Canadian Immigration Podcast Mark Holthe

Episode Title: Lengthy Delays in Security Screening

Host: Mark Holthe, Immigration Lawyer, Holthe Immigration Law

Guest: Will Tao, Immigration Lawyer, Heron Law Offices

Sponsor: Canadian Immigration Institute - Subscribe to the 2024 Express Entry Accelerator Course

Episode Summary
In this insightful episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe welcomes back immigration lawyer Will Tao to discuss a pressing issue facing many applicants: lengthy delays in security screening. This episode is particularly relevant for those navigating the complex and often frustrating Canadian immigration process.

Key Points Discussed


Introduction to Security Screening Delays:


The increasing prevalence of security screening delays in Canadian immigration applications.
Importance of security screening for maintaining the integrity of the Canadian immigration system.



Impact of Security Screening Delays:


Personal stories of applicants stuck in security screening for extended periods.
Consequences of these delays, including emotional and financial strain on applicants and their families.



Understanding Security Screening:


Detailed explanation of what security screening entails and its role in the immigration process.
Different levels of security checks: basic record checks vs. comprehensive checks.
Factors that might trigger a comprehensive check, such as certain nationalities, educational institutions, and work experiences.



Practical Advice for Applicants:


Proactive disclosure of potential issues in applications.
Importance of being transparent and providing detailed explanations where necessary.
Seeking legal advice early in the process to navigate potential red flags.



Mandamus Applications:


Discussion on when and how to consider filing a writ of mandamus to address unreasonable delays.
Importance of preparing a strong case if pursuing this legal route.



Legal and Policy Insights:


The role of international relations and political factors in security screening processes.
Recent developments and evolving practices in Canadian immigration law and policy.



How we can help
If you or someone you know is experiencing lengthy delays in security screening, it's essential to seek professional advice. Book a consultation with Mark Holthe or Will Tao to discuss your case and explore your options.

Connect with Us

Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel: For more video content, live Q&A sessions, and DIY courses.
Website: Canadian Immigration Institute for additional resources and information.

Thank You to Our Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by the Canadian Immigration Institute's 2024 Express Entry Accelerator DIY Course, your best source of video content on Canadian immigration to help you navigate the Canadian immigration process.

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, your hosts Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry dive deep into the real costs associated with immigrating to Canada. From government fees to travel expenses, Mark and Alicia break down the hard and soft costs that every potential immigrant needs to consider.

Key Topics Discussed:



Government Fees:


Breakdown of application processing fees.
Recent increases in fees as of April 30, 2024.
Importance of paying the right of permanent residence fee upfront.



Biometrics and Language Tests:


Costs associated with biometrics and language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, TCF, and TEF.
Importance of valid language tests for Express Entry profiles.



Education Credential Assessments (ECAs):


Necessity of ECAs for foreign education credentials.
Associated costs and recognized organizations like WES.



Medical Examinations:


Requirement for medical exams during the application process.
Variation in costs based on panel physicians.



Police Clearance Certificates:


Need for police certificates from every country lived in for six months or more since turning 18.
Estimated costs and process.



Translation of Documents:


Costs associated with certified translations of necessary documents.
Tips for finding affordable translation services.



Travel Costs:


Estimation of travel expenses for a family of three.
Considerations for flight costs and baggage fees.



Settlement Funds:


Updated proof of funds requirements as of May 27, 2024.
Importance of maintaining accessible funds in your bank account.



Soft Costs:


Social costs of leaving behind a community and integrating into a new one.
Psychological and emotional toll of the immigration process.
Opportunity costs related to career disruptions and long-term prospects.
Educational adjustments for children and the family.



Highlighted Resources:


Canadian Immigration Institute DIY Courses:

Comprehensive video content and DIY courses designed to help you navigate the Canadian immigration process with confidence.
Courses include detailed instructions, checklists, and sample documents to ensure your application is successful.
Visit Canadian Immigration Institute for more information and to access these valuable resources.



Conclusion:

Mark and Alicia provide an in-depth look at the comprehensive costs involved in immigrating to Canada, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and understanding of both hard and soft costs. They highlight the resources available through the Canadian Immigration Institute to aid applicants in successfully navigating the immigration process.

