The Pace Immigration Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pace Immigration
Join our global immigration experts as they discuss how to immigrate to Canada, the United States, and nations worldwide. We also cover current travel and immigration news that affects your life.
Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke breaks down the rules for bringing a dog to the USA.
00:49 As of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must:
- appear healthy upon arrival
- be at least six months of age
- be microchipped (ISO-compatible)
- be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt
02:00 Why Now?
The rabies virus variant carried by dogs (dog rabies) was eliminated in the United States in 2007 and CDC wants to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies into the United States.
02:23 Who does it apply to?
- includes puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning
- applies whether you are a US citizen, legal US resident, or foreign national
- if you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States
- if denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense
03:49 Geography Matters
- if you are from a country that has a high risk of dog rabies, you will need different documentation to get your dog into the country and may need to quarantine your dog
- if you are from a low risk country, you still need documentation, but the rules are less strict
04:30 How do I know what I need?
- use DogBot
- answer the applicable questions
- bring the proper documents to the border with you
- make sure you are entering at the airport, sea port or border crossing that is indicated on the CDC Dog Import receipt
08:42 Contact Michael O'Rourke
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
Michael O'Rourke talks about how to avoid having your green card taken away at the US border.
00:00 Green Card vs. Conditional Green Card. What's the difference?
01:49 Never give up your Green Card or sign anything if a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer wants to take your green card away. No matter how friendly or helpful they seem to be, don't do it without consulting a lawyer first.
04:33 Only a judge can take your green card away unless you willingly give it to CBP, even if you claim that you didn't know what you were doing when you gave it up.
5:05 If you separate or divorce when you have a conditional green card, it doesn't automatically mean that you lose your permanent resident status no matter what a CBP officer says at the border.
08:02 What should you say at the border?
09:34 Contact Michael with any questions at morourke@pacelawfirm.com.
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
How can you sponsor your foreign spouse to get a green card and US citizenship? Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke gives an overview of the spousal sponsorship rules and how long the process takes.
Canada has announced a new immigration stream for health care workers which can lead to permanent residency in Canada. Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke provides the highlights:
- part of the Express Entry program
- by July 5, 2023, 2,000 health-care workers will have received invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada
- more invitations in the coming months
- includes foreign doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, optometrists and more
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
The government of Canada has announced new measures to attract high tech workers. Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk provides the highlights.
1. Streamline Canadian Work Permits For H-1B Visa Holders
Starting from July 16, 2023, U.S.-based H-1B workers and their immediate family members will be able to apply for open Canadian work permits of up to three years, enabling them to explore employment opportunities with almost any Canadian employer.
2. Innovation Stream Under The International Mobility Program
- Canada plans to launch the Innovation Stream by the end of 2023
- will exempt highly skilled workers from the labor market impact assessment (LMIA) process (similar to PERM labor certifications in the US)
- streamlines the hiring process for high-growth employers
3. Promote Canada As A Destination For Digital Nomads
- digital nomads currently need only visitor status to relocate to Canada for up to six months while they perform their job remotely for a foreign company
- additional policies to attract digital nomads to Canada are being considered, including paths to temporary and permanent residency
4. Strengthen Existing Programs For High-Skilled Tech Workers
Global Talent Stream: two-week standard for processing labour market impact assessments for employers, two-week standard for work permit applications
Start-Up Visa: allow applicants to apply for an open work permit of up to three years, rather than a one-year work permit that limits them to work solely for their own start-up.
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke explains how Australians between the ages of 18 and 35 can work and travel in Canada through the International Experience Canada program.
3 different kinds of work and travel experiences are available:
- Working holiday
- Young professionals
- Int’l Co-Op (Intern)
Working Holiday:
- earning some money so you can travel
- don’t have a job offer
- want to work for more than one employer in Canada
- want to work in more than one location
Requirements:
- be an Australian citizen
- be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive)
- have a valid Australian passport for the duration of your stay in Canada
- your work permit in Canada can’t be valid longer than your passport
- have a minimum of C$2,500 to help cover your expenses in Canada
- have health insurance for the duration of your stay
- not be inadmissible to Canada
- not be accompanied by dependants
- pay the fees
Fine Print:
- valid for up to 24 months
- you may participate in the Working Holiday category only once
may be possible to participate in IEC one more time through the International Co-op (Internship) category
- if you participated in IEC one or more times before 2015, you might be eligible for a final participation of up to 24 months in the category of your choice
Young Professionals Category
- must have a signed letter of offer or a signed contract of employment (up to 24 months) before applying
- employment offer must be in your field of expertise (through schooling or work experience) and contribute to your professional development
- no self-employment
International Co-Op Category:
- enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Australia
- must be registered students for the duration of the internship
- work placement or internship in Canada to fulfil part of their academic curriculum (up to 12 months)
- have a signed letter of offer, or a signed contract for a work placement, or an internship in Canada that meets the requirements of your academic curriculum in Australia
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
As of December 2, 2023, qualified engineers will no longer require Canadian work experience to practice their profession in Ontario, Canada. Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke explains the new legislation in Ontario and what it means for engineers and other professionals.
