Immigration Podcast. There has always been an awesome guest who joins me to discuss the various topics I cover on Canadian immigration. However, in this episode I decided to "go solo" for a change.

In the summer of 2002 (wow....it's hard to believe so much time as passed), this  young fellow had the opportunity to work as an immigration officer at the Carway and Chief Mountain POEs straddling the Alberta/Montana border. To a large extent, my experience over that summer and the following year working as a "pro bono" slave to the hearings officer in Calgary while I finished up law school, shaped my desire to practice immigration law today.

I truly believe that those experiences gained working as an immigration officer have made me a better immigration lawyer today. I often find myself drawing upon those experiences when I advice clients and ultimately with the way in which I create my immigration applications and supporting documents. I will forever be grateful to all of the fine officers I worked with those many years ago.

A recent client experience shared with me by a friend and past colleague caused me to do this episode today. Navigating the Canadian POEs can truly be a Jekyll and Hyde experience. In this episode I shared a little insight that I hope will help you as you contemplate sending your clients through a port of entry for immigration purposes.

In this episode, I covered the following topics:

Why are POEs more difficult today than they used to be? The cultural transformation that has gone on at Canadian POEs. My thoughts on why things are the way they are. Tips and strategies to help you when dealing with Canadian POEs.

[Tweet "Canadian POEs, a Jekyll and Hyde Experience"]

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

At some point in July 2018, the recreational use of Marijuana will become legal in Canada....however, Prime Minister Trudeau has confirmed it WILL NOT be Canada Day (July 1, 2018). With the explosion of this new industry, there is going to be a significant need for Marijuana Professionals to fill labour shortages and skill gaps within this industry in Canada. Immigration Lawyer, Betsy Kane and I discuss some of the existing work permit options that may be available to secure work authorization for these specialized marijuana workers in Canada.

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Betsy joined me once again to tackle this brand new topic that has not received too much coverage within Canadian immigration to date. However, it is clear that once recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Canada, there is going to be a significant need for people with expertise in this unique industry.

If you would like to learn more about Betsy and her firm, listen in to Season 1 Episode 22 where Betsy discusses a little more about how she got into immigration and her firm Capelle Kane which has been operating in Ottawa since 1994.

In this first episode of 2018, Betsy and I covered the following topics:

What is happening within the Marijuana industry in Canada. What types of workers and specialized personnel are going to be needed. The various work permit categories currently available. Trouble areas that could pop up Tips for helping your professional - look professional when apply for their work permit at the Port of Entry

[Tweet "How to Bring Marijuana Professionals into Canada"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program recently announced some pretty sweeping changes to come into effect in 2018. As the pioneer of PNP programs across Canada, the Province of Manitoba has always been a trend setter in developing creative ways to encourage settlement in their province. In this episode I invited back Canadian immigration lawyer Alastair Clarke to join me to talk about these changes.

[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/canadianimmigrationpodcast/CIP_S2_E17.mp3" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" ]

Alastair began working with immigration issues as a student leader at the University of Victoria in 1996. For almost 20 years, Alastair has been active with immigrant communities. Alastair’s current legal practice encompasses all areas of immigration and refugee law.

Alastair joined my previously in Season 1 Episode 25 where we talked about his background and how he got into immigration in the first place. If you'd like to learn more about Alastair, I would encourage to you go back to this past episode to get to know Alastair a little better.

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics related to the recently announced changes to the Manitoba PNP:

What has been the focus of the MPNP over the past years? What are the announced changes and how do they propose to change the program? New focus on "in demand occupations. New focus on STEM graduates. Changes to the business stream.

[Tweet "Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program - Changes coming for 2018"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot may just be the best immigration program in existence in Canada today. In this Episode, Canadian Immigration Lawyer Janet Thompson-Price shared some insight on the program that you will not want to miss. I truly believe this program has been the best kept secret of all the various Provincial based programs currently in operation across Canada and one I hope it becomes permanent for the Atlantic Provinces.

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Janet Thompson Price earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick. Upon graduation, Janet articled with the Atlantic Canadian law firm of Stewart McKelvey where she remained for a number of years in their litigation department.

