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A Glimpse Inside CBSA Enforcement
Aminder Kaur Mangat | September 17, 2025
At the May 2025 OBA CBSA liaison meeting, CBSA confirmed enforcement and removals remain priorities, with detention space consolidating at the Rexdale Immigration Holding Centre this fall. Counsel were urged to request assignment of dormant files, verify PRRA eligibility when clients receive call-ins, and report any removal notices issued to TRP holders. CBSA also confirmed that artificial intelligence is not used in immigration enforcement decisions.
Learn moreDigital Borders and Racial Codes in AI Migration Control
This article examines the growing use of artificial intelligence in migration systems, focusing on tools like IRCC’s Chinook platform and the UNHCR’s Project Jetson. It raises concerns about how these technologies may reinforce systemic bias, limit procedural fairness, and reduce transparency in decision-making. Drawing on recent Federal Court decisions and critical legal theory, the piece calls for stronger safeguards and a more accountable, rights-based approach to technology in immigration governance.
Learn moreArtificial Intelligence in Immigration Practice: Why Our Files Now Meet the Algorithm First
Aminder Kaur Mangat | July 02, 2025
A recent CPD session explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping Canadian immigration processing. Experts from the Federal Court, IRCC, DOJ, academia, and private practice discussed IRCC’s use of automation to triage and approve files, the legal framework behind these systems, and the privacy and oversight issues they raise. As AI becomes more central to decision making, counsel must build the skills to understand, challenge, and navigate these tools to ensure fairness and protect their clients.
Learn moreForeign Expertise, Local Impact: The Quiet Necessity of Foreign Legal Consultants
Where legal practice intersects with immigration, international families, and global financial matters, foreign law is not a complication; it is the context. Canadian courts have always operated with the understanding that foreign law, when relevant, must be treated as a question of fact. But as our legal and social realities evolve, so too does the need for clarity, structure, and cultural literacy when presenting those facts. This is where Certified Foreign Legal Consultants (FLCs) become indispensable.
Learn moreYour Essential Update on Study Permits: A Timely Deep Dive Into Policy Shifts and Practice Tips
Aminder Kaur Mangat | March 28, 2025
The OBA Immigration Section’s recent session, Your Essential Update on Study Permits, delivered timely insights on key policy shifts impacting international students. From the new PAL requirement and tighter spousal work permit rules to the Francophone student pilot and judicial review pilot project, panelists provided practical tips and data-driven analysis. With rising refusal rates and evolving IRCC policies, sessions like this are essential for practitioners to stay informed and better serve their clients.
Learn moreCanada’s Immigration Paradox: Tightening Pathways Amid Political Calculations
Aminder Kaur Mangat | December 12, 2024
Canada is tightening immigration pathways ahead of the 2025 election, raising CRS cut-offs and imposing stricter LMIA rules. These changes hinder skilled workers and international students from achieving permanent residency, citing public concerns over housing, healthcare, and labour markets. With reduced targets for coming years, policymakers face the challenge of balancing voter concerns with demographic and economic needs.
Learn moreAminder Kaur Mangat | December 12, 2024
The Supreme Court of Canada’s hearing of Dorinela Pepa v. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration could reshape immigration law. At issue: whether the Immigration Appeal Division fairly denied an appeal, balancing procedural fairness against administrative efficiency. The decision will have major implications for statutory rights and justice in Canada’s immigration system.
Learn moreCriminal Inadmissibility: An Analysis in the Context of the Charter
Haider Ashraf, in his paper, "Balancing Security and Rights: Re-evaluating IRPA’s Criminal Inadmissibility Provisions and Charter Compliance” recommends a re-evaluation of IRPA’s inadmissibility provisions to better protect the rights of permanent residents and align Canadian policies with global human rights principles. The author welcomes any comments or conversations from colleagues on the topic.
Learn more2023-2024 Recap: Achievements and Ongoing Initiatives
As we approach the conclusion of the 2023-2024 OBA Citizenship and Immigration Law Section cycle, your Section Executive is delighted to provide you with updates on our accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. Your active participation and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our collective goals, and we are committed to building on this momentum in the year ahead.
Learn moreUnlocking Practice Management Essentials: ANSARI IMMIGRATION LAW
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | June 25, 2024
Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the strategies and insights employed by various immigration law practitioners in making their firms the success stories they are today. In our fifth edition, we had the privilege to interview Ms. Yameena Ansari, a founding partner at Ansari Immigration Law.
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Unlocking Practice Management Essentials: Chaudhary Law Office
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | May 09, 2024
Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the strategies and insights employed by various immigration law practitioners in making their firms the success stories they are today. In our fourth edition, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Max Chaudhary, a founding lawyer at Chaudhary Law Office.
Learn moreFeedback from the Early Career Immigration Lawyers Town Hall and Networking Social
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | May 08, 2024
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of this event. Your active participation and thoughtful contributions underscore the strength and vitality of our community. Rest assured, OBA executives are carefully considering the feedback provided and are committed to addressing all of your recommendations.
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Insights from the Early Career Immigration Lawyers Town Hall and Networking Social
Angela Ogang & Aqsa Nadeem | May 02, 2024
On March 20, 2024, members of the CBA Immigration Law Section and the OBA Citizenship and Immigration Law Section convened at the OBA Conference Centre in Toronto for the Early Career Immigration Lawyers Town Hall and Networking Social. The event provided a unique opportunity for new lawyers practicing in immigration law to network with influential members of the bar and promote themselves as an emerging leader in immigration law.
