Canadian Immigration Lawyers
Canada offers various immigration pathways, each with specific eligibility requirements and procedures. The right option for you depends on many factors,including your work experience, education, family situation, and long-term immigration goals.
To help you navigate your immigration journey with confidence, we offer a range of services tailored to support you from selecting the right program to preparing and submitting a complete, compliant application. Our team ensures your submission is thorough, accurate, and aligned with all legal requirements.
Our services include:
- Advising on eligibility for various immigration pathways – We carefully evaluate your unique circumstances to identify the most suitable immigration options for you. This includes pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), spousal or common-law sponsorships, and even the transition to Canadian citizenship.
- Assisting with application preparation, including required documentation –We help gather, organize, and prepare all the necessary forms and documents for your immigration application, ensuring everything is in order for submission.
- Communicating with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your behalf – Our team manages all communication with IRCC to ensure that any requests or inquiries are handled promptly and effectively, reducing the risk of delays or errors.
- Guiding you through the submission and follow-up process – We support you throughout the application process, from initial submission to responding to follow-up requests or additional documentation needs, ensuring your case stays on track.
- Offering legal representation in immigration hearings or appeals – If your application is denied or you face an immigration issue, we provide strong legal representation at Immigration Refugee Board hearings or in Federal Court appeals to protect your rights.
- Providing personalized legal advice based on your unique situation – Our experienced lawyers offer tailored guidance specific to your needs, addressing any challenges or complexities in your immigration case and ensuring you understand each step of the process.
Canadian Immigration Pathways
There are many ways to live and work in Canada, depending on your unique circumstances. Some of the most common pathways include:
1. Permanent Residency (PR)
Obtaining permanent residency allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, with access to healthcare, employment benefits, and a pathway to citizenship. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve permanent residency with personalized support and guidance every step of the way.
We provide assistance with a variety of PR-related services, including:
- Permanent Residency Applications – Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and other PR pathways
- Family Sponsorships – Helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with their families
- PR Renewals – Guidance on renewing PR cards and maintaining PR status
2. Spousal, or Common-Law Sponsorship, or Conjugal Sponsorship
Starting a life together in Canada is a dream for many couples, and we’re here to help make it a reality. At Alder Law, our experienced immigration lawyers offer trusted guidance to navigate the sponsorship process with clarity and care.
We assist clients with the sponsorship process for:
- Spousal Sponsorships – For couples who are legally married, this pathway allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse for permanent residency in Canada.
- Common-Law Sponsorships – If you’ve lived together in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, you may be eligible to sponsor your partner under the common-law category.
- Conjugal Sponsorships – This option is for couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but are unable to live together or marry due to serious circumstances, such as legal or immigration barriers.
Read more about our sponsorship services here.
3. Citizenship Applications
At Alder Law, we specialize in assisting individuals with the Canadian citizenship application process. Whether you are applying for citizenship through naturalization, descent, or marriage, our experienced team of immigration lawyers is here to help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration law. We provide tailored legal guidance to ensure that your citizenship application is handled smoothly and efficiently, helping you achieve your goal of becoming a Canadian citizen.
We assist clients with:
- Canadian Citizenship Applications – Guidance on eligibility, documentation, and the citizenship process
- Citizenship by Descent – Assistance with applying for citizenship if you have Canadian parents or grandparents
- Citizenship by Marriage – Support for spouses of Canadian citizens looking to apply for citizenship
Learn more about our Citizenship Application services and how we can help you become a Canadian.
4. Temporary Residence and Visa Services
Foreign nationals coming to Canada for travel, study, or temporary stays must apply for the appropriate visa. Whether you’re visiting, studying, or working temporarily, our firm ensures you meet all requirements and guide you through the application process.
We offer a range of temporary residence services, including:
- Visitor Visas (Temporary Resident Visas) – Short-term visas for travel, family, or business trips
- Restoration of Status – Legal support for individuals who overstayed their visa or lost their temporary status
5. Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada for a particular employer. You can only work for the employer listed on your permit. To be eligible for this permit, your employer must first apply for and receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Our firm offers guidance throughout the process of securing an employer-specific work permit, ensuring both you and your employer comply with all requirements. We assist with:
- LMIA Application Support – Helping employers navigate the process of applying for an LMIA to confirm the need for a foreign worker
- Employer-Specific Work Permit Applications – Assisting foreign nationals in submitting their work permit applications, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place
6. Work Permits and Employment-Based Immigration
If you’re a foreign worker or international student looking to work in Canada, securing the right work permit is key. No matter if you’re an international graduate, a skilled professional, or someone experiencing precarious work conditions, Canada provides various employment-based immigration pathways tailored to accommodate diverse situations, which includes but is not limited to:
- Open Work Permits– For eligible applicants who do not require employer sponsorship
- Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permits – For workers who have experienced unsafe or abusive employment conditions
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) – For international students who have completed eligible programs in Canada
Learn more about Canadian Work Permits and Employment-Based Immigration and how we can help.