https://pacelawfirm.com/immigration/
Indigenous people in Canada can work in the United States through the Jay Treaty, but do they need a social security number? Immigration Michael O'Rourke explains the benefits of getting one, what the process is like, and how long it takes.
0:00 Introduction
0:31 What is the Jay Treaty?
02:32 Should I get a social security number?
03:38 Who is eligible?
04:40 How long does it take?
06:11 Contact Michael O'Rourke
https://pacelawfirm.com/people/michael-orourke/
If you have a drug conviction on your record, can you get into the United States as a tourist or immigrant? What happens if you are caught with drugs or drug paraphernalia at the US border? Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke has the answers in this episode.
H-1B visa holders, especially those in the tech sector, have been hit with mass layoffs. What alternatives are there to the H-1B so that workers can stay in the country? Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke provides answers. For more information on the L-1 visa: https://youtu.be/TZ87_AmzLKI
Pace Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk talks about the delays in visa processing and how long it can take a to get a US visa, passport, or green card. Contact Andy with any questions.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Visitor Visas
02:40 Spousal Sponsorship
04:25 Passports
05:50 Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
07:51 Visa allocation per country
10:16 E-2 Visa
11:28 EB-5 Visa
13:51 Contact Andy Semotiuk
Travel expert Judith Coates from Wired For Travel joins us with another travel update. Topics covered include ArriveCAN, random testing at the border, and how to avoid some long lines at the airport. Reach Judith at www.wiredfortravel.com.
Travel expert Judith Coates from Wired For Travel joins us to discuss the latest Canadian travel rules, including: Long lines at the airport, random testing for travellers entering Canada, and the ongoing use of the ArriveCAN app. Find Judith at www.wiredfortravel.com.
Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke talks about the huge backlog of applications and processing delays in Canadian immigration.
Pace Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke talks about what he learned at the American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference in NYC, the looming problem of E-2 and E-1 Visa processing, an EB-5 update, and where to find the best Eggplant + Chicken Parmesan in Manhattan. https://paceimmigration.com/
An Australian man was recently deported from the US for not having the proper airplane ticket to exit the USA. What happened? Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke explains the Visa Waiver Program and a rarely discussed rule that could get you into trouble.
What is the process for sponsoring children to the United States? US and Canadian immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke describes what happens when a family member wishes to sponsor a child to the US, but the parents cannot travel with the child.
The US has made announcements regarding Temporary Protected Status for citizens of Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Cameroon. US immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke discusses who can qualify for Temporary Protected Status in the US, and how they can apply for it. For an in-depth look at TPS status, watch Michael's video here.
Can you get into the US if you have a criminal record? Can you get a waiver to enter the country after a criminal conviction? What happens if you're stopped at the border in possession of marijuana or other drugs? In this episode, US immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke breaks down the rules behind criminal inadmissibility and what you can do to possibly secure a waiver. https://paceimmigration.com/
Pace Immigration lawyer Polina Elizarova explains the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program. Canada introduced this program to support the people of Ukraine. It offers Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home. You can find the Russian language version of this episode on our podcast, too.
Иммиграционный адвокат Полина Елизарова о новой программе въезда для граждан Украины – Канадаско-Украинское разрешение на чрезвычайную поездку (CUAET). Программа позволяет получить визу в Канаду и разрешение на работу и учебу гражданам Украины и членам их семей сроком до трех лет.
Travel expert Judith Coates returns to give us an update on the latest Canadian travel rules. Do you need a COVID test to enter Canada? What about for unvaccinated travellers? Judith has the answers. Contact her at The Travel Agent Next Door. jcoates@thetravelagentnextdoor.com.
Here is the news release from the government website which Judith mentions.
Kanadai ügyvédi iroda ukrán nyelven nyújt segítséget az ukrajnai háború elől menekülők részére - kanadai és amerikai beutazás, bevándorlás, menekültügyi kérelem, munkavállalási engedély ügyintézése. | In this episode, Pace Law Firm Vice President Stefánia Szabó gives an update in Hungarian on how Ukrainians fleeing armed conflict can receive assistance from Pace's Ukrainian-speaking lawyers and consultants.
