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PGWP Update

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IRCC has announced increased flexibility with Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students in Canada. This reflects the government’s recognition of the contribution of international students to the Canadian economy and to society in general. As stated by our former Minister of Immigration John McCallum, international students are the core of the Canadian immigration system and the government is committed to supporting these individuals who have proven their financial contributions to this country.PGWP

IRCC has explicitly stated the importance of international students to our immigration system. The Press Release states:

International education represents a significant economic benefit to Canada, with international students contributing $21.6 billion to Canada’s GDP and supporting nearly 170,000 jobs in 2018. International students are also often excellent candidates to apply to remain in Canada permanently, with nearly 54,000 former students becoming permanent residents in Canada in 2018.

Indeed, the numbers are clear. Many int’l students go on to work on a PGWP and they apply for PR status. This is a proven path. In Manitoba, it is even easier with the MPNP program.

IRCC has shown commitment to ensuring students have the support they need during COVID19:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on international students. In response to the health and travel restrictions that are in place, many designated learning institutions (DLIs) are offering their courses online.

Post-secondary institutions and prospective students alike are considering their approach to the fall semester. Both have sought guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for students starting at an eligible DLI this fall.

The government has announced increased flexibility with PGWP applications:

Under normal circumstances, criteria for the PGWPP limit an international student’s ability to pursue a program via distance learning, from inside or outside Canada, and time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from the length of the work permit for which they are eligible.

PGWPP eligibility will not be affected for international students whose fall 2020 courses will be online due to COVID-19. This is in line with guidance provided to students already studying in Canada or whose program had a spring or summer start date.

Students in this situation may begin their classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they cannot travel to Canada sooner.

In addition, they will not have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada, up to December 31, 2020.

This is very good news. We have many clients who can take advantage of these updates to the PGWP. On 29 MAY 2020, Clarke Immigration Law will participate in a meeting with the Minister of IRCC as well as the Minister of CBSA to discuss further changes to help our clients. Continue to watch this space for details.

UPDATE: We have been advised that PGWP application may be extended, in some circumstances. In this past, this was not possible. Please contact our office for more information.

Donations for Mohammed

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Thank you for the tremendous support for our client Mohammed. You can read about his story in the WFP article. Basically, he is in Canada on a Work Permit and he is not covered by Manitoba Health. He had COVID19 symptoms and he paid $359.00 CAD to be tested:

Mohammed called Health Links to find out how he should proceed. He told the Free Press after waiting on hold for two hours, the representative on the other end of the line advised he go for testing at the nearest emergency room — not one of the off-site coronavirus testing centres.

He went to the downtown Health Sciences Centre and was swabbed for COVID-19. He was handed a bill for $359. He has no idea where he’s going to come up with the cash to pay it.

“I already don’t save a penny for myself,” he said. “I could pay if it was a smaller amount. And I only took the test. I didn’t take any medicine or anything like that. It is a lot of money to me.”

We have been helping Mohammed with his immigration applications. We hope that we can help him become a Permanent Resident and he will not have to worry about paying cash for health care.

We have been contacted by many WFP readers who would like to help Mohammed. Manitobans are so generous!

If you would like to help Mohammed, please contact our office and we can accept donations.

Please note that Clarke Immigration Law is based on service and principles of fairness. We provide many services pro bono to clients and we are committed to helping clients through Legal Aid. Alastair worked as Staff Lawyer at various community legal aid clinics in Toronto and Kingston. Our firm is modeled after the legal clinic system and our focus is on helping our clients and providing the best quality service.

WFP: Pandemic & Immigration

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During this pandemic, CLARKE IMMIGRATION LAW is open and we are working remotely while keeping staff at the office. Please refer to our post on COVID19 which has regular updates. This pandemic has caused significant frustration and anxiety among our clients, including businesses that are negatively affected, families, workers and refugee claimants. Alastair Clarke gave an interview to the Winnipeg Free Press to answer some questions related to this ongoing pandemic and its impact on Canadian immigration law.

We have included a limited selection from the interview below. Please click here to read the full article.