Janet is the current Section Chair for the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Bar Association's Citizenship and Immigration Law Section. Janet has been invited to speak at countless immigration conferences both within New Brunswick and across Canada.

In 2009, Janet was chosen to be one of the esteemed 21st Leaders for the 21st Century where she was fortunate to travel across New Brunswick meeting dynamic New Brunswickers both in the public and private sectors. This invaluable experience has shown how local business people are thriving in a global economy.

Janet has served on a number of community boards including the Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre, and the Saint John YM-YWCA.

Her proudest accomplishment is her family. Janet and her husband Todd are the proud parents of 3 children.

Janet is passionate about helping people immigrate to Canada. As a daughter of immigrant parents , she remembers the proud day her parents became Canadian Citizens.

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics related to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program:

What is it and why was it created? How does the program work? How does an employer the employer designation process work? What are the various program within the Pilot? How long does it take to process applications?

[Tweet "Atlantic Immigration Pilot - Everything you wanted to know!"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

With the annual Parental Sponsorship lottery opening up in January 2018, the timing is perfect for an Episode dedicated to the Canadian Parental Sponsorship process. If you are considering filing an application to sponsor a parent or grandparent from abroad don't even think about submitting that application until you have listened to what Canadian Immigration Lawyer Ravi Jain had to say.

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It was great to have Ravi Jain of Green and Spiegel in Toronto, join me to discuss this very timely topic. If you want to learn more about Ravi, you can listen to his background in Season 1 Episode 17 - Canadian Spousal Sponsorship - Can you really afford to make a mistake? Ravi has distinguished himself as one of the leaders in our immigration field in Canada. However, when you listen to him on this Episode, you will very easily see that he is....simply put.....an "awesome" guy...super generous with his knowledge and an overall good guy....right to the core - who practices entirely in the right way.

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics:

What is the Parental Sponsorship process? What are the qualification requirements? Help tips on ensuring your Sponsorship is not rejected. What to do if you are facing a refusal?

[Tweet "Are you ready for the Parental Sponsorship Lottery?"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

Are you a foreign national dreaming of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, but struggling to score high enough on the IELTS exam to qualify.  If you are... you are not alone! Over 1/3 of the comments on my Express Entry Law facebook group (now over 80,000 strong) relate in some way to that darn english test.

In this episode, former IELTS examiner and now English language instructor, Kris Enders joins me to pull the curtain back on the IELTS exam and share some essential tips on how to not only improve your current score, but rock the exam!

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Although this topic departs slightly with the traditional immigration law theme on my Podcast, when over 1/3 of the comments on your Canadian immigration social media platform are focused on the IELTS exam, it's time to shed some light on this nasty little beast that torments so many people.

I was introduced to Kris Enders, former IELTS examiner and now founder of the Canadian Mosaic English School when he found his way onto my Express Entry Law Facebook Group a few months back. Within a very short period of time, I knew that he was someone I could endorse. As a former high school teacher myself, his methods and strategies for mastering the IELTS exam were exactly in line with my approach to teaching.

After spending some time with Kris, I knew instantly that I need to get him on the Podcast so that he could share his knowledge and experience with not only all of you listeners to my Podcast, but many of your clients who are actively trying to obtain that elusive Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry. I know that anyone who takes the time to listen to this Podcast is going to realize why Kris is the "go-to" guy for improving English language abilities.

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics:

How student perception of the exam affect their success. Why IELTS prep books really don't help in scoring above a CLB7. Why learning more vocabulary is not going to translate into the highest IELTS scores. The greatest mistake people make when trying to improve their reading scores. Understanding why scoring high on listening is really 50% reading skills.

[Tweet "Essential tips to improve your IELTS scores?"]

Special Discount for Canadian Immigration Podcast Subscribers

Kris and I got together to offer a discount to CIP listeners who are interested in taking some of Kris' online training. If you let Kris know you heard about him through the "Canadian Immigration Podcast", he will give you 10% off his regular rates. Regardless of the discount, it will be money well spent.

