Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah

In this episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer with Evelyn Ackah, Evelyn is joined by her longtime friend and client, Phoebe Fung, the visionary founder of Vin Room, Calgary's premier wine bar with three thriving locations—including a unique dog-friendly patio at the Calgary International Airport.Phoebe shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a successful 15-year career in the oil and gas industry to becoming an “accidental restaurateur” who followed her passion for food, wine, and dogs. From securing investor support with no restaurant experience to navigating the challenges of COVID-19, Phoebe's resilience and innovative spirit shine through. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an immigration advocate, or just a dog-loving foodie, this episode is packed with heart, hustle, and honest insight into building a business that's truly rooted in community.

In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn welcomes John Apuzzo, an international tax leader and partner at MGO, to discuss cross-border tax strategies and financial planning for businesses and individuals navigating international taxation. Originally from Canada and now based in California, John shares his journey in international tax and his passion for simplifying complex tax structures for his clients.John has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, having worked at major firms across multiple countries. He specializes in corporate tax planning, international tax restructuring, business valuations, and helping high-net-worth individuals and businesses manage cross-border financial complexities. With extensive expertise in U.S. and Canadian tax systems, John provides valuable insights into tax treaties, restructuring strategies, and navigating the ever-changing global tax landscape.

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah shares insights from a recent webinar on navigating work visa options for Canadian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. In this episode, Evelyn explores the visa categories and strategies that help Canadian professionals cross borders seamlessly. She covers everything you need to know about the implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the TN Visa for skilled professionals, and other work visa options like the L1A and E1. Whether you're professional planning to work in the U.S. or an employer seeking to understand cross-border immigration solutions, this episode offers practical guidance and expert advice. Join Evelyn as she breaks down visa requirements, discusses application strategies and provides tips for a smooth border-crossing experience.

In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn welcomes Oscar Sy, principal and founding partner at Numis CPA Inc., to discuss cross-border tax and financial strategies for Canadians and Americans. Oscar, a lifelong Vancouverite, shares his career journey from his education at Langara College to his experience at Ernst & Young and how he ultimately decided to start his own firm. He highlights Numis CPA's unique approach to client service, focusing on responsiveness, cross-border capabilities and goal-oriented strategies. The discussion explores how Numis CPA assists clients with cross-border immigration, including structuring deals, payroll and navigating the complexities of tax systems on both sides of the border. They also touch upon the firm's support for startups, offering tailored services and educational resources. Finally, Oscar shares his vision for Numis CPA's continued growth and expansion and offers insights into current tax and accounting issues.

In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn Ackah connects with Lars Kushner, founder of Kushner Legal Corporation, to discuss important estate planning considerations for Canadians living in or moving to the United States. Lars shares his immigration journey from Canada to the U.S., the challenges he faced becoming a certified lawyer in California, and how his legal focus shifted to estate planning. He explains the unique challenges dual residents face, from probate to tax implications, and offers practical advice on how Canadians can protect their assets on both sides of the border. Tune in to learn more about how estate planning can support a smooth transition to the U.S. and ensure your long-term goals are met.

In this episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, Evelyn speaks with Mike Frey, President and CEO of Yellow Basket, LLC, based in Houston, TX. With 30 years of experience in business and technology, Mike shares his journey from Microsoft to founding Yellow Basket, a company dedicated to helping businesses streamline operations through automation and systems integration. As a client of Ackah Law, Mike discusses his seamless transition from the U.S. to Calgary and the impact of technology on team efficiency. Listen in as Mike offers valuable insights on leadership, the importance of the right technology tools, and practical tech tips for business owners.

Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah speaks about criminal inadmissibility in the immigration context. In this episode, Evelyn covers everything you need to know about Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) for Canada, Criminal Rehabilitation and U.S. Visa Waivers.In this episode, Evelyn dives deep into the complexities of criminal inadmissibility when crossing borders into Canada and the U.S. She covers everything you need to know about Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) for Canada, Criminal Rehabilitation, and U.S. Visa Waivers. Whether you or a loved one have a past conviction or you're an immigration professional seeking to better understand these options, this episode breaks down each process. Join Evelyn as she discusses how to overcome criminal inadmissibility and how to navigate these legal pathways to ensure a smooth border-crossing experience.

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah speaks with Vaida Rissanen, a time management expert. Vaida shares her background in applied mathematics and how she transitioned from being a scientist to starting her own business in time management. She discusses her 12-week-to-success program, which is tailored to the unique needs of legal professionals. Vaida explains how she helps her clients with time management, email overload, and reducing stress. She also shares success stories of clients who have achieved record revenue, paid off debts, and decluttered their homes. Vaida emphasizes the importance of mindset and implementing systems to improve productivity. She offers a special offer to podcast listeners who reach out to her. The podcast concludes with a reminder to focus on personal growth and character development.Vaida Rissanen can be reached through:LinkedIn - Vaida Rissanen | LinkedInFacebook - FacebookInstagram - Vaida Rissanen (@vaidarissanen)Website - Creaplan ConsultingHere are the key points from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Vaida Rissanen:Background:Evelyn Ackah introduces Vaida Rissanen, a productivity and time management consultant.Vaida has a background in applied mathematics and a PhD in applied physics, which led her to focus on creating efficient systems for businesses.Journey to Time Management Consulting:Vaida moved from academia to various business roles, where she discovered her passion for time management.She founded her company, Creaplan, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help business owners, particularly lawyers, achieve productivity and balance.Key Components of the 12-Week-to-Success Program:Vaida's program focuses on setting goals, effective day-to-day and week-to-week planning, and managing calendars.She emphasizes starting the day with the most important tasks to avoid reactive and unproductive work patterns.Tailoring Solutions to Individual Needs:Vaida customizes her approach based on detailed client questionnaires and individual needs, accommodating various personal challenges like ADHD or being a parent.Fundamental principles remain consistent, but specific tools and techniques are adapted for each client.Common Challenges and Solutions for Legal Professionals:Common issues include balancing production work with CEO responsibilities, managing overwhelming email volumes, and disorganized calendars.Vaida's program includes effective email management techniques and prioritization strategies to reduce self-created fires and stress.Success Stories and Impact:Clients have achieved record revenues, cleared significant debts, and experienced reduced stress and increased control over their schedules.Vaida highlights the importance of foundational skills and maintaining a healthy work-life balance for sustainable success.