Free Press: Are you concerned about how coronavirus response and the economic impact of the pandemic will influence people’s ability to land in Canada and to process applications on the permanent residency and citizenship track?

Clarke: Absolutely… we’re dealing with emergencies on a daily basis. Clients are concerned about their work permits, international students are worried about their status if they’ve been granted study permits, but they’re now not able to come for whatever reason. We have clients who have requirements to get biometrics (fingerprints and photo), but they’re not able to get the biometrics because the offices are closed.

This pandemic has affected the entire system. Not to mention the (Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada) tribunal is virtually closed, 90 per cent of our hearings have been postponed.

We expect there are going to be delays in processing times. We expect this is going to impact many applications. Canada, as everyone knows, is dependent on immigration and our economy is tied very closely with immigration.Pandemic

FP: What if someone had been on track to apply for a permanent residency permit and just got laid off? Are they still going to be eligible to remain in Canada? Would they be eligible for the emergency employment benefit?

AC: Every case is different. So, we’re dealing with these questions on a case-by-case basis.

I had one trucker who called me and he has a permanent residency application in process and his employer has supported his application. But the routes he has are all to the United States, and this client doesn’t feel comfortable going to the United States anymore. He’s asked his employer for domestic routes, but they don’t have any. So now he’s asking whether or not he can quit — and that would be a huge risk; he puts his visa application at risk.

I will say, generally speaking, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, I’m on the phone with officers almost daily and they have been incredibly open about what they’re dealing with. The officers are incredibly sympathetic; they understand how these applicants are being affected.

Please go to the Winnipeg Free Press article to read the interview in full. This pandemic and the impact of COVID19 is causing unprecedented changes to the economy and to society on a global scale.

Finally, I want to applaud the Government of Manitoba for their hard work. Currently, there are ~250 infections in the entire province and only a few deaths. We have less than 1% of the cases in Canada and Manitoba is very safe. I feel extremely safe and secure in Manitoba and we have the benefit of an extremely reliable health care system.

We want to thank all the health care workers who work tirelessly to treat those affected by this pandemic. We each need to do our part to mitigate the risk and flatten the curve. We are very fortunate to live in Manitoba and we benefit from good governance and strong leadership.

Success: Sponsorship Appeal

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In late 2018, we were contacted by a Pakistani family regarding a Spousal Sponsorship application that was refused. We had 6 months to prepare the Spousal Sponsorship appeal at the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the tribunal. Challenges we had to overcome: two (2) previous sponsorship refusals, one (1) previous IAD sponsorship appeal refusal, divorce, family issues, mental health issues, mistakes made by the Pakistani official and mistakes on the original application. Positives: our clients are a loving couple who found each other despite significant hardship and obstacles. On many levels, this couple is a good match and they have the support of their family in Canada as well as family members in Pakistan.

Sponsorship appeal

This photo is used with permission and it does not depict our clients.

This was not an easy win. We prepared multiple disclosure packages that included hundreds of pages of evidence. We practiced testimony with family members in Canada and in Asia. In our conference room, we had many meetings to review questions and answers. For these cases, it is so important to prepare, prepare, prepare!!

As an aside, it is important to point out that these clients had previously retained another law firm for a previous IAD sponsorship appeal and they lost. When they came to us, they had already spent more than $20,000.00 CAD on legal fees. They would have saved a lot of $$$$ if they had come to us first. I will not say that the previous immigration lawyer lacks competence. I respect her work and I believe that she tried her best. For whatever reason, it simply wasn’t good enough. I will also refrain from naming the previous law firm but I can let you know they have a Google rating of only 3.0 and a poor reputation in the legal community.

In 2016, we published tips for winning a Spousal Sponsorship appeal. Alastair handled his first Spousal Sponsorship appeal back in 2007 (with the support of his Toronto law firm, he won) and he has won every IAD appeal over the past 12 years. Many victories. Many happy families reunited.

In this case, the Pakistani applicant has arrived and she is now a Permanent Resident of Canada. She is settling into her life in Winnipeg, with the unwavering support of her husband and their family. We wish their marriage all the best!