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

www.CanadianImmigrationPodcast.com 

Although the topic of government sponsored refugees has dropped slightly off the political landscape, the notion of privately sponsored refugees is still very much a topic of interest amongst Canadians. In Season 1 Episode 29 Canadian immigration lawyer Ronalee Carey joined me to talk about her experience working with the G30+ Ottawa Constituency Group who were involved in the private sponsorship of refugees to Canada.

Because of the success of that Episode, I just had to have her back to provide us with an update regarding a particular Syrian family that has now landed in Canada through the work of Ronalee and the other members of the G30+ Group. However, the real value Ronalee provides in this Episode is the amazing insight she shares regarding the government's Blended Visa Office Referral program....a program Ronalee strongly encourages all of us to get involved with.

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You can read a more detailed explanation of the process in this excellent paper prepared by Ronalee's law office entitled: An Overview of the Canadian Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics:

What are BVOR sponsorships (Blended Visa Office Referred), and how they differ from other private sponsorship arrangements. What are the financial obligations for sponsors What is the application process like, and how long does it take How do you work with individuals with whom you do not share a language? Once the refugees arrive in Canada, what are the sponsor’s obligations and how is all of this managed with a large group of volunteers The extent to which other countries are now starting to follow Canada’s lead, and start their own private sponsorship of refugees program

[Tweet "What is the BVOR Refugee Program? How can I get involved?"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

www.CanadianImmigrationPodcast.com

Are you currently outside of Canada needing to extend an expiring PR Card? Are you concerned about the very real possibility of losing your Canadian PR status? If you answered yes to either of these questions, this Episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast is for you.

In this episode, Canadian immigration lawyer, Robert Leong joined me to examine this topic in detail. He shared some great insight on why complying with IRCC's periodic request to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document, can create some unexpected and harsh consequences. This is one you will not want to miss!

[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/canadianimmigrationpodcast/CIP_S2_E12.mp3" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" social_linkedin="true" ]

It was great to have Robert join me again to discuss another great Canadian immigration topic. To learn more about Robert and how he got into immigration in the first place, check out the interview I did with him in Season 1 Episode 31 where we talked about challenges with the LMIA advertising requirements.

In this Episode, Robert builds on the previous interview I did with Canadian immigration lawyer Chantal Desloges in Season 2 Episode 3 on "Retaining Permanent Resident Status". Robert shares some extremely valuable insight on the dangers of following a visa officer's instructions to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return to Canada when an application has already been submitted to extend an expired PR Card.......listen in to learn what Robert has to say!

In this Episode we covered the following specific topics:

Overview of PR residency obligations Exemptions to the 2 in 5 rule PR Card processing delays Why you should be concerned when IRCC tells you to apply for a PRTD Tips for extending your PR Card if living outside of Canada

[Tweet "Tips for Extending your PR Card when outside Canada"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

Canadian Immigration Podcast

Have you ever wondered why the Province of Quebec has a separate immigration program? 

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, I caught up to Quebec Immigration Lawyer Genevieve Henault who took some time to answer this question as well give us a great overview of the various permanent and temporary immigration options unique to the Province of Quebec.

One thing is for certain, after listening to Genevieve's interview, she just about makes me want to relocate to Quebec....just about, that is!

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Genevieve joined me to share some insight on Quebec Immigration Programs. This is something that we have not yet had an opportunity to address on the Podcast and as such, I was delighted to have Genevieve join me to share from her wealth of experience practicing as an immigration lawyer in Quebec.

Genevieve Henault practices with the law firm of Gomberg Dalfen S.E.N.C. in Montreal, Quebec.  She was called to the Quebec bar in 1999 and has been with Gomberg Dalfen since 2008. Prior to that she had her own law office from 2000 to 2007 where she was a frequently speaker and presenter all over the world, representing clients from all over the globe including Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.

Genevieve has served as an Executive Member of the Canadian Bar Association's Quebec Division of the Citizenship and Immigration Section since 2004. She has been a frequent speaker at various Canadian Bar Association Immigration Conferences and other immigration related events.