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah talks with Garth Froese, the president and CEO of Pacific East Research Corporation, and they discuss what it's like being a corporate client of Ackah Business Immigration Law. Pacific East is a data management company that provides contact information for corporations in the U.S. and protects people from fraud. Garth shares his journey of how he got into the business and his experience trying to enter the U.S. as a Canadian without a work visa. He also talks about his experience working with Ackah Business Immigration Law to obtain an e-Visa for his business and the benefits it has provided for his team to do business in the U.S. Garth emphasizes the importance of building relationships, treating people with respect, and the impact of positivity and happiness on success. He also shares tips for doing business in the U.S. and retaining a happy and engaged team.Evelyn is grateful for Garth's support and friendship and highlights the importance of taking care of oneself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Garth Froese can be reached through:LinkedInPacific East Research CorporationHere are the key points from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Garth Froese.Business Journey and Visa Challenges:Garth describes his journey in expanding Pacific East Research Corp, including starting a U.S. branch and the challenges faced in obtaining a work visa due to NAFTA regulations. His perseverance in securing the visa underscores the complexities of cross-border business operations.Successful Visa Acquisition and Business Operations:With Evelyn's assistance, Garth successfully obtained an E-Visa, enabling smoother cross-border business activities. The E-Visa has facilitated his and his team's ability to conduct business in the U.S., highlighting the importance of professional legal support in navigating immigration processes.Homeland Security Policy Changes Post-9/11:Homeland security policies in the United States significantly evolved between 2007 and 2009 in response to the events of 9/11. This period saw the implementation of stricter border controls and other security measures, prompting businesses to adapt and reconsider their operations, particularly those involving cross-border data and staffing.Challenges of Business Expansion Across Borders:Expanding a business into different countries involves understanding and adapting to unique regulatory environments and cultural differences. For instance, while Canada offers rich natural resources, the smaller population base compared to the US can pose challenges for businesses expecting similar market dynamics.Importance of Personal Well-being in Leadership:Garth emphasized the importance of maintaining personal well-being as a leader, including physical exercise and mental health. He highlighted how taking care of oneself can lead to better leadership effectiveness and overall quality of life, essential for sustained success in business and personal life.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah talks with Jeremy Bollington, the president of Your Franchise Is Waiting about his business and how he helps entrepreneurs and business owners looking to move to the US with a franchise business entity. Bollington shares his background, which includes working in the banking world in London and New York before moving to Charleston, South Carolina and investing in franchise businesses. He explains that he got into franchise business consulting after getting laid off and partnering with an existing consultant. Bollington focuses on helping people find the right franchise to support their E-2 visa application, and he discusses the investment requirements and the process of applying for the E-2 visa. He also talks about the types of businesses that don't require a physical storefront and the trends he has observed in the franchise industry.Jeremy Bollington can be reached through LinkedIn or his website:LinkedInYour Franchise Is WaitingHere are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Jeremy Bollington.Jeremy assists entrepreneurs and business owners moving to the US with franchise business entities.Jeremy's Background:Jeremy is originally from the UK and moved to New York in 1997 with a banking career.He transitioned into franchise business consulting after being laid off in 2015.Invested in beauty brands and transitioned into helping others with franchise sales and support.Franchise Business Consulting:Jeremy helps clients, particularly those without business formation experience, find suitable franchises.Focuses on E-2 visa candidates, helping them navigate investment requirements and business operations in the US.Challenges and Considerations:Discusses the importance of having sufficient funds not just for the franchise but also for personal living expenses.Highlights the significance of understanding credit history challenges when moving to a new country.E-2 Visa Process:Explains the timing and process for E-2 visa applications in relation to franchise investments.Advises clients on making necessary investments and preparing for visa interviews while undergoing franchise training.Types of Franchises:Mentions various service-oriented franchises that do not require a storefront, such as in-home senior care, irrigation, window treatments, and estate sale businesses.These options often have lower initial investments compared to storefront franchises.Market Trends and Client Origins:Noted a trend of clients from Germany and other parts of Europe, in addition to Canada, seeking opportunities in the US.Motivations include economic frustrations in home countries and the appeal of US market opportunities.Support for Existing Franchisees:Jeremy primarily works with new franchise arrangements but also supports existing franchisees in some cases.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah interviews her client and fellow entrepreneur, Nikhil Dwivedi. Nikhil shares his background and motivation for immigrating to Canada. He founded EYP Creations in India and wanted to expand his business in Canada. Nikhil discusses the success of his company, which manages artists and YouTube channels in the music industry. He also highlights the growth of Punjabi music internationally and the opportunities he sees in Canada. Nikhil praises Evelyn and her team for their support and guidance throughout the immigration process. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right immigration lawyer and having a good team. Nikhil also shares his positive experience in Canada including the weather, the people, and the opportunities available. He advises future immigrants to be prepared for hard work and to learn the language before coming to Canada.Connect with Nikhil Dwivedi:LinkedIn | InstagramHere are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Canadian immigrant entrepreneur Nikhil Dwivedi.Nikhil's journey reflects the opportunities and challenges of immigrating to Canada, emphasizing the importance of preparation, support, and a proactive approach to integrating into a new country. Nikhil Dwivedi's Background:Founder of EYP Creations in India, established in 2014.Over nine years of entrepreneurial experience in the music and entertainment industry.Holds a BBA and MBA from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management.EYP Creations manages 32 artists and over 150 YouTube channels, collaborating with major companies like Meta, Spotify, and Apple Music. Motivation for Moving to Canada:Expansion of Punjabi music internationally prompted the move.Desire to explore opportunities in the Canadian music and entertainment industry.Evelyn Ackah's legal expertise facilitated the incorporation of the business and immigration process. Immigration Experience:Positive experience with Canada's welcoming environment, weather, and opportunities.Importance of hard work and being prepared for the challenges of a new country.Acknowledges the significant Punjabi community in British Columbia as a support system. Advice for Prospective Immigrants:Importance of learning English for daily communication and integration.Need for thorough preparation and understanding the effort required to succeed.Emphasis on choosing the right immigration professionals to avoid pitfalls. Support and Guidance from Evelyn Ackah:Evelyn's legal support was crucial in navigating the immigration process.Highlighting the value of a good team and professional guidance in achieving successful immigration outcomes. Future Plans and Recommendations:Suggestion for Evelyn to set up educational initiatives in India to guide potential immigrants.Continued collaboration and...

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, host Evelyn Ackah interviews Alay Yajnik, a law firm success growth expert and business coach. Alay shares his background in corporate business and training, and how he transitioned into coaching law firm owners. He discusses the common issues that keep his clients up at night, such as lack of income and overwhelming workloads. Alay emphasizes the importance of hiring the right employees and investing in their development to improve employee retention. He also touches on the benefits of niching down and the challenges of working with partnerships. Alay provides insights into his coaching process and encourages lawyers to seek external support to grow their firms. Alay Yajnik is host of Lawyer Business Advantage Podcast, and author of Staffing Up: The Attorney's Guide to Hiring Top Talent.Evelyn was a guest on the Lawyer Business Advantage Podcast with Alay Yajnik on Episode 140: Law Firm Growth, where they talked about:The roller coaster of entrepreneurshipBuilding a remote, global teamDelegating to better serve your clientsAdversity creating business excellenceConnect with Alay Yajnik:Email: alay@yajnikgroup.comCompany: https://www.lawfirmsuccessgroup.comLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/alayyajnikPodcast: http://lawyerbusinessadvantage.comThe conversation highlights Alay Yajnik's expertise in guiding law firms toward sustainable growth, emphasizing the importance of implementing proven systems while maintaining work-life balance and quality of life. Here are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Alay Yajnik:Alay's Background: Alay specializes in teaching law firm owners in the US (and potentially Canada) how to grow their firms using proven systems. He aims to help lawyers achieve growth without sacrificing work-life balance, enabling them to avoid working evenings and weekends.Focus on Growth and Quality of Life: Alay's approach emphasizes maximizing growth potential while maintaining a high quality of life. He assists law firms, particularly solo and one-to-two partner firms, in making more money, taking more time off and enjoying their work by implementing effective growth systems.Empowerment through Systems: Alay's Law Firm Success Group empowers law firms by implementing proven growth systems. These systems aim to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and ultimately lead to greater financial success and personal fulfillment for lawyers.Award-Winning Business Coach: Alay is recognized as an award-winning business coach, author, and speaker, further validating his expertise in helping law firms achieve their growth and success goals.Resources Available: Alay's book "Staffing Up" provides valuable insights into hiring top talent for law firms and is available on Amazon. Additionally, his podcast serves as a...