COVID19 – UPDATE 7/APR/2020

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UPDATE: 7/APRIL/2020

Please note that we will not be providing additional updates to this page. There have been many changes to laws, regulations and policies due to COVID19. We have been in contact with lawyers from across Canada to stay up to date with changes and amendments.

If you have any specific questions on how the changes may impact your application or your situation, please book a consultation with a lawyer.

UPDATE: 24/MARCH/2020

OK – to mitigate the spread of COVID19, the Ontario government declared that all non-essential services must close starting tomorrow and we expect Manitoba will follow suit soon. The numbers of infected continue to rise and the governments are doing everything in their power.

LAWYERS ARE “ESSENTIAL” SERVICE

The list is out. Lawyers and law firms are considered an essential service. We will continue to monitor the situation. Again, most staff at Clarke Law are working remotely. We only have 2 staff in the office to keep things up and running; however, we are not holding in-person meetings in the office. Feel free to drop off documents and we have been getting daily packages.

NOTE: Immigration consultants are not on the list. As per usual, please contact an appropriate expert for assistance.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

I have to commend our valiant leader PM Trudeau who is working from home in isolation. He is managing his busy household, with 3 young children, by himself while leading our country through very difficult times.

We watch his daily briefings and he remains poised. Lead by example. Well done Sir!

BORDERLINES PODCAST

My colleagues in Vancouver have published an episode on The Canadian Immigration Consequences of COVID19. This does not seem to appear on their website (yet) so I would encourage you to find it in your podcast app.

In particular, it is nice to hear some optimism from Deanna!

START IN-CANADA REFUGEE CLAIM BY EMAIL

As the IRCC Offices across Canada have closed due to COVID19, refugee claims in Canada are being submitted by email: IRCC.RefugeeClaim-Demandedasile.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

We have been in regular contact with the IRB-RPD (Western Region) and we have been advised that all hearings have been postponed until 1 MAY 2020.

UPDATE: 23/MARCH2020

We had a busy weekend. The land border with the USA closed at midnight on Friday due to COVID19, causing a lot of confusion. I am not sure how “Tutor” became part of the definition of “immediate family member”.

COVID19

COVID19

IN-PERSON MEETINGS CANCELLED

In our office, most of our staff are working from home. We will continue to work on files and submit applications to maintain high standards. At the same time, we must do our part to fight this COVID19 virus from spreading. We encourage all our clients to contact us by telephone – 2045996966 or by email info@clarkeimmigrationlaw.ca

MANITOBA STATE OF EMERGENCY

The provincial government has declared a State of Emergency to manage the spread of COVID19. These are extreme measures for extreme times. We are all taking these measures very seriously and we fully support any and all measures to protect the health and safety of residents.

This means that groups over 50 people are banned. Gyms are closed. Most retail will close. See the government website for details. We are taking this day by day.

UPDATE: 20/MARCH/2020

ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM USA

The Canadian government has further restricted border entries. Asylum seekers (refugee claimants) who seek to enter Canada at Ports of Entry will be refused entry. Asylum seekers (refugee claimants) who attempt irregular crossings into Canada will be returned to the US as part of an “exceptional measure” to protect residents in Canada.

During a news briefing, Minister Blair has acknowledged exceptions, including unaccompanied minors, to filing a refugee claim at the border. Claims at the US-Canada border have decreased by half from ~40 daily to ~20 daily. They will be returned to the USA and the Minister has advised that they will not be detained.

QUARANTINE ACT LEGISLATION

Emergency legislation through the Quarantine Act limits entry to Canada, including “immediate family members” as defined by the new Order. This provides clarity on the previous announcements that will limit access to Canadian soil.

Individuals crossing from the US may be required to spend a period of 14 days in the US due to COVID19 before they will be allowed to enter Canada.

FASTER PROCESSING TIMES

Minister Freeland has indicated that IRCC may be processing applications faster than usual. She has indicated that we need to recognize the need for “speed over attention”. She has emphasized the importance of processing files quickly. We are waiting for confirmation and details from Minister Mendicino’s office.