Contact Information:


Holthe Immigration Law: holthelaw.com
Canadian Immigration Institute: canadianimmigrationinstitute.com

Subscribe and Follow:


YouTube Channel: Canadian Immigration Institute
Podcast Platforms: iTunes, Spotify, Google Play

Join the Discussion:


Live Q&A Sessions: Follow up this podcast episode with a live Q&A on YouTube with Mark and Alicia, where they answer your pressing immigration questions.

Feedback and Suggestions:


We love hearing from you! Please send us your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

Tune in to get a comprehensive understanding of the real costs of immigrating to Canada and ensure you're fully prepared for the journey ahead!

Show Notes for Canadian Immigration Podcast Episode 143: The Dangers of Crowd Sourcing Immigration Information

Episode Overview: Join host Mark Holthe, as he welcomes back Robert Leong, a seasoned immigration lawyer from British Columbia, for an enlightening discussion on the risks associated with sourcing immigration advice from unregulated forums and platforms. This episode sheds light on how reliance on crowd-sourced information can lead to severe complications in immigration applications, including misrepresentation charges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:



Expert Analysis:


Robert shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the pitfalls of using generalized advice from online forums and unauthorized consultants.



The Impact of Misrepresentation:


Understand the severe consequences of misrepresentation in immigration applications, which can include bans from reapplying and significant delays in processing.



The Value of Professional Guidance:


Learn about the importance of professional legal advice in navigating the complex landscape of immigration law and ensuring that applications are compliant and accurately presented.



Navigating Procedural Fairness Letters:


Get expert advice on how to properly respond to procedural fairness letters from immigration authorities, a crucial step that can significantly impact the outcome of your application.



Artificial Intelligence in Immigration:


Discussion on how immigration authorities use AI to detect patterns and potential fraud, underscoring the importance of ensuring each application is unique and accurately represents individual circumstances.



Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:


Risk Avoidance: Gain essential knowledge to avoid common yet severe risks associated with crowd-sourced immigration advice.
Informed Decisions: Understand why hiring a professional is crucial, especially in complex or high-stakes immigration cases.
Up-to-Date Practices: Stay informed about the latest in immigration practices and potential pitfalls directly from industry experts.

Additional Resources:


Links to Official Immigration Resources: For accurate and reliable immigration information.
Contact Information for Professional Legal Consultations: 

💻 BOOK AN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION WITH MARK: https://bit.ly/3QBDyf6 
Robert Leong Contact Information: https://www.patriamlaw.com/contact/




Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast: Ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing. Each episode is designed to help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process with greater confidence.
Share and Comment: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from it and leave us a comment with your thoughts or questions!

Episode Credits:


Guest: Robert Leong, Immigration Lawyer
Host: Mark Holthe, Canadian Immigration Lawyer

Remember, when it comes to Canadian immigration, getting it right the first time is crucial. Tune in for expert advice and keep your immigration journey on the right track!

Episode Number: 142 - The PNP Battle for PR in Canada - From Temporary to Tenuous

Introduction:


Host: Mark Holthe
Co-Host: Alicia Backman-Beharry
Overview of the episode: Discussing the intensifying challenges within provincial nominee programs (PNPs) across Canada and how they impact temporary residents and foreign workers seeking permanent residency.

Key Topics Discussed:



Recent Changes in PNPs:


Alicia shares insights from the National Immigration CBA Conference in Montreal.
Discussion on the rising CRS scores and their impact on the pressure on PNPs.
Overview of provincial nominee programs compared to federal economic immigration programs.



Challenges in Provincial Nominee Programs:


Detailed breakdown of Express Entry-linked streams and the multi-stage application process.
Challenges of achieving provincial nomination and its benefits.
The reality of PNP limitations and the marketing myths around easy access to nominations.



Labour Market and Provincial Needs:


Importance of aligning with provincial labour market needs.
Strategies for potential immigrants considering moving to less competitive provinces.
Highlighting the recent federal measure to support skilled temporary workers in Manitoba, including a potential new policy for extending work permits.



Discussion on Systemic Issues and Potential Solutions:


Exploration of how provinces manage nomination quotas and processing times.
Potential future reforms in PNPs and federal collaboration to address backlogs and labour market needs.
Legal considerations and advice for navigating the complex PNP landscape.



Concluding Thoughts:


Recap of the challenges faced by temporary residents in securing permanent residency through PNPs.
Advice for listeners on dealing with the competitive nature of PNPs and planning for potential changes in immigration policy.