In this Episode Genevieve walked us through some of the main permanent resident and temporary work permit options that are available to foreign nationals seeking to live and work in the Province of Quebec:

Permanent Residence: Investors Entrepreneurs Self-employed Quebec Experience Class Skilled Workers Quebec Graduated Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program Permanent Job Validation Temporary Work Permits: Quebec Simplified LMIA process Quebec Bridging Work Permits (exemption code A75)

[Tweet "Quebec Immigration Options"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

Each fall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada releases their annual Immigration Levels Plan. Currently these levels are set at just over 300,000 for 2017. This sure seems like a lot of new immigrants. However, have you every really thought about how many actually stay in Canada after they arrive? This is the question Canadian Immigration lawyer Carter Hoppe and I discussed in Episode 10 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. 

This is the second time Carter Hoppe has joined me on my Podcast. Previously, Carter and I discussed the various immigrant investor programs in Canada and abroad in Season 2 Episode 2. Carter did such an awesome job in that Episode, that I just had to have him back.

Carter is a Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and practices out of his office in Dubai, UAE.  You can learn more about Carter’s background from the show notes in Season 2 Episode 2.

In this episode Cater and I discuss the effect the residency requirements have had on Canadian permanent residents who have not yet decided, or who may not yet be ready to centralize their mode of existence in Canada just yet. In other words, there are a fairly significant portion of those 300,000 newly landed PRs who may, for a number of reasons, choose not to remain in Canada.

So how does this fact impact on IRCC’s Annual Levels Plans?

Does IRCC even track this information?

So if you are an official within IRCC who has knowledge regarding the statistics for PRs who ultimately renounce or otherwise lose their PR status, we would love to get our hands on that data. You can send me an e-mail to mholthe@stringam.ca if you’d like to share it because I really do not want to have to file…yet another….ATIP request. 🙂

In this Episode Carter and I discussed the following:

maintaining residence in Canada and another country; loss of PR status through informal breaches of residency obligations; loss of PR status through formal renunciation; and Canada’s Annual Levels Planning.

CLICK TO TWEET 

Additional Resources:

Topics for our Next Podcast

If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

In Season 1 Episode 15 released on May 11, 2016, I invited Canadian immigration lawyer Chris Veeman to join me to talk about the "then" recently announced changes to the Canadian citizenship process. Well it's been over one full year later and we are still waiting....

In this Episode I invited Chris back for an encore performance to bring us up to speed on where we are at right now and how much longer we are going to have to wait to see these significant changes become law.

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Chris Veeman is a Member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan. He practices immigration law in Saskatoon within his own law office, Veeman Law.

He is a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2003). A former Federal Court of Canada law clerk to the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra J. Simpson, he has been practicing immigration law since 2003. He has been based in Saskatoon (his home town) since 2004.

He has been invited to appear as a witness on citizenship matters before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on several occasions (2008, 2014, 2016), and has represented clients in numerous high-profile refugee, immigration and citizenship cases.

He served as an Executive Member of the CBA’s National Immigration Law section (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) and authors the Chapter on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program in Carswell’s text A Practical Guide to Provincial Nominee Programs in Canadian Immigration Law. 

In this episode Chris and I discuss the following changes that will be coming (hopefully before Canada Day, July 1, 2017) to Canada's Citizenship process :

revocation of citizenship; reversal of the past Conservative government's changes to residency requirements; how time spent as a temporary resident will be counted towards eligibility for citizenship; age limits for language testing.

[Tweet "Changes to Canadian Citizenship are almost here!"]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

Finding out that you, or a dependent family member, may be medically inadmissible to Canada can be one of the worst days of a foreign national's life. Just when the prospect of becoming a Canadian permanent resident is clearly in sight, you receive a fairness letter from IRCC that threatens to unravel everything you have worked so hard to achieve.  In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, I was extremely fortunate to catch up to one of the country's foremost experts on medical inadmissibility, Mario Bellissimo. Mario has pretty much established himself as the go to immigration lawyer for any foreign national facing the terrifying reality of an IRCC procedural fairness letter related to medical inadmissibility.

If you have just received a fairness letter from IRCC, do not do anything until you have first had a chance to listen to what Mario has to say. It could just mean the difference between realizing your dream of immigrating to Canada and being forever barred from ever becoming a permanent resident.

