Summary of Meetings: Immigration Law
Number of Activities Held: 9
September 26, 2024
October 31, 2024
November 28, 2024
December 12, 2024 (In-Person)
January 30, 2025
February 27, 2025
April 3, 2025 (In-Person)
April 24, 2025
May 29, 2025
June 26, 2025
Overseas Lawyers Group Meetings
Members connected with peers virtually at this monthly, informal meeting. The group discussed developments in immigration and citizenship law and policy, shares practice tips, and discusses challenging case scenarios.
October 17, 2024
Annual Fall Launch
The must-attend annual event for Immigration Law Section. This is your chance to meet local immigration lawyers, share ideas, and expand your network. Kick off the term, hear about the lineup of Section Activities for the term, and share snacks with peers.
Attendance: 40 In-Person
October 23, 2024
International Students in Canada
Guest Speakers: Miguel Martins Pereirinha of Slayen Immigration Law
Navigating work authorization and pathway to PR for study permit holders and their family members in Canada. Explore current policies, tackle challenges faced by international students, and explore opportunities and strategies to transition from temporary resident to permanent residents. Featuring insights from Miguel Martins Pereirinha of Slayen Immigration Law, this session aims to streamline and enhance your knowledge of study permits, post graduate work permits and beyond.
Attendance: 34 Online
November 25, 2024
Navigating an LSBC Audit
Guest Speakers: Justin Wright,CPA, CA, Founder, Wright CPA
Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of LSBC audits. Justin covers key topics such as the audit process, common pitfalls for immigration lawyers, and best practices for compliance. Participants explore real examples, and leave with practical strategies to navigate audits effectively.
Attendance: 27 Online
December 4, 2024
BC PNP Update
Guest Speakers: Ian Ross, Executive Director, Immigration Programs Branch, B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Aireen Luney, Director, Program Development and Engagement, David Whibley, Director, Skills Immigration, Troy Machan, Director, Entrepreneur Immigration
Insights into recent updates and changes to the program, aimed at enhancing the immigration process for skilled workers. They will address common challenges faced by immigration lawyers when navigating the application process and share best practices for effectively assisting clients.
Attendance: 18 In-Person, 72 Online
March 5, 2024
Citizenship Law Post Bjorquist
Guest Speakers: Amandeep Hayer, Hayer Law, Author of Maintaining Permanent Residence Status and Acquiring Citizenship & CBABC Immigration Law Section Executive
Amandeep Hayer of Hayer Law provides an overview of Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, 2023 ONSC 7152. Amandeep reviews its potential impact on the Citizenship Act, proposed changes to the former Bill C-71, future similar bills before Parliament, and how citizenship practitioners can prepare to adapt.
Attendance: 7 In-Person, 40 Online
May 1, 2025
Stay Aware: Changes in the Air
Guest Speakers: Dr. Hamidreza Siavashpour, Heron Law, Jennie McCahill, Coal Harbour Law, Laura Schemitsch, Heron Law, and Brian Yuen, Coal Harbour La
Topics cover intracompany transferees, the new rural pilot program and upcoming Express Entry CRS changes. Participants unpack new spousal work permit rules, the end of flagpoling and the latest updates to the caregiver program that opened on March 31.
Attendance: 32 Online
May 20, 2025
Cross-Border Travel
Guest Speakers: Julia Herzog, Herzoglaw, Immigration Law Section Exeucitve, and Cindy Switzer, MKS Lawyers, Immigration Law Section Chair
Recent cross-border developments potentially impacting international travelers, plus recommendations for lawyers regarding electronic devices and crossing the border into the United States.
Attendance: 7 In-Person, 72 Online
May 27, 2025
BC PNP Update
Guest Speakers: Representatives from the BC PNP
Representatives of the BC Provincial Nominee Program share updates and answer questions
Attendance: 11 In-Person, 51 Online