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Unlocking Practice Management Essentials: Shekarian Law PC
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | May 02, 2024
Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the strategies and insights employed by various immigration law practitioners in making their firms the success stories they are today. In our third edition, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Siavash Shekarian, a founding attorney at Shekarian Law PC.
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Unlocking Practice Management Essentials: Long Mangalji LLP
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | April 02, 2024
Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the strategies and insights employed by various immigration law practitioners in making their firms the success stories they are today. In our inaugural edition, we had the privilege to interview Ms. Elizabeth Ying Long, a founding partner at Long Mangalji LLP.
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Unlocking Practice Management Essentials: SAM LAW
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | April 02, 2024
Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the strategies and insights employed by various immigration law practitioners in making their firms the success stories they are today. In our second edition, we had the privilege to interview Mr. Sajjad A. Malik, a founding lawyer at SAM Law.
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Breaking Barriers: Celebrating International Women's Day
Aqsa Nadeem, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | March 05, 2024
In honour of International Women's Day, we highlight the inspiring journey of Ms. Robin Seligman. From overcoming barriers to advocating for her clients, she shares her experiences and triumphs throughout the year. This article celebrates her resilience, dedication, and contribution to the field of law while shining a spotlight on the importance of supporting and empowering women in legal practice.
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Canada's Tech Talent Strategy Enhancing the Start-up Visa Program
Zeynab Ziaie Moayyed | September 14, 2023
Building upon the success of Canada's Global Skills Strategy, Canada's groundbreaking Tech Talent Strategy (TTS) is strategically geared towards nurturing and bolstering Canada's thriving tech ecosystem. However, the TTS has also cast a spotlight on one of Canada's most innovative visa programs that is now grappling with growing pains—the Start-up Visa.
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Thriving in Immigration Law: Insights from Max Chaudhary
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | June 13, 2023
I recently attended a physical meeting of the Central Region Immigration Appeal Division Consultative Committee, where I had the opportunity to connect with Max Chaudhary, a highly regarded immigration lawyer with 28 years of experience. In this interview, Max graciously shares his personal influences, career journey, keys to success, and valuable tips for aspiring lawyers. Read on to gain insights into the intricate world of immigration law and learn from the wisdom of a seasoned practitioner.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Carrie Wright
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | March 07, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Our Chair Carrie Wright started off as the Newsletter Editor, then she became the Secretary and worked her way up to chairing. Carrie's focus has been ensuring that our voices are represented at the national level and developing the interconnectedness between our section and our colleagues in other areas.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Rafeena Rashid
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | March 07, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Rafeena Rashid currently holds the position of Secretary on the executive. As an immigrant herself, whose immediate family immigrated to Canada in stages, she is acutely aware that the decision to move to a new country is not a decision made lightly.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Nandi Deterville
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | February 24, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Member-at-Large Nandi Deterville was born and raised in the sunny Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia. She was called to the Bars of England & Wales and Saint Lucia in 2008 and practiced in a small general practice firm before immigrating to Canada. Read on to find out what motivated her to join the OBA and our Section Executive.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Clinton Green
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | February 24, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Our CPD Liaison Clinton Green grew up in Jamaica and is a strong believer in lifelong learning, collaboration, and the need to increase representation of Black lawyers both in the membership and the Executive. Read on to find out why all these things are important to him and what he enjoys most about practicing immigration law.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Daud Ali
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | February 24, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Daud Ali has been on the Executive for the past six years and currently serves as one of the CPD Liaisons. Daud enjoys the challenge of helping corporate clients find global mobility solutions to their business needs in spite of the delays that clients are experiencing with the processing of files.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Les Morley
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | February 09, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Read on to find out how Les Morley went from helping those among the prison population in Kingston who had admissibility hearings, refugee claims and deportation appeals, to handling a broad range of unusual cases and developing strategies for people in complicated situations.
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Executive Profile: Introducing Zaynah Marani
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | January 03, 2023
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Read on to find out what inspired Zaynah Marani to join the Section Executive as a Member-at-Large and what she enjoys most about practicing immigration law.
Learn moreExecutive Profiles: Introducing Sajjad Malik
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | December 06, 2022
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Read on to find out how our section's Vice-Chair, Sajjad Malik, managed to leverage his past experiences as a corporate affairs professional, civil servant, tax professional, business consultant and international lawyer in the Canadian immigration space.
Learn moreExecutive Profiles: Introducing Robin Seligman
Angela Ogang, Newsletter Editor, OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section | November 23, 2022
Here at the OBA Citizenship & Immigration Law Section, we are proud of our volunteers and we are constantly looking for ways to highlight their work and achievements. Read on to find out more about Robin Seligman, who served as Chair of the Section from 1999 to 2002 and again from 2021 to 2022!
Learn moreA Refugee Story Takes Centre Stage at TIFF: An Overview of The Swimmers from an Immigration Lawyer
Carrie Wright, partner at BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration | October 27, 2022
The 2022 Toronto International Film Festival opened with the world premiere of The Swimmers, a film based on the true story of two sisters who escaped from Syria after the start of the war in an effort to make it to Germany. As an immigration lawyer, it was a worthwhile reminder of the realities that are faced by many refugee claimants not just on their physical journey, but also once they have reached their destination.
Learn moreCase Summary: Sabitu v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2021 FC 165 (CanLII)
Oltion Toro, articling student | March 30, 2022
In its findings, the Federal Court certified several questions, including one concerning the collateral attack doctrine. It remains to be seen the outcome at the Federal Court of Appeal.
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