Our panel dive into several questions about Express Entry in this Ask Me Anything session. Featuring Kubir Kamal and Tamara Mosher-Kutzer as our guests.

0:20: Introduction to the panel and the state of Canadian immigration in 2025.

2:20: What does the recent Supreme Court decision on Pepa mean for visa holders' appeal rights?

7:40: Will Express Entry scores drop to 505 this year?

14:50: Why are healthcare and STEM categories not seeing lower scores despite shortages?

22:41: How does declaring a spouse as non-accompanying affect Express Entry applications?

36:25: Can you claim points for both Canadian and foreign work experience concurrently?

39:56: Will there be a cap on immigration from specific countries like India?

42:39: Should certain over-represented occupations be limited in Express Entry?

46:06: Does trade experience in Express Entry need to be continuous?

50:48: What are your thoughts on Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s “best and brightest” strategy and the Strong Borders Act?

54:19: Will Express Entry scores drop in the next two years, and what’s the outlook for 2027?

57:38: Could the government cancel work or study permits to meet the 5% temporary resident target by 2027?

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Ari Wormelli joins to discuss how to get divorced in Canada, and its intersection with Canadian immigration law.

Topics discussed include non-accompanying spouses agreeing to or contesting divorce with prospective immigrants in Canada, practical barriers, serving legal documents internationally, getting foreign divorces recognized in Canada, annullment in the Philippines, marriages under fake IDs, and break down an actual case.

Timestamps:

0:19 - Welcome and Guest Introduction

0:52 - Diving into Messy Divorces

2:17 - How Divorce Works in Canada

5:09 - Divorcing with an Overseas Spouse

10:20 - Divorce in Countries Without Divorce (e.g., Philippines)

15:21 - Conflicts of Law in Divorce Recognition

21:56 - Case Study: Canadian Sponsor with Pakistani & Canadian Divorces

26:04 - Recognizing Foreign Divorces in Canada

34:19 - Marriages Under Fake IDs

47:30 - Marriage in Canada Without Legal Status

50:52 - Timeline for an Uncontested Divorce in Canada

56:00 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

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Join us for an insightful episode of the Borderlines Podcast, featuring Raj Sharma and Hannah Lindy, both individuals with extensive experience submitting Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications.

In this episode, we dive deep into H&C applications under section 25 of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Learn what H&C applications are, who can apply, and the key factors officers consider, including the best interests of children and compelling circumstances.

We discuss challenges like high refusal rates, the impact of the 2025 Levels Plan, and the importance of strong advocacy. Whether you're an applicant, practitioner, or curious about Canadian immigration, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice.

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Immigration lawyer Lev Abramovich returns to discuss frequently asked questions regarding judicial review. This episode offers valuable guidance for legal professionals, consultants, and those navigating immigration processes.

Topics Addressed:

(1:49) The IRGC

(6:32) Bill C-2

(10:48) What is judicial review, and how does it differ from an appeal?

(13:30) When faced with an H&C refusal, what factors determine whether to reapply or seek judicial review?

(19:29) How do you proceed with a judicial review of a Chinook refusal when GCMS notes repeat the refusal letter?

(27:33) When should someone use mandamus, and what factors influence this decision?

(36:37) Why is there a lack of legislation to enforce compliance with federal court decisions or settlements, and how often are files refused again after judicial review?

(43:51) Is the Immigration Division’s interpretation of the law subject to judicial review?

(44:43) How long does it take to decide whether to file a judicial review?

(45:54) What’s the difference between Rule 9 and GCMS notes in preparing a judicial review?

(50:16) Can you file a judicial review for a study permit refusal from three months ago?

(52:50) Should you pursue a judicial review for an application where a reconsideration request was already made?

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Ali Esnaashari and Kaveh Shahrooz join to discuss the Canadian immigration implications of Canada's decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

Topics Explored:

Historical Context of the IRGC: Understand the origins, structure, and global activities of the IRGC, including its role in the tragic downing of Ukraine International Flight PS752.

Conscription and Inadmissibility: Learn how mandatory military service in Iran leads to Canadian inadmissibility findings for individuals performing routine tasks, such as administrative duties or even playing for government-affiliated sports teams, with no meaningful connection to terrorist activities.

Legal Framework and Challenges: A detailed analysis of Section 34(1)(f) of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, its broad application, and the low burden of proof that disproportionately impacts conscripts, alongside ongoing federal court cases addressing the definition of “membership.”

Policy Shortcomings: Insight into the Canadian government’s rushed designation process, the absence of exemptions for conscripts, and the lack of consultation with stakeholders or training for immigration officers.

Why This Matters:This designation has far-reaching consequences, affecting thousands of Iranians in Canada who face inadmissibility rulings despite having no ideological ties to the IRGC. With no humanitarian considerations, lengthy ministerial relief processes, an

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Hiebert is an Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of British Columbia.

We discuss his recent paper for the CD Howe Institute titled "Balancing Canada’s Population Growth and Ageing Through Immigration Policy."

Those who support high immigration levels often say that Canada's ageing demographics makes immigration a necessity. This conversation is a deep dive into this issue.

One thing is apparent. There are no easy solutions.

It is going to take massive increases and changes to immigration levels and policy that likely are not sustainable or politically feasible.

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