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Mario Bellissimo is the founder of Bellissimo Law Group in Toronto, Ontario. He is a Certified Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration Law and Refugee Protection with a practice focused on litigation and immigration inadmissibility. He is truly the perfect choice to discuss this complex area of Canadian immigration law.

Mario has appeared before all levels of immigration tribunals and courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a Past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association National Immigration Law Section and serves on multiple stakeholder committees involving IRCC, the CBSA, Service Canada, the Federal Courts, the Department of Justice, the Immigration and Refugee Board and Continuing Legal Education.

He has consistently been chosen by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada garnering Lawyer of the Year honours with “Best Lawyers” for 2016. This is the only purely peer reviewed guide to the legal profession.

In this episode Mario shares with us his Top 5 considerations when responding to a fairness letter related to medical inadmissibility.

the importance of requesting an extension of time to provide fuller and more comprehensive submissions and supporting evidence; the need to address the legal timeline within submissions and evidence; the consequences of failing to properly research and understand the interplay between Federal and Provincial delivery of health and social services and private versus public health coverage; applying the right legal test; knowing the case that must be met to succeed.

[Tweet "What to do when faced with medical inadmissibility in Canada."]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

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If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

There is often a love hate relationship that exists with the various Provincial Nominee Programs across the country. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is no different. With limited quotas each year and significant processing delays, it makes it very difficult for immigration counsel to recommend the program for anyone that is under time constraints or other time sensitive limitations where certainty in processing is critical. In this episode, immigration lawyer Sarah Fagan shares some insight on what is going on within the OINP today and what we might be able to expect in the near future as it struggles to reinvent itself as a more attractive option for foreign nationals seeking to become permanent residents of Canada.

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In this episode, I had a chance to talk to Sarah about her experience immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker. Although she is now a permanent resident of Canada practicing immigration law with the law firm of Rekai LLP in Toronto, she had quite humble beginning as she carved out her own path to practicing law in Canada. Her story is fascinating and inspiring for anyone who is wondering if they have what it takes to make it as a professional in Canada.

Sarah was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in the Republic of Ireland in 2009, and to the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales in 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (Honours) Degree from University College Dublin. Sarah was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2014.

Sarah joined Rekai LLP in March 2014, having gained several years of corporate immigration law experience with the Toronto office of a prominent international law firm. She has experience assisting clients with a variety of immigration matters, including: labour market impact assessments, employer compliance reviews, work permits, study permits, visitor records, temporary resident visas, temporary resident permits, criminal rehabilitation, permanent residence and citizenship.

In this episode Sarah and I discussed the following topics:

Sarah also shared the following information with me after the recording of this episode that she thought everyone might find helpful:

"Key points that I should have covered re Notifications of Interest – NOIs - is that individuals who are in the pool with 400 points upwards who qualify for Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream (OHCPS) who have not received an NOI since the program re-opened on Feb 21, 2017 and want to avail of the OHCPS, should create and submit a new profile to better their chances of receiving an NOI – apparently this is due to some glitch between IRCC and the OINPs systems. It is something that they have posted a notice about in the past during the infancy stages of OHCPS on their website, but there is no notice about it at present.  Also, there is no automatic notification of an NOI via email. You must check your IRCC online account regularly for same.

I also should have mentioned reconsiderations [of refused applications] during our chat, which have recently moved from a paper process to an online process – unfortunately our experience with those has not been positive and once again, they are extremely slow."

[Tweet "What does the future hold for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program."]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

If you are a foreign doctor wondering what it takes to actually practice medicine in Canada, this Episode is for you. Immigrating to Canada is often the easy part - understanding what it takes to actually qualify to work as a doctor is something entirely different.

Canadian immigration lawyer, Irma Roberts joined me to shed some much needed light on this very confusing and difficult process.

I am sure most of us have heard the failings of our old Federal Skilled Worker Program which opened Canada's doors to permanent resident status for foreign trained doctors only to see them driving taxis when they arrived. In this episode Calgary, Alberta based immigration lawyer Irma Roberts joins me to explain exactly what an International Medical Graduate needs to do to qualify to practice medicine in Canada.