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UPDATE 19/MARCH/2020

US VISA OFFICES – CUTTING SERVICES

The US Government has announced that Visa Offices around the world will be cutting services and canceling appointments. This is an unprecedented decision that will impact thousands of applications.

We believe the Canadian government may issue a similar order to Canadian Visa Offices. If you are in process of submitting an application, we encourage you to submit ASAP while the Visa Offices are still open.

CANADA/USA BORDER RESTRICTIONS

Through a mutual agreement, the Canadian and US government have agreed to limit travel across the land border to essential travel only. This is an attempt to limit tourism and cross-border shopping. There are exemptions for trade and/or trucking. Governments are working hard due to the numbers of COVID19 infections.

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UPDATE 18/MARCH/2020

Please note that we have been dealing with the pandemic and monitoring the developments closely. We are trying to reply to all concerns in a systemic and orderly manner.

IRB – HEARINGS POSTPONED

Please note that most hearings at the tribunal have been postponed. This included refugee claims, admissibility hearings, and appeals. If you have a hearing that has been scheduled, we will provide updates from the IRB. Currently, the IRB front offce is closed to the public and they have released this message, published in 16/MARCH/2020. IRB Members are working on current cases and we received a positive decision today.

ENTERING CANADA

Please note that the Government of Canada has temporarily restricted entry to Canada. Previously, only Canadian citizens, PRs and a few exemptions have been permitted entry. Today, there may be additional restrictions. The situation has been changing daily, based on the risk assessment. If you or your loved ones are seeking entry to Canada, please review the changes that are published on news outlets, including CBC News.

REMOVALS AND DEPORTATIONS

CBSA has currently suspended all removals from Canada, including Departure Orders, Exclusion Orders and Deportation Orders; however, there are exceptions.

APPOINTMENTS WITH IRCC

IRCC has suspended in person meetings with Officers. Currently, they have announced that meetings may resume on 13/APRIL/2020; however, that may change depending on the pandemic.

Successful applications who are scheduled to land and become Permanent Residents, need to contact IRCC if they are unable to travel. This includes COPR and PRV cases.

BIOMETRICS

All biometrics appointments inside Canada have been cancelled until further notice. IRCC has granted an automatic extension of 90 days.

For biometrics appointments outside Canada, please contact the appropriate VAC or ASC.

CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS

Please note that CPC Sydney has temporarily closed and the office is not accepting packages. We will be submitting documentation as soon as they resume operations.

CROSSING THE BORDER & POEs

Please keep in mind that CBSA Officers at the border are on the front line. They have put in place measures to keep the Officers safe and, at the same time, follow instructions from Ottawa. We have been advised by other law firms in Canada that POEs may refuse to process applications that are not urgent.

PR APPLICATIONS

Applications for Permanent Residence and many other applications are being accepted. IRCC is encouraging all applicants to submit online, if possible.

FEDERAL COURT – APPLICATIONS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW

The Court has issued a Notice regarding deadlines and ALJR. This information is effective 17/MARCH/2020

MIGRANT WORKERS & FARMING

We have been monitoring the situation. IRCC is acutely aware of the needs of the farming and agricultural sector. Current border restrictions may impact many workers who have travel plans. At this point, we encourage all temporary workers to monitor the situation closely.

LEGAL AID MANITOBA

LAM has announced that it will accept application online and their office is currently closed.

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13/MARCH/2020

We want to thank all our clients and partners for continued patience, cooperation and understanding during this COVID29 pandemic. We have taken unprecedented actions to keep our staff safe and healthy. These precautions have been put in place to ensure that we can continue to work and serve our clients. We will continue to do the work that we love; however, we also need to stay safe & healthy.

If you have come to the office recently, you have noticed the new signage. We announced the ban on shaking hands at the beginning of 2020 and we have put in place additional measures to limit personal contact and adhere to social distancing. In addition, starting on March 11th, we have put in place additional cleaning and other procedures to protect the office from viruses. We have added purification systems and many other measures for protection.

We have also put in place additional procedures so that staff can work remotely from home, if necessary. We are monitoring ourselves regularly to make sure we are safe and healthy. We are taking the COVID19 pandemic seriously and we want to make sure that we follow all precautions so that we are not infected and that we do not infect anyone who comes to our office.