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn talks with Wayne Baxter, a cross-border wealth management expert. Wayne shares his personal immigration story, moving from Canada to the US, and discusses the unique challenges and opportunities that Canadians face when moving to the US with investment assets.He also talks about the importance of working with tax advisors and the strategies he uses to minimize tax burdens for his clients. Wayne also discusses his podcast, the 3 Questions Webcast series, where he covers various topics related to cross-border wealth management, including estate planning, tax planning, risk management and investing. He emphasizes the importance of education and collaboration with professionals in order to create personalized wealth management plans for his clients.Connect with Wayne Baxter at One Capital Management.Here are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Wayne BaxterWayne's Expertise: Wayne Baxter works with families in the U.S. and Canadian residents with U.S. investments, specializing in wealth management, including capital markets returns, risk management, tax and liquidity management.Personal Immigration Story: Wayne shares his journey from being born in Toronto, raised in Nova Scotia, working in Banff, Alberta, to ultimately relocating to California in 2012.Immigration Path: Wayne's immigration journey involved initially obtaining an E-2 investor visa and later qualifying for a green card under the Exceptional Abilities Program, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen with his family.Insights on Relocation: Wayne emphasizes the importance of consulting immigration lawyers early in the relocation process and highlights the complexity of immigration decisions, suggesting tax advisors as the next point of contact.Integrated Approach: Evelyn acknowledges the significance of considering tax and wealth management alongside immigration decisions, suggesting a collaborative approach among immigration attorneys, tax advisors and wealth managers.Collaborative Decision-Making: Wayne supports the idea of prioritizing consultations with immigration attorneys and tax advisors before delving into long-term wealth management considerations, highlighting the interconnectedness of immigration, tax and wealth management issues.Education and Awareness: Wayne emphasizes the importance of education in financial services, noting the surprising lack of knowledge among many individuals regarding wealth management.Fiduciary Role: As a fiduciary at One Capital, Wayne's primary role is to educate and inform clients, offering fee-only services without earning commissions on investment trades.Customized Solutions: Wayne highlights the need for personalized wealth management plans tailored to each client's unique circumstances and goals, covering areas such as estate planning, tax planning, risk management, investing, credit, real estate and immigration.Focus on Cash Flow: Understanding a family's monthly cash flow is often the starting point for discussions, allowing for a deeper understanding of their financial situation and goals.Collaboration with Tax Advisors: Wayne stresses the importance of working closely with tax advisors, especially in cross-border situations, to ensure comprehensive tax planning and compliance.Cross-Border Expertise: Wayne shares insights into cross-border wealth management

In this podcast episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, Evelyn interviews Wilder Clements, the owner and managing lawyer of Clements Employment Law in California.They discuss various topics related to employment law, including the importance of a people-first approach in the workplace, the unique challenges and obligations faced by employers in California, the legal implications of trends such as AI, automation, remote work, the gig economy and the significance of building a strong employer brand.Wilder also shares insights and advice based on her experience as an employment lawyer and entrepreneur.Connect with Wilder Clements on LinkedIn.Here are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Wilder Clements, a California employment lawyer:California Employment LawMore complex than federal law and many other states.Employers have stricter obligations regarding meal and rest breaks, pay stub accuracy, and misclassification of employees.EPLI insurance is highly recommended due to the prevalence of lawsuits and high potential penalties.The Future of WorkRemote work is here to stay, but employers need to find a balance between flexibility and team building/training.Clear communication, established values, and employee surveys are crucial for remote work success.Legal compliance and data protection are essential for remote work setups.Monitoring can be done ethically to ensure productivity, but shouldn't be excessive surveillance.Employer Best PracticesDevelop a strong employer brand to attract and retain talent.Encourage open communication and feedback from employees.Invest in HRIS systems and consider HR consultants for record-keeping and conflict resolution.Focus on preventing discrimination through training and diverse recruiting practices, avoiding quotas.Entrepreneurial JourneyLawyers can find success with their own firms by offering alternative fee structures and prioritizing client alignment.Preventative law services can be valuable for both employers and employees compared to litigation.Business skills are crucial for lawyer-entrepreneurs, and some may wish they had learned more about accounting and bookkeeping.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks with Sean Murphy, a mortgage banker with BMO. Sean specializes in home mortgages for Canadian citizens in the US looking to buy in the "lower 48" and use Canadian income to qualify. Sean and Evelyn discuss programs available for Canadian snowbirds and expats in the U.S. to buy property in the United States.Connect with Sean Murphy on LinkedIn.Here are the key points from their discussion:Gateway Program for Canadians:Sean discusses BMO's Gateway program designed for Canadian citizens purchasing property in the U.S.The program offers more favourable terms, including lower down payments and interest rates.Gateway Program for Canadians:Sean discusses BMO's Gateway program designed for Canadian citizens purchasing property in the U.S.The program offers more favourable terms, including lower down payments and interest rates.Assistance for Snowbirds:The Gateway program is available for primary residences, second homes or investment properties.Snowbirds interested in buying property in the U.S. can benefit from the program.Challenges for Canadians Buying in the U.S.:Sean addresses challenges faced by Canadians, such as higher down payments and interest rates, when considered foreign nationals.The Gateway program aims to provide better options for Canadian citizens.Timeline for Mortgage Approval:Sean mentions that the mortgage approval process typically takes around 60 days.Documentation conversion from Canadian to U.S. standards is part of the process.Market Insights:Sean discusses the recent changes in the interest rate market, with rates coming down from their peak in the previous year.Advises potential buyers not to wait, as market timing may lead to higher home prices.BMO's Specialized Loan Programs:BMO offers specialized loan programs for professionals like physicians and dentists.These programs provide tailored options for professionals with specific needs.Support Beyond Mortgages:Sean emphasizes BMO's support beyond mortgages, including assistance with opening bank accounts and other financial services.Networking connections with professionals in various fields are available to support clients.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (587) 854‑3821 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2023 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah interviews Jean-Philippe Couture, a business and tax lawyer who is passionate about technology and innovation. He is also the founder of Ingenio Solutions, a company that provides software for the corporate law practice. The software aims to automate and streamline corporate tasks, such as incorporation, annual maintenance, and dividend payments, while reducing errors and improving efficiency. Ingenio Solutions also offers services such as minute book storage and can act as a representative for companies in certain provinces. The software utilizes artificial intelligence to extract data from documents and improve accuracy._Jean-Phillipe emphasizes the importance of innovation in the legal profession and welcomes inquiries from fellow innovators and clients. Connect with _Jean-Philippe Couture on LinkedInEvelyn Ackah and Jean-Philippe discuss the following immigration topics:The development of Ingenio Solutions and its focus on automating corporate law tasks.The increasing availability of corporate incorporations across Canada for non-residents and directors.The pros and cons of federal incorporation versus provincial incorporation.The upcoming launch of a federal transparency registry for corporations.Jean-Philippe alsoprovides insights into why a company might choose to incorporate federally, such as for the name protection and modern registry.notes that federal corporations need to extra-provincially register in the province where they are carrying on business.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2023 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks to Saja Raoof, a U.S. immigration lawyer specializing in extraordinary ability visas for individuals wanting to move to the United States. Saja shares her personal background as an immigrant from Iraq and her journey to becoming a lawyer. She discusses the Alien of Extraordinary Ability category and the criteria for eligibility, including original contributions, publications, awards and impact on the field. Saja also talks about the challenges faced by immigrants during the post-9/11 era and the importance of standing up for one's freedoms and liberties. She shares her experiences with clients and the delays caused by COVID-19 in the immigration process. Saja concludes by discussing the increasing interest in EB-1 applications as an alternative to H-1B visas, particularly in the STEM field.Connect with _Saja Raoof on LinkedInOn the podcast, Evelyn and Saja discuss as an Iraqi immigrant to America, Saja's journey to becoming a business immigration lawyer." I wanted to make friendships and connections so I wore hijab in the late '90s and in 2001, 9/11 happened my third week of law school. I was in torts class when it happened and we had a bomb threat at my law school in Detroit and we evacuated... Hearing about attacks on Muslims, on mosques and our conversations during those two days. my parents strongly asking me to take off my hijab... The morning of September 13th when it was time to go back to class, I took it off for a few minutes and then I stopped myself and said, "This is not what I immigrated to the U.S. for." - Sara RaoofKey points from Evelyn and Saja's conversation:Saja shares her background, including being born in Baghdad, Iraq, and later moving to the UK and Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the US.Saja's family decided to immigrate to the US in the early '90s under the category of Alien of Extraordinary Ability, which her father qualified for. She assisted in putting together the application.Saja reflects on the use of the term "alien" in immigration, acknowledging its outdated nature and the need for language to evolve with the times.Saja discusses the challenges she faced as a woman, Arab American, and Muslim when she first moved to the US for college. She experienced a culture shock, especially in her interactions with male professors and classmates.She also talks about the decision to wear a hijab in college as a way to connect with the Muslim community and how 9/11 and its aftermath affected her choice to continue wearing it despite the challenges.Evelyn and Saja discuss the importance of standing up for one's freedoms and liberties, especially during difficult times.Saja talks about her transition from pre-med to law school and her focus on immigration law, particularly extraordinary ability visas. She shares her passion for helping clients navigate the criteria and process.The conversation touches on the challenges and delays in immigration processes caused by COVID-19.Saja explains the criteria for an Extraordinary Ability visa, which can be demonstrated through factors like original contributions to a field, publications, awards, and impact on the field.They discuss the variations in processing times for immigration applications, influenced by factors like place of residence and country of birth.Evelyn asks about the trend of individuals exploring EB-1 visas as an alternative to H-1B visas, especially for those in STEM fields. Saja confirms that it's a popular topic among immigration lawyers.Saja's...