7. Business Immigration & Investor Programs
Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and investors through various immigration programs designed to attract business talent and foster economic growth. Whether you’re looking to start a business, invest in existing ventures, or expand operations in Canada, our team at Alder Law is here to guide you through the application process. We can assist you in choosing the right program and ensuring that your business plans align with Canada’s immigration requirements.
At Alder Law we can help you navigate the following programs:
- Entrepreneur & Investor Immigration Programs – Assistance with business immigration applications across Canada
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Business Streams – Support for entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in Canadian provinces
8. Immigration Appeals
Navigating the complexities of immigration law can sometimes lead to challenges, such as application refusals, inadmissibility issues, or even the threat of removal from Canada. We provide strong legal support for individuals facing these difficulties. Whether you’re dealing with a denied application, need representation at an Immigration Refugee Board hearing, or are appealing an immigration decision in Federal Court, our experienced lawyers are here to help protect your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome.
- Immigration Appeals & Representation – Legal support for application refusals, inadmissibility cases, and Federal Court appeals
- Immigration Refugee Board Hearings – Legal representation if you are facing imminent removal orders
Immigrating to British Columbia
British Columbia is one of Canada’s top destinations for immigrants, offering diverse job opportunities, a high quality of life, and a strong demand for skilled workers. However, immigrating to BC comes with unique challenges, including high application volumes, strict provincial nominee program (BC PNP) requirements, and evolving immigration policies that impact applicants at every stage.
Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer Instead of a Consultant?
Both immigration lawyers and consultants can assist with applications, but only lawyers offer full legal representation and the ability to handle complex cases, appeals, and litigation.
At Alder Law, our immigration lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of British Columbia, ensuring high professional and ethical standards. In contrast, immigration consultants are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), which has fewer training requirements and limited legal authority.
Advantages of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
- Full Legal Representation – Lawyers can represent you in Federal Court, appeal refusals, and handle complex immigration disputes. Consultants do not have the authority to provide legal representation in court.
- Experience with Complex Cases – If your case involves inadmissibility issues, previous refusals, legal disputes, or Restoration of Status applications, only a lawyer can advocate for you in front of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or Federal Court.
- Stronger Applications & Minimized Risk – Our legal team provides thorough documentation, compliance with immigration laws, and strategic planning to help avoid errors and delays.
- Appeals & Litigation Support – If your application is denied, we handle appeals, judicial reviews, and legal challenges to protect your immigration status.
Working with an immigration lawyer instead of a consultant gives you the strongest legal protection, personalized guidance, and strong representation for your case.
Choose Alder Law for Immigration Services
At Alder Law, we prioritize personalized service and direct communication with our clients. Unlike larger immigration firms, you won’t get lost in a long queue—we work closely with you, providing tailored legal strategies and one-on-one guidance.
Every immigration case is unique. Our team takes the time to understand your specific circumstances (and goals), and guide you toward the most suitable immigration pathway.
Questions? Call us at 604-936-9600 or book a consultation with us.
Canadian Immigration FAQs
1. Can I remain in Canada while my Immigration Application is Pending?
Yes. When you have filed any application, whether it be a restoration of status application or an application under the Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit program, you are able to remain in Canada, until a decision is made on your application.
2. Can I restore my immigration status if I overstayed my visa?
Yes. Restoration of Status may be possible if you apply within 90 days of your status expiring. Our lawyers can assess your case and help you submit a strong application.
3. Can I restore my status if I fail to apply for restoration within the 90 days?
While it can be done, there is no guarantee that an application submitted after the 90-day threshold will be approved. Contact one of our experienced immigration lawyers to maximize your chances of extending your status in Canada if you have missed your restoration deadline.
4. Can I appeal if my immigration application is refused?
Yes, certain refusals can be appealed. Depending on the case, appeals may be filed with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) or the Federal Court. Our lawyers can assess your situation and represent you in the appeal process.
Canadian Immigration Resources
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