Biography
Sergio R. Karas, B.A., J.D.., is a Certified Specialist in Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Law by the Law Society of Ontario and an internationally recognized expert in Canadian immigration law.
Mr. Karas has helped hundreds of people successfully establish themselves in Canada. He has been involved with many widely reported, high-profile cases. He represents individuals and multinational corporations to achieve their immigration objectives and implement successful relocation strategies.
Mr. Karas contributes to the press by providing current information about Canadian immigration law and policy. His articles are published in several languages in national and international journals, and he provides immigration insight and commentary to Canada's national press. He is a regular guest on local, national and international radio and television programs, and hosted his own show "Immigration and You" on ITV and Vision of Asia broadcasted in New York and New Jersey. He is the Editor of the Global Business Immigration Handbook published by Reuters, and contributing writer on immigration issues for Canadian HR Reporter, and Canadian Employment Law Today, both publications for Human Resources managers. He was an instructor in immigration law at Sheridan College in Toronto.
Mr. Karas is an honors graduate in Political Science from York University and obtained his Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. He speaks fluent English, French, and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Italian, Portuguese and German. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Past Chair of the Citizenship and Immigration Section of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), Past Chair of the Immigration and Nationality Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Past Chair of the Canada Committee, and current co-Chair of the International Ethics Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of International Law. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has been invited on numerous occasions to address lawyers and human resources managers at major international professional gatherings. He is listed in Who is Who in Corporate Immigration Law, Thought Leaders, and Best Lawyers as a leading immigration lawyer. He has been named Martindale Hubbell Platinum Client Champion for several consecutive years.
Mr. Karas has been instrumental in effecting changes to Canadian immigration visa policies through his involvement in US-Canada relations and border security issues. Multinational corporations and community organizations alike engage him in an advisory capacity, conducting staff seminars and providing guidance. He was a member of the Board of Directors of JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) in Toronto for ten years. He has been profiled in the book "Journey to Home: Canadian Immigrant and Refugee Stories of Hope and courage".
In addition to his primary role as an immigration lawyer, Mr. Karas' involvement in the international scene goes far beyond the provision of routine legal services. He was catapulted to the world spotlight for his work on behalf of Holocaust survivors and their heirs claiming dormant Swiss bank accounts and gold stolen by the Nazis during WWII. He was profiled in the book "Hitler's Silent Partners: Swiss Banks, Nazi Gold and the Pursuit of Justice" by award-winning journalist Isabel Vincent and published worldwide in English, French, German and Italian. Adam LeBor, a foreign correspondent for the Times of London, has also quoted him extensively in his book "Hitler's Secret Bankers". His work has earned him international praise and has been the subject of several television documentaries.
Karas Immigration Law Professional Corporation, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is dedicated to the successful settlement of qualified immigrants including professionals, self-employed, entrepreneurs, and investors, and to assisting corporations to implement successful migration strategies for managerial, executive, and technical personnel. It also represents family-class immigrants and sponsored relatives. It assists clients with US Consular processing and NAFTA petitions. Karas Immigration Law Professional Corporation is a multilingual law firm and provides services to its international clientele in Canada and worldwide.
Karas Immigration Law Professional Corporation is a founding member of VISALAW International, the global immigration lawyers alliance.