Irma Roberts has likely represented more foreign trained doctors in their efforts to become permanent residents of Canada than any other immigration lawyer in the country. Having her come on the Podcast was a complete no-brainer.

Irma practices out of her own law firm in Calgary, Alberta. She has been involved with the Canadian Bar Association's local immigration section for a number of years including serving as the Chapter Chair and in a number of other capacities. Irma is heavily involved in volunteer work in Calgary currently serving as a Director on the Board of the Sunrise Community Link, a local anti-poverty organization. She is one of those lawyers that is doing it right. She cares about her clients and takes her responsibility to give back to the community very seriously.

In this episode Irma and I discussed the following topics:

[Tweet "How foreign doctors can immigrate and practice as doctors in Canada."]

Additional Resources:

Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

As many are likely aware by now... US President Donald Trump is acting quickly on his campaign promises. Through the use of some very strategic executive orders, he has shaken the very foundation of immigration law and policy in the United States. Although this Podcast is traditionally devoted to Canadian immigration, my special guest Heather Segal, a Canadian immigration lawyer and US immigration attorney, shares insight on not only what is happening in the US, but the potential impact it could have for Canadian immigration.

If you think what is happening in the US will have no impact on us in Canada, listen to what Heather has to say... you might just have a different outlook when you are finished!

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If you are anything like me, you are probably wondering what the heck is going on south of the border. Although many of us thought President Donald Trump would do some pretty crazy things while in office, I'll bet none of you thought he would act so quickly to ensure his campaign promises became a reality. I am seriously starting to think that President Trump's wall between Mexico and the US might actually happen....... who actually "pays for it" is an entirely different topic.

Heather Segal and I had a great time talking about what is happening in the US and musing over the possible ramifications, both good and bad, for immigration in Canada. One thing is certain, we will be impacted one way or another. With any luck for us immigration lawyers, Canadian immigration will be booming once again in just a few short months.

Heather Segal is founder of Segal Immigration Law in Toronto. She is widely recognized for her expertise in immigration law and she speaks regularly at conferences and seminars throughout the world. Heather practices exclusively in the area of Canadian immigration law and American Consular and Border immigration law.

She has spent a decade as a Director on the Board of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).  She is currently a member of the AILA Customs and Border Protection National Liaison Committee. She was voted by her peers as one of the world’s leading practitioners in corporate immigration law in 2018 in Who’s Who Legal - Corporate Immigration, a distinction I am also grateful to have received.

In this episode Heather and I discussed the following topics:

[Tweet "How will Trump's immigration policy impact on Canada."]

Additional Resources:

Listen to Mark Holthe's Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Topics for our Next Podcast

[reminder]If you have a suggestion for topics we could cover in the Podcast, please drop me a line. If you know of anyone that would be interested in coming on the Podcast as a guest, please send them my way. share on facebook, share on twitter, share on LinkedIn[/reminder]

Binge on all of our Canadian Immigration Podcast Episodes!

If you want to listen to more episodes, you will find all the episodes here.

Ask Mark an Immigration Question

Periodically I answer listener questions on my podcast. If you have a question, comment, thought or concern, you can do so by clicking here. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave me a voice message on the Ask an Immigration Question widget on the side bar of this website.

Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast

If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe.

If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the show. Share the Love

http://www.canadianimmigrationpodcast.com

Welcome Peter Rekai - Canadian Immigration Lawyer

Introduction to the Self Employed Category

How did you get into immigration?

Intro: Today we are going to be covering one of the most often neglected areas of PR in Canada… the Self Employed Category

Who is covered by the self employed category? I think the first issue under the self-employed category is to dispel the thought that self employed means any business of which you are the sole proprietor. It is limited to the three categories of cultural, athletic and farm manager.

The programme is designed for people  that live off contract to contract engagements not one for those who expect to work a 40 Hour Week for a single employer

Let’s start with athletes -  One issue with the athletic category is that you don't actually have to be the athlete. You can be a coach, trainer or even in athletic management. The same is true in the cultural Industries. You don't have to be the singing star; you can be involved in set design etc.