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks to Jim Hacking, the founder and leader of Hacking Immigration Law Firm in the United States and co-founder of Maximum Lawyer. Jim became an immigration lawyer after converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim woman. Hacking Immigration Law Firm's main client base is people who are married to someone from overseas and want to get them a green card or an immigrant visa to come to the United States. The firm also handles citizenship, asylum and employment-based immigration cases.On the podcast, Evelyn asks Jim:What drew Jim to immigration law?Jim has built a big firm. What is the most rewarding part of his job?What is the most challenging part of his job?What is the most common misconception about US immigration law?What advice would he give to someone who is considering a career in immigration law?What are some of the biggest changes Jim has seen in US immigration law over the years?What are some of the most important trends in immigration law that he is watching?What are some of the biggest challenges facing immigrants today?What are some of the things that Jim is most passionate about in your work?What does he see for the future of immigration law?What are some of the biggest challenges facing immigrants in the United States today?In Canada, we advocate for immigrants to come to Canada - we want immigrants, we're more welcoming than the United States and we have less barriers. How does Jim respond to that?Is running an immigration law firm what he expected? Does he feel he practices immigration law - runs a business - or does marketing?"I sort of feel like a gunslinger from the old West. I am making the government do what I want them to do." - Jim HackingHere are some key points from Evelyn and Jim's conversation:Jim Hacking became an immigration lawyer after converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim woman.Hacking Immigration Law Firm's main client base is people who are married to someone from overseas and want to get them a green card or an immigrant visa to come to the United States.The firm also handles citizenship, asylum, and employment-based immigration cases.The Trump administration was very hostile to legal immigration, which has made it more difficult for people to immigrate to the United States.The State Department and USCIS have been gutted under the Trump administration, which has led to delays in processing immigration applications.Hacking is optimistic that the Biden administration will be more favourable to legal immigration, but he says that it will take time to undo the damage that was done under the Trump administration.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses how to get a Canada study permit. Canada is a popular destination for international students, and for good reason. The country offers a high-quality education system, a safe and welcoming environment and many opportunities for work and further study after graduation.If you are considering studying in Canada, you will need to apply for a study permit. A study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada legally. To be eligible for a study permit, you must be accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI) and be able to show that you can afford to pay for your tuition and living expenses. You must also not be inadmissible to Canada, meaning you must not have a criminal record or any medical conditions that would prevent you from entering the country.On the podcast, Evelyn Ackah covers:To be eligible for a study permit, you must be accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI) and be able to show that you can afford to pay for your tuition and living expenses.You must also not be inadmissible to Canada, meaning you must not have a criminal record or any medical conditions that would prevent you from entering the country.Once you are accepted to a DLI, you can apply for a study permit through an immigration lawyer or on your own. The processing time for a study permit can vary depending on your country of origin, but it typically takes between one and four months.If your study permit is approved, you will be able to work full-time in Canada while you are studying. You will also be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit after you graduate, which will allow you to stay in Canada and work for up to three years.There is no age limit for study permits, so you can come to Canada to study at any age. This is a great way to start your immigration journey to Canada, as you can then apply for permanent residence after you graduate.Key points:You must be accepted to a DLI to be eligible for a study permit.You must be able to show that you can afford to pay for your tuition and living expenses.You must not be inadmissible to Canada.You can work full-time in Canada while you are studying.You can apply for a post-graduate work permit after you graduate.There is no age limit for study permits.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses family reunification in Canada through family immigration programs. On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn discusses the options and requirements for family reunification in Canada.Family reunification programs are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for permanent residency in Canada. In this podcast episode, Evelyn Ackah discusses Ackah Law can help you determine if you are eligible for family reunification and advise you on the best family immigration options for your family.During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah provides an overview of family reunification programs and how Ackah Business Immigration Law offers assistance with family sponsorship and other immigration matters:Spousal sponsorship: This is the most common type of family sponsorship in Canada. There is no income requirement for the sponsor, but the spouse must undergo police checks and medical exams. The application process can take up to 2 years.Parent and grandparent sponsorship: This is a more difficult type of sponsorship because it is based on a lottery system. The sponsor must have a minimum income of $50,000 to $80,000 and the parents or grandparents must undergo police checks and medical exams. The application process can take up to 5 years.Super visa: This is a long-term visitor visa that allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 10 years. The sponsor must have a minimum income of $30,000 and the parents or grandparents must undergo police checks and medical exams.Sponsorship of orphaned siblings: This is a rare type of sponsorship that is only available if the sibling is an orphan and has no other family members in the home country. The sponsor must have a minimum income of $30,000 and the sibling must undergo police checks and medical exams.Other family sponsorship options: In the past, there were more family sponsorship options available, but these have been limited in recent years.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses the many immigration changes Canada made in May and June 2023 on the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast.On the podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses the following Canada immigration updates:18-month extension for open work permits:The government has offered an 18-month extension on open work permits for people who are already in Canada under the spousal and family class applications. This is to address labor shortages and to keep people in the workforce while their permanent residence process is being completed.Pro bono legal consultation day:Evelyn Ackah will be hosting a pro bono legal consultation day on July 18th to celebrate her birthday. This is an opportunity to get some initial legal advice for 15-minute increments.New express entry options:The government has created a new express entry category for skilled workers in healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as trades, transport, and agriculture and agrifood industries.Verified traveler program:The government is launching a new verified traveler program that will allow eligible people to move faster through security at major airports in Canada.Nexus pass:The government has reopened Nexus interviews, so if you have a Nexus pass that's been approved, you can now apply for an appointment to get your new card.Importance of working with a legal professional:Evelyn Ackah emphasizes the importance of working with a legal professional when it comes to immigration. She warns against using agents and consultants who may not be qualified or who may be involved in fraudulent activity.New electronic travel authorization (eTA) countries:The government has added 13 new countries to the list of countries whose citizens can apply for an eTA instead of a visa to enter Canada.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you are an entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business, Canada's Start-Up Visa Program may be a good option for you. On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah gives an overview of the Start-Up Visa and who qualifies.The **Start-Up Visa Program **is a Canadian economic immigration program for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to immigrate to Canada and start their own businesses.During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah covers:The Start-Up Visa Program is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada.In order to qualify, you must be connected with a designated partner organization.There are a number of designated partner organizations, including venture capitals, academic institutions, angel investors, and business incubators.The Start-Up Visa Program has a number of criteria, including business experience, education, and an innovative business idea.The cost of working with a designated partner organization can be considerable.Ackah Law can help you assess your eligibility for the Start-Up Visa Program and connect you with a designated partner organization.The Start-Up Visa Program is designed to attract entrepreneurs who have innovative and creative business ideas that will benefit the Canadian economy.The government of Canada wants to ensure that Start-Up Visa recipients are successful in their business ventures, so they require applicants to have a strong business background and education.The Start-Up Visa Program is not a cheap endeavour. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support their business venture.If you are not a good fit for the Start-Up Visa Program, Ackah Law can help you explore other entrepreneur options in Canada.During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah provides an overview of family class sponsorship and how Ackah Business Immigration Law offers assistance with family sponsorship and other immigration matters:The spousal sponsorship category allows spouses, common-law partners, and same-sex partners to come to Canada and be together.The process for sponsoring a spouse outside of Canada requires extensive paperwork, evidence of the relationship, and can take up to two years.Spouses already in Canada as visitors can apply for sponsorship from within the country, including a work permit application for the spouse.Sponsoring children or adopted children is also possible under the family class category.Financial requirements must be met when sponsoring children, but there is no low income cutoff for spousal sponsorship.Sponsoring parents is a challenging stream with limited openings and often requires utilizing the super visa option.Sponsoring siblings has specific requirements and is more difficult than in the past.Hiring a professional to handle the family sponsorship application is recommended to avoid delays and refusals.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses reuniting loved ones in Canada through family class sponsorship.Family class sponsorship is a program in Canadian immigration that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for permanent residency in Canada. The program aims to reunite families by providing a pathway for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to join their Canadian family members in CanadaDuring the podcast, Evelyn Ackah provides an overview of family class sponsorship and how Ackah Business Immigration Law offers assistance with family sponsorship and other immigration matters:The spousal sponsorship category allows spouses, common-law partners, and same-sex partners to come to Canada and be together.The process for sponsoring a spouse outside of Canada requires extensive paperwork, evidence of the relationship, and can take up to two years.Spouses already in Canada as visitors can apply for sponsorship from within the country, including a work permit application for the spouse.Sponsoring children or adopted children is also possible under the family class category.Financial requirements must be met when sponsoring children, but there is no low income cutoff for spousal sponsorship.Sponsoring parents is a challenging stream with limited openings and often requires utilizing the super visa option.Sponsoring siblings has specific requirements and is more difficult than in the past.Hiring a professional to handle the family sponsorship application is recommended to avoid delays and refusals.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses how someone with a criminal history can legally cross the border into Canada or the United States, and how consulting with a professional lawyer can help navigate the complexities of inadmissibility and facilitate seamless border crossings.In Canada, individuals with previous criminal history, even from many years ago, may face challenges entering the country.How Ackah Business Immigration Law can help determine eligibility for a temporary resident permit (TRP) that grants special permission to enter Canada for work, pleasure, or business.Americans who are usually exempt from formal visa processes may require a TRP if they are deemed inadmissible due to criminality.Factors affecting TRP approval include the recency of the criminal history and the justification for entering Canada.Individuals with a significant history (10-15 years or older) can also apply for criminal rehabilitation to permanently remove their inadmissibility.Ackah Law recommends considering both a TRP and criminal rehabilitation for cases involving older convictions.Immigration may refuse TRP or criminal rehabilitation applications if the volume of charges and convictions is high or if rehabilitation is not evident.In the United States, Canadians with criminal convictions are inadmissible, and a Canadian pardon does not remove this inadmissibility.Legal counsel is recommended to apply for a Visa waiver, which can take four to six months for approval.Once approved, the Visa waiver allows entry into the United States for a period of one to five years, depending on US Immigration's discretion.Unlike Canada, the Visa waiver requirement in the US does not go away and needs to be repeated for each entry.Pending charges can also affect entry into the US, even without convictions.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

