76 episodes

Welcome to the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast. I answer your questions about moving to Canada and the US for work, for family, for life.

Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah Evelyn Ackah

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

Welcome to the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast. I answer your questions about moving to Canada and the US for work, for family, for life.

    California Employment Lawyer and Entrepreneur Wilder Clements

    California Employment Lawyer and Entrepreneur Wilder Clements

    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 Law
    More 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 Work
    Remote 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 Practices
    Develop 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 Journey
    Lawyers 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.
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    • 38 min
    Sean Murphy Mortgage Banker: Home Mortgages for Canadian Citizens in the US

    Sean Murphy Mortgage Banker: Home Mortgages for Canadian Citizens in the US

    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 Ackah
    Evelyn 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.
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    • 24 min
    Jean-Philippe Couture - A Business and Tax Lawyer With A Passion for Technology and Innovation

    Jean-Philippe Couture - A Business and Tax Lawyer With A Passion for Technology and Innovation

    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 LinkedIn
    Evelyn 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 also
    provides 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 Ackah
    Evelyn 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

    • 25 min
    How Helping Her Father Complete His Exceptional Ability Visa Inspired Business Immigration Lawyer Saja Raoof

    How Helping Her Father Complete His Exceptional Ability Visa Inspired Business Immigration Lawyer Saja Raoof

    In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah talks to Business Immigration Lawyer Saja Raoof, a U.S. immigration attorney 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 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 LinkedIn
    On the podcast, Evelyn and Saja discuss as an Iraqi immigrant to America, Saja's journey to becoming a business immigration lawyer.
    Key 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 discusses the challenges she faced as a woman, Arab American, and Muslim when she first moved to the US for college. 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 practice primarily focuses on business immigration with a special emphasis on EB-1 visas for those with extraordinary abilities.
    About Evelyn Ackah
    Evelyn 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...

    • 28 min
    Immigration Lawyer Jim Hacking on the Challenges and Opportunities for Immigrants in the US

    Immigration Lawyer Jim Hacking on the Challenges and Opportunities for Immigrants in the US

    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 Ackah
    Evelyn 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 a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/canada_immigration_podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 25 min
    Opportunity Awaits! Study In Canada

    Opportunity Awaits! Study In Canada

    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 Ackah
    Evelyn 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

    • 6 min

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