What constitutes suitable experience - We can discuss what constitutes suitable experience in order to be eligible in this category. We can also discuss what constitutes evidence of a likelihood  to be self-sufficient in your occupation. 

What about significant contribution to the Canadian scene - There is also the question of what constitutes a significant contribution to the Canadian scene. This may actually vary if you are a self-employed high-end music teacher in Toronto versus one who is providing this service in a small town in Atlantic Canada which has no music teachers at this level.

There is a point system. How difficult is it to meet this standard? There is actually a point system which I kind of ignore when it comes to self employed people. If someone is deemed to meet all the criteria they actually get 35 out of 100 points which is all they need. So proof of  education and English are actually  not necessary... although a lack of any English would certainly be a hindrance in any of these fields.

Let’s talk about Farm Managers - As for Farm managers, apparently there are lots of those applications that come into Visa offices in Pakistan Bangladesh and India. We can talk about how running a small Bangladeshi farm would likely not be considered as suitable experience to run a hundred+ acre modern farm in Saskatchewan

Becoming a permanent resident of Canada has never been more difficult. Knowing how to keep that residency in changing life circumstances can be just as important....in fact, possibly even more important! In this episode I caught up with immigration lawyer Chantal Desloges who practices in Toronto, Ontario to share some insight on this increasingly important area of immigration law. If you are a permanent resident of Canada wondering if you have done enough to maintain your PR status, this episode is for you.

If you go to virtually any of the online newspaper or television websites in Ontario and search immigration lawyer, you are almost certain to find Chantal Desloges. She is a regular immigration commentator on CTVs Power Play, and has been interviewed and quoted in both national and local television and newspapers on a variety of Canadian immigration related topics. Chantal has also been a regular organizer and participant in community education programs by giving speeches, lectures and training seminars to not only the community at large, but to other immigration practitioners as well.

Chantal is certified as a Specialist in both Immigration and Refugee Law with the Law Society of Upper Canada and practices out of her own firm Desloges Law Group in Toronto, Ontario.

If you are a permanent resident of Canada and are concerned that you may not have met the residency obligations to keep this status, this Podcast is going to be invaluable to you. I can guarantee that you are not going to get this level of insight and detail on maintaining Canadian permanent resident status anywhere else. And if you can find it somewhere else, you are definitely paying for it.

In this episode Chantal and I discussed the following topics:

If you are a foreign national seeking to immigrate to Canada through an investor program, you better listen to what immigration lawyer Carter Hoppe has to say first. Carter demystifies a fairly confusing area of immigration law that many of us immigration lawyers shy away from. After listening to this Podcast, you may just want to consider getting into the immigrant investor world....and when I say "world", I mean it.....Carter talks just as much about opportunities in the world as he does in Canada.

I was absolutely delighted that Carter Hoppe was able to join me in this Episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. Carter is one of the grandfathers of the practice of immigration law in Canada and one of the founding members of the national immigration section of the Canadian Bar Association.

The thing I like most about Carter is his story telling ability. You don't even realize how much you are learning from him because he carries you away with the intriguing "real life" examples he gives to illustrate his point.

Carter has been certified as a Specialist in Canadian Immigration Law with the Law Society of Upper Canada since 1993 and has been practicing out of his office in Dubai, UAE since 1994.  He is ideally situated to share in depth knowledge on all facets of immigrant investor programs. In fact, to all of you who feel that immigrant investor programs are evil, you really need to listen to what Carter has to say regarding the tremendous benefits of these programs to Canada as a whole. 

In this episode Carter and I discussed the following areas:

What is the difference between entrepreneur and investor programs? Why did the Federal government pull away from immigrant investor programs? What are the benefits of programs that select immigrants based on financial capital? What are some of the best strategies for high net worth individuals who want to immigrate to Canada... or another country for that matter? Why should Canada bring back immigrant investor programs? Which Provinces have programs available for investors and entrepreneurs?

[Tweet "If you are rich and want to immigrate to Canada, here's how."]

Additional Resources:

Congratulations to our New Canadian Immigration Minister