On the podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah provides a detailed explanation of intra-company transfers to Canada including the program requirements, candidate eligibility qualifications, how long the process takes and how an intra-company transfer works.An intra-company transfer to Canada is the process of transferring an employee from a related foreign entity to a Canadian entity of the same organization. It allows multinational companies to relocate their employees to Canada to work for their Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses:Intra-company transfers involve the relocation of employees from one related entity corporation to another, requiring at least one year of work experience with the company abroad.Intra-company transfers can be done from any country to Canada, not limited to NAFTA countries like the US and Mexico.NAFTA-related transfers can receive work permits at the port of entry, valid for one year or up to three years, renewable.For individuals coming from countries requiring visas, such as Europe, Africa, India, China, the work permit needs to be processed at the consulate before travelling to Canada, taking around 3 to 6 months.UK citizens, who are visa-exempt, can apply for intercompany transfers at the port of entry under the LMIA exempt category.The intra-company transfer process involves demonstrating the intercompany relationship, employment abroad in a specialized or managerial role, and the need for the individual to take on a new opportunity in Canada.The transfer allows knowledge transfer and expansion opportunities within the Canadian organization.In the United States, intra-company transfers are referred to as L-1 visas, with L-1A for managerial/executive roles and L-1B for specialized knowledge workers.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses the recent Post Graduate Work Permit extension (PGWP) announced by Canada's Immigration Minister, Mr. Sean Fraser. The PGWP extension is to help address Canada's labour shortage so that foreign nationals with expired or soon-expiring post-graduation work permits can work in Canada longer.Canada's Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Program is an initiative that allows international students who have completed a program of study in Canada to work in the country for a specified period of time after graduation. The program is designed to provide students with valuable Canadian work experience, which can enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada, and help Canadian employers find highly qualified foreign workers who were educated in Canada. During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah explains the PGWP extension including: The program is available for individuals who have studied in Canada and were eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit.An additional 18 months will be granted to those whose work permits have expired or are still active, allowing them to continue working and gather more time in Canada.The extended program aims to provide an opportunity for students to apply for permanent residence in Canada.The program will launch on April 6th, 2023, and applications can be submitted at that time.Individuals who have lost their status or are currently working and want to apply for permanent residence can benefit from this program.It is important to note that the program only applies to individuals who attended a program or school that qualifies for permanent residence.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses how to protect yourself from immigration fraud and scams. As a Canadian immigration lawyer for over 20 years and founder of Ackah Business Immigration Law. she emphasizes the need for ethical practices and accuracy in legal representation,During the podcast, Evelyn Ackah urges viewers to be vigilant, prioritize honesty and seek assistance from reputable professionals while avoiding fraudulent behaviour. Here are some of the key points from the podcast:Canada is very concerned about immigration fraud and has designated the month of March every year to educate the public, newcomers and future immigrants on the different types of immigration fraudher firm's thorough review process and client involvement to ensure accuracyreal-life examples of fraud, such as marriage fraud and scams by unscrupulous agents, paralegals and consultantsadvise on how individuals can vet immigration professionals carefully, checking references and licensing statuswarnings against guarantees of 100% success or dishonest practices, emphasizing the potential consequences and bans resulting from submitting fraudulent informationa personal story of a client scammed by an immigration consultant and stresses the importance of due diligence.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses as a Canadian employer or a business owner how to determine when is a good time to hire a foreign worker and how to apply for an LMIA.Canada's LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a process used by the Canadian government to assess the potential impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market. The LMIA is required for employers who want to hire foreign workers through certain work permit programs. The LMIA process aims to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact Canadian workers and the domestic labour market. It helps address labour shortages in specific industries or occupations where there is a genuine need for foreign talent.In this podcast, Evelyn discusses the following LMIA considerations for employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).the importance of prioritizing Canadian and permanent resident hires but the need for foreign workers in certain situationsthe requirements for an LMIA application including extensive advertising and proper documentationthe processing timeline and options for work permit issuancehow employers can evaluate their recruitment efforts before pursuing an LMIAhow Ackah Business Immigration Law can assist Canadian employers in the LMIA processAbout Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains L-1 visas for Canadian citizens who qualify for an intracompany transfer to a U.S. company.The L-1 visa allows Canadian citizens who have worked for a Canadian entity for at least 12 months in the past 3 years to transfer to a related US entity in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role. The L-1 visa can be processed at the border for Canadian citizens, and spouses of L-1 visa holders are eligible to work in the US. The fees for L-1 visas are expected to increase in May or soon after, so it is recommended to apply sooner rather than later. Ackah Law can assist with L-1 visa applications.Here are some of the key points from the discussion:Canadian citizens who have worked for a Canadian entity for at least 12 months in the past 3 years are eligible for the L-1 visa.The L-1 visa allows Canadian citizens to transfer to a related US entity in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.The L-1 visa can be processed at the border for Canadian citizens.Spouses of L-1 visa holders are eligible to work in the US.The fees for L-1 visas are increasing soon, so it is recommended to apply sooner rather than later.Ackah Law can assist with L-1 visa applications.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains how Canadian employers can hire highly skilled foreign tech workers through the Global Talent Stream.The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast-track program for employers in Canada to hire foreign workers in the Information Technology (IT) industry.To be eligible for the GTS, employers must offer a competitive salary, a position that requires a master's degree or more, and a labour market plan that outlines how they will train and develop Canadians.The GTS process is much faster than the regular LMIA process, and can be completed in as little as two to three weeks.There is no minimum or maximum number of employees that can be hired through the GTS program.Employers who are interested in using the GTS can contact Ackah Law for more information and assistance.On the podcast, Evelyn discusses some of the key benefits of the GTS for employers:Faster processing timesAbility to hire foreign workers with specialized skillsOpportunity to train and develop CanadiansReduced costsIf you are an employer in the IT industry and are looking for ways to hire highly skilled foreign workers, the GTS is a great option. I encourage you to listen to the podcast, and contact Ackah Law to learn more about how we can help you navigate the GTS process and bring the best talent to your company.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains why CETA is a really good option for Canadian businesses that want to hire or bring in professionals from Europe into Canada to do work.CETA stands for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. It is a free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU) that aims to create new opportunities for trade and investment between the two regions while promoting regulatory cooperation, labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development.The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes it possible for Canadian citizens to work in the United States on a TN visa. The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows Canadian citizens to work in the United States in a professional occupation. If you are interested in hiring workers to come to Canada under CETA, in this podcast, I will discuss:the benefits of hiring professionals under the CETA agreementCETA for intercompany transfersbringing skilled workers and contract workers to Canada under the CETA provisionssimilarities and differences between NAFTA and CETAthe streamlined CETA application processcost savings by hiring foreign workers under the CETA agreementAbout Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains how Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs can qualify for an E visa to grow their business in the United States.The E Visa program provides a streamlined process for Canadians to obtain a U.S. work permit. An E visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that is available to individuals who wish to enter the United States for a temporary period of time to engage in specific business activities. E visas are intended for individuals who are treaty traders or investors, and are only available to citizens of countries with which the United States has established treaties of commerce and navigation.There are two types of E visas: E-1 visas and E-2 visas.If you are interested in growing your business in the United States with an E visa, I encourage you to listen to my podcast. In this podcast, I will discuss the following topics:the differences between an E-1 and an E-2 visawhat is a commerce treatythe requirements for a Canadian business owner to qualify for an E visathe processing of E visa applications through the Toronto Consulatemoving employees to the U.S. on an E visabenefits of being a Canadian citizen when applying for an E visaAbout Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains the NAFTA TN visa for Canadians, a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of Canada to work in the United States in a professional occupation. The TN visa is a part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was created in 1994. NAFTA was replaced by the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2018 and went into effect on July 1, 2020. The USMCA is a modernized version of NAFTA that includes new provisions on labor, environmental protection and digital trade.The TN Visa program provides a streamlined process for Canadians to obtain a U.S. work permit. For a Canadian who wants a NAFTA TN Visa, you must be a citizen of Canada and have a job offer in the United States in a professional occupation. The list of eligible occupations is published by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes it possible for Canadian citizens to work in the United States on a TN visa. The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows Canadian citizens to work in the United States in a professional occupation. If you are interested in working in the United States on a TN visa, I encourage you to listen to my podcast. In this podcast, I will discuss the following topicsWhat is a TN visa?Who is eligible for the TN visa?What are the requirements for a TN visa?How to apply for a TN visa?What are the benefits of the TN visa?About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah spoke with Erick Widman, a Portland immigration lawyer who has experienced all sides of immigration: he began as an American expat living and working in Budapest, Hungary; then helped his Hungarian wife immigrate to the United States and become and naturalized citizen, and now as the Founder and Managing Attorney of Passage Immigration Law, he helps others navigate the immigration journey. Erick practices both business and immigration law and his firm's “why” is to enable people to achieve their full potential by living globally.Live Globally and Help Others Live GloballyAs a former immigrant himself and a parent to 3 multicultural, dual citizen children, Erick's mission is to live globally and help others live globally. Evelyn and Erick discuss:Why Passage Immigration Law - why did you choose that name for your law firm?Like me, you practice both business and family immigration law. What do you see as the biggest differences between a business law practice and an individual - and why do you choose to both practice areas?As an American who immigrated to live and work in Hungary, what did you learn about being an expat yourself that helps you today as an immigration lawyer?How was your immigrant experience different than your wife's, who immigrated to live permanently in the United States, while you returned to the US after a few years?Have your kids lived in Europe, or only visited?How do you raise children with a global mindset, versus a border mindset?What is your biggest frustration with the U.S. immigration system?How does your law firm manage the challenges and roadblocks immigrants face?Why do you think some Americans are so resistant to immigration?What do you say to Americans who strongly oppose immigration?Connect With Erick on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erickwidmanAbout Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATIONMentioned in this episode:Business Immigration Ad -- Ackah Law