Please take all measures to stay healthy.

Success: Residency Obligation Appeal

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All PRs in Canada should be aware of the 730 day rule re: Residency Obligation. In this case, our clients landed in 2014 while the Principal Applicant was completing his PhD program. They spent 2 weeks in Manitoba and then he returned to finish his degree. He intended to spend only one (1) year outside Canada, complete his studies, and then come back. But his university offered a three (3) year research contract that he could not refuse. He tried to enter Canada in 2018 and the CBSA Officer conducted the examination. As he failed the 730 day rule, he and his family were at risk of losing their Permanent Resident status. They called us and we filed the Residency Obligation appeal to the IAD.Residency Obligations

In the five (5) years prior to examination, these clients were in Canada for only 14 days. This IAD appeal was a challenge. Thankfully, we were able to successfully postpone the IAD hearing date twice and give the family additional time to establish themselves in Manitoba.

We prepared +300 pages of supporting documentation, meticulously drafting each documentation for relevancy and strength. We spent hours to prepare the family and their witnesses to practice (practice and more practice) their testimony.

We won the appeal, of course. Alastair still has a perfect record at the IAD. This was a challenging appeal. With only 14 days in Canada during the requisite period, this family was not even close to meeting the 730 day rule. Thankfully, our legal arguments and preparation won the day. In my view, Canada also gained a prominent academic who is doing significant research. This was a win-win-win!

On a sad note, Alastair spoke with unrepresented appellants at the IAD who decided to try to fight for themselves. Alas, they lost their appeal and they made an appointment at Clarke Immigration Law to discuss their limited options. Please note that appealing an IAD Residency Obligation decision to Federal Court is extremely challenging. I would highly recommend that anyone subject to an IAD appeal find a good lawyer as soon as possible!

Success Stories

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Much of our work goes unnoticed. Unreported decisions. Negotiated settlements. Positive decisions rarely make the news and success stories are rarely shared. We certainly encourage our clients to post comments on social media and we are so thankful for their time and energy to share their experiences with our office and to share their success stories. We believe we are the best immigration law firm in Manitoba; however, at the same time, I would not advise you take our word for it. As I say repeatedly at tribunals and at Court, look at the evidence. One piece of objective evidence: we currently have a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0, based on 45 reviews on Google. Many of our clients, however, do not have Google accounts or they do not want to reveal their identities. Fair enough. So our team will make an effort to share these successes with you on our website. I want to say that these success stories are personal stories from our clients so we will be omitting any confidential and/or identifying information.

Success Stories

Success Stories

We had a staff meeting to discuss this effort and I think everyone at Clarke Law is excited to share our successes. We are pleased to announce that we will start sharing success stories in this space on a regular basis. We also feel much of the excitement (and anxiety) as our clients when we get positive decisions. This project will give you, wherever you are in the world, insight into some of the cases we handle and how we achieve our results.

We simply do not have the resources to help all the people who contact our office. We try our best to give sound advice and relevant information. Part of our job is to dispel misinformation and disinformation. Alas, there is a plethora of out-dated information or incorrect information online. I will say that part of me cringes when I hear a client say, “my friend told me …”. More often than not, the individual then goes on to describe a situation that is quite different from their circumstances.

From my perspective, we are motivated to save lives, to bring families together and to build Canadian businesses. This means bringing family members to Canada so they can work or study or visit. We have helped countless international students who were previously refused based on poor representation or mistakes.

I remember when I asked my father about sponsoring my mother back in the 1960s. He can barely remember the application. At that time, Canadian immigration was a simple system and the applications were thin. He did not have to deal with complex system we deal with today. As my mum was dealing with an intense political situation, I am not certain that their application would have been straight-forward.

We will try to share some of our success stories; however, time is our greatest resource and it is also a resource in short supply. We need to balance our time between updating this site and helping the clients who trust us to solve their immigration problems.

Poem for 2020

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Here at Clarke Immigration Law, we try to have fun while we are working hard for our clients. For our end of year party, my colleague Kieran Szuchewycz wrote the following poem and he has graciously allowed us to publish this on our website. Enjoy!

