During an Immigration consultation, it’s not uncommon for clients to receive an “it depends” response from an Immigration lawyer, probably leaving them wondering why these legal professionals can’t provide them with a straightforward answer. The reason lies in the ever-changing nature of Canadian Immigration law, where specific circumstances often dictate the appropriate course of action to be taken by interested individuals and families. However, since Immigration regulations and policies are in a constant state of flux, what was true yesterday may be outdated today. Consequently, when someone asks if they can obtain Permanent Residence using the same pathway their friend(s) have, the short answer is “It depends.”
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for introducing changes to this constantly evolving Immigration system through temporary public policies, operational bulletins, and ministerial instructions. These modifications aim to support Canada’s Immigration objectives, assist Immigration officers–inside and outside Canada–with making decisions, and enhance customer experience/service standards. Consequently, Immigration lawyers must monitor all of IRCC’s online platforms to ensure they are informed of any sudden changes that may impact how they tailor their legal advice and communicate it to their clients in a timely and helpful manner.
As a practicing Canadian Immigration lawyer, I have discovered that to yield better results for clients, we, as legal professionals, require a sharp mind that can quickly adapt and distill changes as they occur. Consequently, I consider it crucial to not only focus on acquiring extensive knowledge within the realm of Immigration law but also to maintain a fluid approach to learning. This focus allows me to guide my clients towards the best possible chances of success with their Immigration endeavours.
Today, Canada presents a wide range of Immigration programs that cater to individuals and families aspiring to make Canada their new permanent home. If you possess valuable skills, a Canadian-equivalent post-secondary education, proven proficiency in English, and a willingness to relocate, there are an abundance of programs available to facilitate your Permanent Residency in Canada. It is essential to capitalize on one of these programs, considering that Canada welcomes approximately 500,000 individuals each year. In recent years, most new immigrants to Canada are admitted through economic Immigration programs. These programs include the Express Entry Program (Federal Skilled Worker Stream, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Stream) and various province/territory-specific Provincial Nominee Programs.
As an Immigration lawyer, I must consider my client’s unique circumstances and goals against the available economic Immigration programs to identify and advise them on a specific pathway that streamlines their Canadian Immigration process. For this reason, engaging the services of a competent Immigration lawyer is crucial to navigating complex and changing Immigration policies and procedures. It cannot be emphasized enough how many people wanting to come to Canada attempt to cut costs initially, only to reach out to us afterward when limited options remain. IRCC’s approach to marketing its programs as user-friendly can inadvertently mislead individuals to navigate the Immigration process on their own. However, the reality is that the Immigration system is intricate and nuanced. What may initially appear straightforward is often far from it.
Immigration lawyers offer more than just guidance. They possess ample knowledge of potential nuances and how best to navigate them. Moreover, they assist with meticulously preparing clear-cut immigration application packages that adhere to IRCC policies and requirements. Their legal expertise ensures that applicants have the best chance of success while easing the burden of review on IRCC staff.
As a former foreign national who navigated the Canadian Immigration system, I always attribute my success to having consulted an experienced Immigration lawyer early on, which enabled the creation of a well-crafted Immigration plan with minimal obstacles. Investing a bit more at the outset ensures a higher likelihood of success in your Immigration journey instead of saving money and falling short of your Immigration goals in the end!