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah spoke with Sarah O'Keefe, a Calgary Wills and Estates Lawyer, about the importance of estate planning for newcomers to Canada. Immigrants to Canada have worked really hard to get here. And when they do get to Canada, their families, their assets, their investments have to be protected. If newcomers don't put the correct legal Canadian documents in place - a will, power of attorney and a healthcare directive - they can't protect their legacy, the intergenerational wealth that they've worked so hard to acquire. They or their loved ones will need to go to court to get protections, access and authorizations, which can be avoided by proactive estate planning.Evelyn and Sarah discuss the importance of estate planning for immigrants to Canada including:April 16th is advanced healthcare directive day in CanadaThe importance of a healthcare directive for expats in Canada, whether they are staying for 3 years or permanentlyWhy a will and other estate planning documents from their home country are not sufficient for immigrants living in CanadaHow a power of attorney and healthcare directive can prevent family stress and fightingTaxation of trust for minor children/children with testamentary trusts set up (jurisdiction change of trust)Frequency of travel, making the living documents importantFuture Probate Concerns: Executor having appropriate backups/intestate where bond is required for out of province/country family membersSpecific language re funeral arrangements. These can be incorporated into the Will ensuring compliance with culturally specific ritualsEnsuring the preservation of 'intergenerational wealth' for the family through the utilization of trusts (guarding against creditors, matrimonial breakdown and lawsuits)About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses NAFTA visas: the quickest way for Canadians to get a U.S. visa, presented as a live webinar. She shares valuable tips and tricks to maximize your chances of approval and avoid common mistakes that can lead to visa denials, includingEligibility requirements for the NAFTA L-1 and NAFTA TN visasHow to prepare a strong application package to present at the port of entryKey differences between the NAFTA L-1 and TN visasStrategies for overcoming common visa application challengesAnd much more!About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah speaks with her clients Brian and Michael, American expats in Canada who moved to Calgary in September of 2018. Brian Owens and his husband Michael Dettner had the opportunity to move from Tennessee to Alberta, Canada for Brian's job as Artistic Director for the Calgary Film Festival. Brian accepted the job, and the film fest contacted Evelyn Ackah and Ackah Business Immigration Law to get his LMIA as a senior highly Skilled Foreign Worker. Brian started work in Calgary a few weeks later. Michael needed to apply for a Canadian visa for an open Spousal Sponsorship and received a 2-year Temporary Resident work permit before moving to Canada, which Ackah Law handled. Brian and Michael's American expats in Canada journey includes living through COVID in a new country while trying to qualify for permanent residence, which they finally received in 2023. This is their expat story. The Calgary International Film Festival retains Ackah Business Immigration Law for guidance on immigration matters.Evelyn, Brian and Michael discuss:Why moving to Canada in 2018 was the best decision they ever madeAs Americans, why did they want to move to CanadaHad they ever lived outside the United States beforeWhat surprised them most about expat life in CalgaryAlthough they moved here together, Brian already had a job offer in Canada, while Michael - the trailing spouse - had to apply for Spousal Sponsorship. How did this make their immigration journey's different?Now that you've lived in Canada for 5 years - and lived here through the pandemic, experiencing all the delays getting your paperwork approved, what were their biggest misconceptions about living in Canada - good and bad?Are their friends mainly Canadians, Americans, expats or…???Before moving to Canada, what did their friends in America think about this decision?Brian and Michael have lived in Canada for a while and become Canada permanent residents, what do their American friends and family think now?If another American asked for advice about moving to Canada, what would you tell them? Book A Free Case Evaluation