In fourteen hundred ninety two

Columbus sailed the ocean blue

In two thousand and twenty he came once more

And landed north on Canadian shores

And as he stepped off his Iberian plane

With a thunderous voice he did proclaim

“This land now belongs to the king of Spain”

 

But a lot has changed in 500 years

Empires have crumbled and new borders appeared

And while jet wings are faster than sails

IRCC processing times would frustrate a snail

And unbeknownst to Columbus

A flag stuck in the sand

Would not grant him entry

Into this, most exotic of lands

 

So as Columbus kneeled down

Thanking god for safe journey

In rushed Minister Marco Mendicino

Dragging him off in a hurry

 

He seized his compass, pistol and feather plumbed hat

Unplanted Spain’s flag from the damaged tarmac

“Resist and I’ll give you a zap in the back!”

“But I’m Columbus” he cried, “and that is a fact”

 

The Minister hesitated,

“Alright then Columbus please explain the purpose of your stay

And show me some ID or I’ll send you away”

 

“Well” said the explorer

“I don’t have any passport per se

But that shouldn’t really cause any delay

Why make a big deal I’m already here anyway

Plus I’ll probably head home in a couple of days”

 

Minister Mendicino barked

“That’s hullaballoo

I’m the border’s bulldog and you ain’t getting through,

I’m only going to ask once more so stay true

Why did you come to Canada?

Tell me what will you to do?”

 

Columbus, now shaken, answered carefully

“Well I fell in love with a woman in Canada see

We’ll soon be engaged and then be married

So we must to be reunited under IRPA section 3(d)

In addition to that please refer to section 3 (g)

Because, I’ll be enrolling as a student at the U of T,

And, did I mention I’ve already earned a prestigious degree?

Once it’s translated I’m sure you’ll agree

That my skills are well suited for the work as it be

In this land of the true north strong and free”

 

“And please consider the strife on my native soil

Where the people know nothing but sorrow and toil

The police never act without a bribe in their hand

And my beliefs, my opinions have been unjustly banned

Why, against a cruel tyrant I took a brave stand

And I’ve risked everything to reach this O Promised Land”

 

“And if that’s not enough I’ve got money to spend

I’ll be investing millions in a business

On which countless Canadian jobs will depend

So all of that combined with my lovely lady friend

Surely my entry to Canada you will personally recommend”

 

The Minister took notes of what Columbus had said,

Then delivered his decision whilst shaking his head,

 

“Listen close you so-called explorer

I will never let you cross this damn border

Are you unable to understand the nature of these proceedings?

Or are you misrepresenting facts and being purposefully misleading?

You’re a burden, a risk, your refugee claims are dismissible

Reviewing these facts I find you inadmissible”

 

So friends,

 

The lesson of this story is plain to see

Expect a fierce storm of questions at your port of entry

It’s forced more to turn back than bad weather at sea

So have your forms filled and your responses ready

And should this tempest surpass your best preparation

You need only reach out for a hand from Clarke Immigration

 

Lessons From 2019

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We find ourselves at the end of another year. Indeed, the end of 2019 also marks the end of a decade. This is a time for contemplation and an opportunity to ponder lessons to learn for the future. I want to start but expressing my thanks and gratitude for my team. I am thankful every single day to work with an amazing group of professionals who put their hearts into their work. My main job is to provide guidance and support to ensure that we remain focused on providing the absolute best service for our clients.

I want to take time at the end of 2019 to think about lessons learned; hopefully, 2020 will bring positive change.

  1. Applicants Remain Vulnerable

Over and over and over and over, we have seen how applicants have paid thousands upon thousands of CAD dollars to shady representatives for poor service. I find it deeply frustrating and infuriating to see clients punished as a result of negligence. These applicants are the victims and they remain vulnerable. I recently attended an interview with a CBSA Officer and an Egyptian client shared her story. She paid an immigration consultant $15,000.00 for an application and she was not even eligible to apply. In my view, that is pure theft.

