Field Law’s Immigration Group provides corporate clients with skilled advice and representation on a wide range of visa and business immigration matters. Our group includes experienced lawyers and paralegals collaborating to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions for our clients.
Our lawyers provide focused strategies to reduce the obstacles that national borders present for skills and services. We assess, develop and implement the best immigration strategies for business visits, work/study permits, permanent residence and citizenship.
Our strategies consider both Canadian in bound immigration and US outbound immigration.
Field's immigration lawyers collaborate with our lawyers in the Tax, Business, Labour + Employment, Litigation, Education and Wills, Estates + Trusts to provide one-stop service to clients with international operations or global mobility programs.
We service and advise:
- Employers
- The best strategies for hiring skilled foreign workers through the Global Talent Stream or the International Mobility Program, including recruiting, advertising, obtaining labour market impact assessments (LMIAs)
- Compliance audits and inspections
- Transfers of employees/executives to the US
- Foreign Nationals
- Work permits, permanent residence, travel documents, restoration of status and citizenship in Canada
- Business visitors, students and family members accompanying temporary foreign workers
- On Appeals
- Before the Immigration Appeal Division, Canadian International Trade Tribunal, Citizenship Judges and the Federal Court of Canada
Our clients stay well-informed through complementary seminars, publications and networking opportunities. Click here to sign up to receive articles on immigration.
Do I need an immigration lawyer?
Immigration applications do not require a lawyer to represent you but the applications do have legal implications. An immigration lawyer can help guide you through feasible options, explain the steps of the process, and deal with any questions or issues that may arise. Further, an immigration lawyer is aware of processing trends and is equipped to advise on a wide range of issues.
How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?
Since the complexity of immigration applications differ based on type of application, number of applicants and many other factors, our fees to advise and/or prepare an application vary. Our team of lawyers are happy to provide you with more information based on your specific set of circumstances and can provide hourly quotes or flat fee based pricing.
Do I need a visa to enter Canada?
Most travellers require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (“ETA”) to enter Canada. Canada has different requirements for entry depending on your country of nationality. Some nationalities are required to apply for a visa that is to be affixed in the passport prior to travel while others require an ETA. Click here to find out what kind of travel authorization you need.
Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
Generally, yes. If you are completing work related duties in Canada you most likely need a work permit. However, in some cases an individual may be eligible to work without a work permit. Our immigration team can assist in assessing whether you are exempt from needing a work permit or providing guidance on the type of work permit you qualify for.
I want to hire a foreign worker in Canada, how can I do that?
There are multiple avenues an employer can use to hire a foreign worker. A number of factors need to be considered to determine a feasible work permit option. These factors include, but are not limited to, whether the individual is already employed with your organization, the nationality of the individual, and job role the individual will fill in Canada.
I work in Canada, how can I become a Permanent Resident?
The Express Entry Program (the “Program”) is oftentimes the best route to apply for Permanent Residency (“PR”). The Program evaluates an individual's personal details and credentials, awarding a Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”) Score. Periodically, the government will conduct rounds of invitations based on CRS scores and if invited, an individual can submit an application for PR. Additional PR streams are available for specific circumstances. Reach out to one of our immigration team members to discuss your best option for PR.
How do I sponsor my family to come to Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada you are able to sponsor your family members including your spouse, parent, dependent children, grandparents or other relatives. The familial relationship guides the type of application and the length of time your family member will be eligible to stay.
Do I become a Canadian Citizen when I marry a Canadian?
No. Marrying a Canadian citizen does not give you citizenship. Once married to a Canadian citizen, you are required to obtain a valid visa to enter and remain in Canada. Your Canadian spouse can sponsor you to become a permanent resident, which can eventually lead to Canadian citizenship once you meet the requirements.
How long will it take to process my application?
Depending on when, where and what type of application you submitted, the processing time for your application will vary. You can find the most recently posted government processing times by clicking here.
Do I need a visa to enter the United States?
The US has different requirements for entry depending on an individual's nationality. Many countries require a visa stamp issued prior to travel. Other countries are required to obtain “ESTA”, an approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as the Visa Waiver Program. A list of ESTA countries can be found by clicking here.
Do I need a work visa to work in the United States?
Likely, yes. Most work authorization for the US is employer specific and requires your employer to be involved with the application. Generally our immigration team can provide an initial assessment of work permit options and work with you and your employer on an application.
How do I apply for a student visa?
Usually, the post-secondary institution will have an international student department that will assist in preparing all the paperwork needed.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is also known as Permanent Residency in the United States. A Green Card allows an individual to live and work in the US permanently.