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah speaks with U.S. immigration lawyer Sameer Khedekar, the Founder and Managing Attorney at Banyan Law in California. Sameer was named one of the top 20 immigration attorneys in the nation by HR Executive, was just selected for inclusion into the Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers Guide, joining only 70 other corporate immigration lawyers nationwide. Sameer is listed in Chambers USA and the International Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers. He is one of only a handful of immigration lawyers to be certified as an immigration expert by the State Bar of California. Sameer is the co-author of Unshackled.Follow Sameer on Social MediaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sameer-a-khedekar/TikTok: @techvisalawyerEvelyn and Sameer discuss:How Sameer's birthname and dealing with bureaucrats led to his interest in immigration lawWhy he waited so long to become a U.S. citizen, then chose to practice business immigrationBusiness immigration is personal to Sammer: Because Sameer is Indian and lives in Silicon Valley, and his typical client is an Indian in tech who needs a green cardThe U.S. green card quota and backlog versus the Canadian visa systemH-1B visas versus EB-1A visa wait timesChallenges and options for individuals laid off H-1B holdersU.S. State Department plan's pilot for domestic visa renewalAbout Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses L-1 Intracompany Transfers under the Canadian-US-Mexico Agreement, formerly known as NAFTA. If you have a cross-border business and you want to expand your business to the United States and send key employees to the United States, the L-1 visa may be an option for you. This option is for people who have worked with your Canadian entity for at least one year, and they have to be in a role of either a managerial executive or specialized knowledge worker.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.Book Your Free Case Evaluation here

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses Ackah Business Immigration Law immigration case studies and success stories in Canada and the United States, including:A Filipino foreign worker whose immigration case was derailed when he was injured in a robbery and could no longer work, or bring his mother to Canada from the Philippines to assist him.A professional dancer who changed Canadian employers and had difficulties securing a work permit.An employee on TRP who applied for Permanent Residence, and an old DUI from his home country derailed the PR process. The challenges faced by an Iranian who went to school in Canada, but his employment opportunities ended due to Covid.An expedited citizenship application for an athlete who wanted to join the Canadian team to compete in the Olympics. About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.Book Your Free Case Evaluation here

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks to Dr. Brian Abelson, DC, a Doctor of Chiropractic, the developer of Motion Specific Release (MSR), an International Best Selling Author, and founder of Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta. He is also Evelyn's chiropractor and friend. Dr. Abelson lives in a multicultural family, is a world traveller, philanthropist, marathon runner and triathlete. He has a firm belief in living a holistic lifestyle. Evelyn and Brian discussed a wide range of topics including:The benefits of curiosity and lifelong learningAging, tai chi and combining art and science as we age Canada's diversity and aging population Attitudes surrounding charity, immigration and politics Managing change and challengesDr. Abelson also teaches Tai Chi on his YouTube channel @KineticHealthOnline. Book Your Free Case Evaluation here

