Immigration Law
At RSG Law, we understand the importance of immigration in making our communities diverse. That’s why we are proud to offer immigration law services to individuals from all around the world who are looking to make Canada their next home. Our immigration lawyers utilize technology while still maintaining responsive client service that makes obtaining legal services feel easy. Whether you are looking to work in Canada, travel through Canada, or stay in Canada permanently, we are excited to welcome you to our RSG Law community and support you in your immigration legal matters.
We provide individuals, families, and corporate entities support in immigration law matters. We do not limit ourselves or our clients to one area of immigration law but instead provide support for individuals with any reason for coming to Canada, whether it’s visiting a family member for an extended period or attending a conference for work. No matter will ever be deemed too small or too challenging. At RSG, we strive to provide the services our clients need when and where they require them – that’s the RSG way.
Learn More About Our Areas of Practice
Individual:
Visit Canada:
If you are planning to visit Canada, whether it be to visit family and friends or explore the country, you will require a valid passport, as well as a Temporary Resident Visa (or visitor visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In order to obtain a visitor visa, you will need to provide key details prior to entering Canada at a port of entry, including where you will be staying, when you will be leaving, and if you have sufficient funds for the trip.
Depending on the circumstances of your life, you may be found inadmissible to Canada. Certain illnesses and medical conditions, a criminal record or providing false information on your application can be reasons a Canadian Border Agent would deem you inadmissible. If this is the case, a lawyer can help you apply for a temporary resident permit, which allows you to visit Canada despite your inadmissible status.
Study in Canada:
If you have been accepted to a Canadian educational institution, you will need to arrange the proper documentation to study in Canada. Like any visitor, you will require a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, but you will also require a study permit that validates your ability to live in Canada and study at a designated learning institution.
Your study permit will outline key details about your stay in Canada, such as your ability to work during your stay, as well as the duration of your stay. Working with a licensed legal professional can ensure that you have the valid documentation to live and study in Canada.
Work in Canada:
If you are looking to work in Canada for a specified period of time and then return to your country of origin, you will require a work permit. There are two types of work permits in Canada: an employer-specific work permit and an open work permit. An employer-specific work permit requires a job offer from a specific employer, must be supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and will stipulate that you can only work for that specific employer in a specific location for a specific duration of time. An Open Work Permit allows the individual to seek work from any employer in Canada. A lawyer will help you determine which work permit is right based on your circumstances and will ensure you have the documentation you need to travel to Canada to work.
Permanent Residence: Family Sponsorship
If you are a citizen of Canada or a Permanent Resident, you may be eligible to sponsor your family to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. As a sponsor, you must be 18 years of age or older and must financially commit to supporting the sponsored family members in Canada. If you would like a parent or grandparent to visit for an extended period of time, they may be eligible for a Super Visa, which is a long-term entry visa which allows family to visit Canada. If you are sponsoring your family to come to Canada, speaking with an immigration lawyer can help you arrange the documentation to support your sponsorship application and will explain your legal responsibilities.
Permanent Residence: Express Entry
If you are a skilled worker who is looking to gain permanent residency to work in Canada, you may be eligible for the permanent residence express entry program. Applicants would apply to either the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Once you have submitted your profile, you are ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. If you wish to live in Quebec, you will apply to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Individuals who wish to settle in a specific province may be nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If the individual also qualifies for express entry, being nominated in the PNP program would result in additional CRS points. Understanding the requirements for various permanent residence programs can be challenging, and a lawyer will help you understand what you need to qualify.
Permanent Residence: Investment
If you do not qualify for family sponsorship or express entry, permanent residency in Canada can be obtained through immigration investment programs. Immigration investment programs include the Start-Up Visa program, the Quebec Investor Program, or other federal or provincial regulated immigration programs that require a significant investment as a way to obtain permanent residency. There are requirements an individual must abide by if granted their permanent residency. Understanding the investment and entrepreneurship programs is difficult, and once you are a permanent resident, you may require additional corporate or business legal services. Working with a firm that can support you in all matters is essential.
Stay in Canada:
There are numerous pathways for you to take to stay in Canada; however, the reality is that sometimes applications get refused, applications have errors, or there are extenuating circumstances that lead immigration authorities to issue a removal order. If you have received a removal order and wish to remain in Canada, you have options. Speaking to a lawyer is an important first step in understanding why the order was issued and what steps you can take to remedy the situation.
If you or someone you love has been detained or deported, there are options as well. Detained individuals in Canada have rights, and working with a deportation lawyer can ensure those rights are being upheld during your detainment. If you have been removed from Canada but wish to return, a lawyer will help you understand if you are eligible to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
Citizenship:
If you are a permanent resident of Canada and wish to obtain your citizenship, you will need to work with a citizenship lawyer to help you complete the required steps for citizenship. There are a number of requirements you must meet to be eligible; a lawyer will help you fulfil the requirements and collect all the proper documentation to make your pathway to citizenship a smooth process.
Refugee Protection Claims:
If you fear persecution or risk to your life in your home country, you may be eligible to claim refugee protection in Canada. Refugee Protection Claims are submitted to the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. If successful, the individual receives protected person status and can continue with a permanent resident application. If not successful, the individual has the right to appeal the decision at the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD).
If you do not qualify to be a permanent resident in Canada or for a refugee protection claim, you may be eligible to submit a Humanitarian and Compassionate Application. These are submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and consider factors, including if you are established in Canada, if you have family relationships here, and the hardship you may face if you leave Canada. A lawyer will help you make a persuasive case in your application for why you should be able to remain in Canada.
Corporate:
Visit Canada:
If you are a business visitor to Canada for the purpose of meetings, training, events, or conferences, you would follow the normal application procedure for a Temporary Resident Visa, and you would be permitted to enter the country for six months at a time. However, business visitors cannot enter the Canadian labour market and will most likely need to provide evidence of their activities at a port of entry.
Work in Canada:
If you wish to operate a business in Canada, you will need to apply for an investor visa, in which you can invest a pre-determined amount of money to operate a business in Canada, and once the obligations have been fulfilled, apply for permanent residency.
If you have been transferred to work at a Canadian company or plan to work in Canada, you will need to obtain a work permit or pursue another pathway to permanent residency. A lawyer will help you determine which type of immigration application you require based on your circumstances.
Global Mobility:
There are numerous opportunities for workers to enter Canada for work; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a Canadian immigration program in place known as the International Mobility Program (IMP) that grants foreign skilled workers the right to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment. There are numerous jobs available in global mobility, and the program covers a range of industries. If you feel this program may be right for you, speaking to an immigration lawyer can help you determine your next steps.
Compliance and Inspections:
If you are an employer who hires foreign workers, you must adhere to strict compliance with the information that you provided in the Labour Market Assessment (LIMA). These requirements include the documentation of work permits, passports, payroll and employment records and other requirements. Inspections can occur at any time on-site without a warrant. If you are found to be in violation, you may be banned from participating in immigration programs. If you are wondering about the requirements or have failed an inspection, a lawyer can help you determine the next steps needed for your workers and business to continue operating.
Contact RSG Law
If you are looking for an immigration lawyer, contact RSG for a free consultation. We will work with you to determine your goals, why you would like to come to Canada and find the best pathway to immigration. With RSG as your immigration law firm, you will never be left wondering about the next steps or feel alone; instead, you will gain a legal partner who will assist you from the start of your case to the finish, helping you navigate the entire journey to Canada.
