Special Report - CANADA
CUTTING THROUGH THE RED TAPE - HOW THE EXPERTS CAN HELP
Although it is possible to apply for permanent migration independently, there are some situations where using a specialist migration consultancy can mean the difference between success and failure.
This is the situation that one family found themselves in when their application to migrate to the province of Quebec was denied.
The family had first applied to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, New York based on advice obtained from a Toronto solicitor. They enclosed a detailed explanation of the applicant's eligibility under the Canadian regulations and Federal jurisdiction.
However, they intended to settle in Quebec and their application was referred to the Quebec Delegation which decided that the family was not eligible.
In desperation, they sought assistance from migration attorney Mitchell S Brownstein, who suggested that they re-apply, but for a different Canadian province.
He explained: "Although they were ineligible to immigrate to Canada through the province of Quebec, their application - initially filed at the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, New York could be reconsidered based on the Federal regulations, for which they were clearly eligible.
"Further, as the principal applicant was a geologist - an occupation appearing on the Canadian Occupation List - he was also eligible to apply for immigration to Canada under the Independent category."
Brownstein's offices sent a letter to the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo asking that the family's application be re-activated because their intended destination had been changed from Montreal to Ottawa as the applicant felt he would be able to get a job more easily there.
Although the family had been in Montreal on temporary status for several years, since the Quebec immigration regulations required that independent applicants obtained an attested job offer in Quebec from a permanent employer prior to obtaining landed immigration status and since this had been impossible to obtain, it was clear that the applicant was not eligible.
For these reasons, the family decided to settle in Ottawa rather that in Montreal.
Brownstein was also able to provide expert assistance in another area. After receiving two letters from the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo, the first stating that his client would expect an interview within six to eight months, and the second setting the date back a further 12-15 months, he decided to transfer their file to the one-step Canadian High Commission in London.
Several months later the family attended their interview at the Canadian High Commission in London and were accepted as landed immigrants.
"It is vital that all individuals who intend to immigrate to Canada carefully choose the appropriate high commission or embassy as well as the regulations that best suit their particular needs," said Mr Brownstein.
More information: For advice on this and other matters concerning immigration to Canada, contact BROWNSTEIN and BROWNSTEIN, Attorneys at 010-1-514-939-9559 or fax on 010-1-514-939-2289 email: brownstein@accent.net or write to: 1310 Greene Avenue, Suite 750, Montreal, Quebec, H3Z 2B2. Please visit our website at: brownsteinlaw.com.
Brownstein representatives visit London on a regular basis to meet with applicants interested in immigration to Canada. The next visit is scheduled for March 1997. Contract them directly at the Kensington Holiday Inn on: 0171-373-2222.
