Practicing Exclusively in Canadian Immigration Law
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Who we are
Steven Meurrens is a Partner at Larlee Rosenberg, a highly regarded law firm in Vancouver, British Columbia that practices exclusively in Canadian immigration law.
Practice Areas
Our firm practices almost exclusively in Canadian immigration matters, including work permit applications, provincial nominations, skilled worker applications, and more.
Immigration Blog
H&C for Ukrainians
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in Canada. Initially, Canada introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel ("CUAET"), a temporary visa program offering expedited entry and work or study permits for Ukrainians and their family members. While this program has been a lifeline for many, it is not a pathway to permanent residency. While some Ukrainians are applying for permanent residency through narrow dedicated programs, family reunification or economic streams, others are turning to humanitarian & compassionate ("H&C") applications. H&C Applications A humanitarian and compassionate application allows individuals who do not meet the usual eligibility criteria for permanent residency to request consideration based on compelling personal circumstances. Immigration officers assess the application on a case-by-case basis, focusing on factors such as establishment in Canada, family ties, best interests of any children involved and hardship that would result from removal For Ukrainians considering an H&C application, presenting a strong case is essential. This involves: Documenting Establishment: Proof of employment, education, community involvement, and other ties to Canada. Highlighting Hardship: Detailed evidence of the risks and challenges of returning to Ukraine. Demonstrating Best Interests of Children: Evidence of how remaining ...
Introduction to Inadmissibility
The following is a 2023 PPT for IRCC officers that provides an overview of the different inadmissibility provisions of the IRPA.
The Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship Program
Under the Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship Program (the "PGP"), Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their foreign national parents and grandparents. Sponsors must sign an undertaking with the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration ("IRCC") or with the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion for those in Quebec. The undertaking ensures that the sponsored individuals and their family members do not have to apply for social assistance. The length of undertaking in the PGP is 20 years. As per the IRCC website, sponsors must: be 18 years of age or older; be a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian or permanent resident; be sponsoring their parents or grandparents; live in Canada; sign an undertaking promising to provide for the basic requirements of the person being sponsored; sign an agreement with the person theyare sponsoring; and prove that they have sufficient income. Co-signers are permissible. Exclusions A Canadian citizen or permanent resident cannot be a sponsor if they: are in receipt of social assistance for a reason other than disability; are in default of an undertaking, an immigration loan, a performance bond, or family support payments; are an undischarged bankrupt; were convicted of an offence of a sexual nature, a violent criminal offence, an ...