We are working with a Vietnamese family who paid a Chinese representative for a Study Permit. Completely wrong. Thankfully, CBSA started a criminal investigation against him and I hope his former clients are not punished.

In 2019, the Government of Canada took action “to help protect vulnerable people” against “fraudulent immigration consultants”. We will have to see if things get better in 2020 and the next decade.

  1. Canada is the New Hope2019

Clarke Immigration Law is based on Canada’s status around the world and I am constantly reminded how fortunate we are to live in one of the best (if not the best) countries. From our office, this past decade marks a strong collaboration with the news. We were called upon by CBC News, CTV News, Global News, Winnipeg Free Press and many other news sources to comment on different stories. Primarily, these stories stemmed from Canada as the New Hope in the world, replacing the United States as the “best” country for applicants from around the globe.

It was my pleasure as the only Canadian lawyer at the international EB-5 Conference in Las Vegas, USA. I was asked to present as a result of the interest by investors around the world in Canadian business opportunities, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program – Business Investor Stream. And, of course, I must mention the amazing people at TEDx Winnipeg who gave me the stage to talk about open borders and refugees which has been published on YouTube.

It is clear that 2020 will be a decade of growth for Canada and we will continue to work to build this country.

  1. Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst

Generally speaking, I stay out of politics. I have worked with Members of Parliament from all political parties and we will continue to advocate on behalf of our client regardless of the party in power. That said, I firmly support the current Liberal government and I am hopeful for this coming decade.

My hope for positive political change in 2020 is also balanced with a plan to consider the worst. Minister McCallum made significant changes to IRPA that rolled back many of the inhumane changes by the former Conservative government; however, this government needs to do more. I feel privileged that we were able to work with the Liberal government to make changes to section 38 of IRPA (Medical Inadmissibility) on behalf of the Warkentin family.

  1. Uncertainty on the Horizon

As my mum often says, the only constant is change. There is no doubt that 2020 and the new decade will bring change. Here are a few predictions for this coming decade:

  • The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba will continue to buttress immigration laws to attract STEM graduates and professionals;
  • The current Liberal government will focus on quicker processing times, including Family Class applications;
  • Regional migration and new programs that focus on smaller communities will thrive;
  • International students are the strongest stream for Permanent Resident status;
  • Refugees will be recognized for their economic contributions;
  • The changes to regulation of Immigration Consultants will fail and the government will be forced to revisit this issue.

We wish you all the best for 2020 and the coming decade. We have many reasons to celebrate 2019 and, at the same time, learn from past lessons.

Sponsor Parents – 2020

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UPDATE (12 DEC 2019): I have spoken with my colleagues and IRCC will be opening this program at the end of JAN 2020; however, they are planning a different system to select applications. For more information, please contact our office directly.

IRCC has announced in December 2019 that Parents and Grandparents may be eligible to sponsor in 2020. This comes after the Liberal Government was reelected and they are continuing with their previous election promise to reunite parents and grandparents in Canada. The previous Conservative government suspended this sponsorship application and replaced this program with the Super Visa.

Based on current information, the program to sponsor parents or grandparents will reopen at the beginning of 2020. Sponsors must an “interest to sponsor” form immediately after the program reopens. We expect this application to sponsor parents will be as popular as previous years. Previously, the IRCC website shut down after approximately 10 minutes only.Sponsor Parents

If you plan to sponsor parents or grandparents, please retain our office to help with the interest to sponsor form. Our fees for this service are only $500.00 CAD and we will have staff prepared to submit these forms as quickly as possible. All our fees are published on our website and we would encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Only sponsors and applicants who submit the interest to sponsor form in time will have the opportunity to submit a full application in 2020. At that point, we can assist to prepare the full application. There is a 60 day deadline to submit the full application. Based on previous experience with these applications, if a family is not eligible and/or the applicant is inadmissible for any reason, IRCC will contact the next potential applicants.

We can only assist a limited number of families in this process. We would strongly encourage you to have your file opened and set up in DEC 2019 to ensure the best chance of being selected in early 2020 when the program reopens. Please contact us immediately if you would like assistance to sponsor parents or grandparents.