Resources Mentioned:


New measure to support skilled temporary workers in Manitoba: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/05/new-measure-to-support-skilled-temporary-workers-in-manitoba.html

Links:


Subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Podcast for more insights and updates: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/podcasts/canadian-immigration-podcast 
Join the live Q&A sessions on YouTube to discuss specific immigration questions with Mark and Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanadianImmigrationInstitute

Episode 141: Impacts of the Closure of the Self-Employed Persons Program and Changes to the Startup Visa

Host: Mark HoltheGuests: Alicia Backman-Beharry, Pantea JafariDate: May 13, 2024

Introduction: Welcome to Episode 141 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the recent changes and closures of two significant immigration streams: the Self-Employed Persons Program and the Startup Visa Program. Joining me today are Alicia Backman-Beharry and special guest Pantea Jafari, who brings a wealth of experience from her extensive work with self-employed candidates.

Key Topics Covered:



Recent Changes to the Startup Visa Program:


The government's announcement on April 29 regarding new restrictions.
Cap introduced on support by business incubators, venture capital, and angel investor groups, limiting them to endorsing only 10 startups each.
Introduction of priority processing for members of Canada's Tech Network.



Closure of the Self-Employed Persons Program:


Sudden closure of the program as of April 30, leaving many potential applicants and stakeholders in a lurch.
Discussion on the implications of the closure and the government's lack of notice.
Pantea Jafari's insights into the potential reasons behind the closure, including the targeting of specific demographics and concerns over program costs.



Discussion on the Government's Approach:


Examination of the government's pattern of responding to program issues.
Impact of these changes on Canada's image as a destination for innovative businesses and cultural professionals.
The future of these immigration streams and possible government reforms.



Advice for Affected Individuals:


Strategies for individuals who were considering these now-closed or altered pathways.
Discussion on alternative immigration options and the importance of seeking timely and expert advice.



Conclusion: Mark, Alicia, and Pantea discuss the broader implications of these immigration changes and what the future might hold, especially with an upcoming election that could influence immigration policies further.

Join Us Next Time: Don't miss our next episode, where we will continue to explore the latest developments in Canadian immigration law and policy. Subscribe to stay updated!

Links to Resources


Book a consultation with Holthe Immigration Law: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation 
Contact Information for Pantea Jafari's Office: https://jafarilaw.ca/contact-us/ 
IRCC Program Changes (SUVs and Self-Employed PR): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/04/changes-to-the-start-up-visa-and-self-employed-persons-programs-to-help-reduce-backlogs-and-improve-processing-times.html 
Express Entry Accelerator 2024: https://www.canadianimmigrationinstitute.com/express-entry-landing-page 

Podcast Episode 140: What if I am not invited in an Express Entry Draw?

Host: Mark HoltheGuest: Alicia Backman-Beharry

Introduction:


Welcome to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.
In today’s episode, we delve into what happens if you are not invited in an Express Entry draw, a pertinent question for many amidst the high CRS scores of recent general draws.

Key Points:



Overview of Express Entry:


Explanation of the Express Entry system, which started in January 2015.
It is designed to manage applications for Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and some Provincial Nominee Programs.



Challenges with Express Entry:


Discussion on the high CRS scores making it challenging for individuals outside Canada to qualify.
Emphasis on the need for strategies to improve chances of receiving an ITA.



Strategies to Improve CRS Scores:


Possibility of increasing language scores, gaining additional work experience, and pursuing higher education.
Consideration of provincial nominee programs for additional points.



Category-Specific Draws:


Insight into how targeted draws based on specific criteria such as occupation or language can offer alternative pathways to receive an ITA.



Alternatives to Express Entry:


Exploration of other immigration pathways including provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship, and temporary work permits.



Future of Express Entry:


Discussion on potential changes and the importance of staying informed about immigration policies and category-specific draws.



Role of Immigration Lawyers:


How consulting with an expert can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to individual circumstances.



Conclusion:


Recap of the importance of having a strategic plan when navigating through the complexities of Express Entry.
Reminder to stay informed and proactive in managing one's immigration journey.

Resources:


Express Entry Accelerator Course
Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel

Next Episode Preview:


Join us for the next episode where we will discuss the impact of recent changes in immigration law on temporary foreign workers in Canada.

Listen and Subscribe:


Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and directly on the Canadian Immigration Podcast website.