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains Canada's new goal to recruit more internationally educated healthcare professionals who want to work in Canada. With Canada's current healthcare crisis and labour shortage, this is a much needed program.Dec 5, IRCC Minister Sean Frasier a request for proposals.IRCC will invest up to $90 Million to help foreign healthcare workers get their credentials recognized to work in Canada.Under the Foreign Credential Program, Canada will remove barriers to foreign workers getting recognized experience and simplify the process.The program will create support including childcare, transportation and coaching for participants.The program will maintain Canada's current high standards, but allow much needed foreign healthcare workers to work in Canada.This will allow a smoother, more efficient immigration process forEmployers who have proposals and foreign healthcare workers who want to work in Canada can reach out to Ackah Law for more information.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses Canada's newly announced family work permits to address the ongoing labour shortages, and how employers and temporary workers will benefit. Canadians are not returning to the labour market as quickly as employers would've liked post-Covid.Starting January 2023, for a 2-year period Canada will extend work permit eligibility to spouses, common-law partners and working-age dependents of temporary workers of all skill levels.Phase I of the new family work permit pilot program will enable family members of workers coming to Canada through the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program to apply for an open work permit.Phase II will expand the measure to family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.Phase III of this program will include consultation with agricultural partners and stakeholders to assess the feasibility for expanding the measure to family members of those in the Agricultural Worker stream.Currently, only spouses are eligible for a work permit if the temporary worker is in an occupation the government considers high-skilled.Canada hopes over 200,000 family members of foreign workers will be able to work in Canada and help end the labour shortages.About Evelyn AckahEvelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses the recent tech layoff in the United States and how this is an opportunity for skilled laid off H-1B workers to move to Canada and for Canadian employers to recruit and hire skilled, experienced tech workers during Canada's labour shortage. Evelyn covers information for H-1B workers who are looking for employment and for Canadian businesses who need to hire skilled workers, including:laid off H-1B visa workers have 60 days to find a job before they have to leave the United StatesH-1B workers are skilled, trained and proven employees who have been working for U.S. companies with a similar culture - language, time zones, work culture - to American companieswith the high number of tech layoffs across many U.S. companies that hire H-1B workers, it may be difficult for these workers to find a new U.S. employer to transfer their H-1B visa within the 60-day periodCanada's Global Talent Stream allows Canadian employers to streamline and fast-track hiring skilled foreign workersCanadian employers who are the brand, subsidiary or head office of the U.S. entity have the option of an Intra Company Transfer to CanadaH-1B workers may want to move to Canada as a student and enter the local job market while getting an advanced degree under our Study Permits, then apply for Permanent Residence, which would allow a spouse to work in Canada and children to attend Canadian schoolsCanada's Start-Up Visa Program is ideal for highly skilled individuals who may want to join an incubator or launch a new business plan; or move to Canada as a worker for a Start Up first, and then a permanent resident, or come as a permanent residentCanadian foreign workers can apply for permanent residence within 3 years, versus the many years wait in the United StatesMany Canadian provinces have high tech Provincial Nominee Programs recruiting foreign workers in high tech industries. Employers could bring H-1B workers to Canada quickly, and get them started working quickly

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses updates and news for international students in Canada. Evelyn covers information international students need to know about studying and working in Canada, and what Canadian employers who hire international students need to know including:foreign students on a study permit can now work up to 40 hours a week due to the labour shortagehow international students can benefit from the experience category of the Canadian Experience Class to apply for permanent residencebenefits of an academic program that provides international students a minimum of 12 months of work experiencewhat Canadian employers need to know about hiring international students on a study permit

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses some information, timelines and immigration processing issues for Canadian employers who are interested in strategies for hiring foreign workers because there is a labour shortage of Canadian workers. Evelyn covers topics including:how to expedite hiring foreign workersthe Canadian government is looking to make the LMIA process fastercurrent processing time is 2 weeks to 6 weeks to get an LMIA approvedprocessing times for hiring a foreign worker from a Western European country, America, Mexico, a country that does not require visa and consular processingprocessing times for hiring a foreign worker through a consulate such as the Philippines, India or Chinahiring foreign workers under NAFTA (the Canadian-US-Mexico Free Trade Agreement), GATs and other employment treatiesemployment audit issues

US Immigration Attorney Diane Butler: Immigration for Entrepreneurs, Remote Workers, Startups and OthersCalgary immigration Evelyn Ackah talks with U.S. immigration attorney Diane Butler, Chair Immigration Group at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, on the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah Podcast. Diane's practice is focused on employment-based immigration for small to large companies, including investors and startups to established multinational companies and troubleshooting cross-border cases. Evelyn and Diane discussed a variety of topics including U.S. and Canadian immigration for entrepreneurs and startups, and the immigration implications of remote working.Diane Butler can be contacted on LinkedIn.

Canada is actively encouraging skilled, highly educated foreign professionals to move to Canada to help rebuild the economy and create jobs. There are many opportunities for executives to move to Canada and become permanent residents and then citizens. Foreign business owners or entrepreneurs who want to move to Canada and become Canadian citizens may qualify under Canada's Executive Express Entry! Some executives move to Canada as intercompany transfers. Some foreign professionals who want to move to Canada may find it difficult to meet some of the requirements under the Express Entry professional stream - particularly the age limit. Under the standard Express Entry, you start to lose points if you are over 40.If you are a foreign business owner or entrepreneur who wants to move to Canada and become a Canadian citizen and are over age 40:You can invest in a Canadian business for as low as $50,000CAYou can buy an existing Canadian businessYou can start a new business in Canada

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks about the growing lifestyle of digital nomads and remote workers who want to work from anywhere, not necessarily their home country or the country where their employer is located. Often also called TechPats, digital nomads need an internet connection. According to https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2022/07/17/why-the-digital-nomad-lifestyle-is-on-the-rise/?sh=7f42f44934c5 (Forbes), "The digital nomad lifestyle has been on the rise for years. Then when Covid-19 hit, the popularity of this new way of working exploded." To work in another country, digital nomads needs a visa. Since Canada does not yet have a digital nomad visa, how can digital nomads work in Canada? Many digital nomad visas are in countries with year-round warm weather and beaches, how can Canada attract digital nomads, freelancers and self-employed as well as remote workers who work for foreign employers? What is a digital nomad? How digital nomads, freelancers and the self-employed can work in Canada and even become permanent residents accompanying spouses self-employed visa startup visa The U.S. doesn't have a digital nomad visa yet either Options for people when they want to work for Canadian employer consulting work permits working holiday program for people that are under 30 or 35 Tax implications for digital nomads Issues for employers of digital nomads and remote workers to consider

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks to Wealth Manager Gerry Scott about cross border wealth management for Americans in Canada and issues for Canadian snowbirds who winter in the United States, and financial and tax issues for foreign business owners. Gerry is a portfolio manager and branch manager with Snowbirds Wealth Management of Raymond James Limited with over 30 years experience, and divides his time between Canada and the U.S. financial and tax priorities for immigrant business owners and foreign entrepreneurs in Canada tax and retirement issues for cross-border Americans and Canadians why Gerry created apps for Canadian Snowbirds and American expats in Canada: Snowbirds US Day Tracker and the Canada Physical Presence Tracker the importance of immigrants finding reliable, trustworthy professional services About Evelyn Ackah Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.

Global HR Series On this episode of the podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer and U.S. NAFTA lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses how in the current tight labour market, offering immigration benefits is an opportunity for Canadian and U.S. companies to attract and retain talented foreign workers. why immigration benefits have become a critical employment benefit for Canadian and U.S. companies how the workplace and labour market are continuing to evolve as Canadian and American companies try to recover from the pandemic the emerging trend of highly educated foreign workers coming to Canada from the U.S. employee compensation to include immigration legal assistance and mentorship supporting spousal sponsorship to facilitate a family move case study: Amazon Welcome Door Program LMIA process and exceptions if you're LMIA exempt how Ackah Law can help you with this process foreign workers who want to become Canadian permanent residents About Evelyn Ackah Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.