Pace Immigration lawyer Polina Elizarova provides an update on the best ways for Ukrainians to get a Canadian visa. Topics include work visas and family reunification. Stay tuned for future updates.
Here is in the information in Ukrainian.
Here is the list of Visa Application Centres that we discuss.
Contact Polina at pelizarova@paceimmigration.com.
This channel and its content do not constitute direct legal advice. Always check with a legal professional about your specific situation before making decisions.
The US has announced Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians in the US. Listen to Michael O'Rourke's latest podcast episode for details. Important note: Individuals who attempt to travel to the US after March 1, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS.
Travel expert Judith Coates from The Travel Agent Next Door is back to discuss the current travel rules in Canada. We discuss testing, vaccine, and quarantine requirements for anyone visiting Canada. https://paceimmigration.com/
Immigration lawyer Anna Aazam discusses the definition of a refugee vs. the definition of a displaced person, and how to apply for refugee status. She also covers what people can do if they don't fit the definition of a refugee but wish to come to or stay in Canada. https://paceimmigration.com/assist-ukraine
The US embassy in Warsaw and consulate in Krakow are expediting B-1/B-2 visas for Ukrainian spouses and children of US citizens and Permanent Residents. Michael O'Rourke discusses this and other changing visas rules for people from Ukraine. https://paceimmigration.com/
Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk discusses the Ukraine conflict and the refugee crisis that can arise from it. Also discussed: can Ukrainians currently in Canada and the US extend their stay past their visas?
What is the Jay Treaty and how can indigenous people from Canada use it to live and work in the US? Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke gives a history of the treaty and its current uses in this podcast. https://paceimmigration.com/
New travel rules have been announced for Canada. As of Feb 28, testing requirements will change, as will quarantine and isolation rules for some travellers. Judith Coates breaks down the changes in this podcast episode. Judith Coates is a travel expert with The Travel Agent Next Door. Reach us at Pace Immigration.
Travel expert Judith Coates provides an update on the travel rules for entering the UK. They have dropped their Covid test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers. Judith also provides an update on what the travel industry is looking for from the Canadian government. Here is the press conference that she mentions. Judith Coates is an Air Canada Expert and National Geographic Journeys Specialist with The Travel Agent Next Door. Her views are her own. Visit Pace Immigration for more immigration information.
Is getting a job offer the best way to immigrate to Canada? Vince Lalonde talks about the Express Entry program, student visas, work visas, and Labour Market Impact Assessments in this presentation. How can you go from temporary residence to permanent residence in Canada? Answers here.
Comment déménager en Floride – Les moyens les plus communs pour Canadiens/Canadiennes. Avec Michael O'Rourke - Avocat en droit de l’immigration aux États-Unis.
Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke talks about the travel rules for unvaccinated Canadians and foreigners who wish to travel to and from Canada. What happens when these rules run up against a Canadian's Charter mobility rights?
The E-2 visa is a great way for immigrant investors to run their own business in the United States. But as immigration expert Andy Semotiuk points out, backlogs in the interview process are causing a lot of headaches. Andy outlines a couple of actions that the government can take right now to get things moving again. You can watch a video of this podcast, with slides, on our YouTube channel. Find more on our website.
Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk gives a background of the Ukraine crisis and discusses the coming wave of refugees if the situation is not resolved peacefully. Find out more on this subject in Andy's Forbes column. Photo: Kyiv, Ukraine | Unsplash
The government of Canada has a travel rules checklist on their website for entering Canada. Travel expert Judith Coates from The Travel Agent Next Door goes through the six rules and tells you how to be prepared before you get to the airport. We discuss the ArriveCAN app, quarantine plans, testing results, and more. You can watch a video of this podcast on our YouTube channel.
How can you immigrate to Florida? Immigration lawyers Andy Semotiuk and Michael O'Rourke talk about the many visa options available to people who want to live and / or work in the United States in general and Florida in particular. They explain the TN Visa, E-1, Visa, E-2 Visa, H-1B Visa, O-1 Visa, and more. To watch a video of this podcast with slides, go to our YouTube channel. https://paceimmigration.com/
US immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk gives his top 5 predictions for what will happen in US immigration law in 2022. 1. More H-1B visas. 2. Increase in the use of premium processing. 3. A rise in visa and petition application fees. 4. Speeding up of visa processing times. 5. Relief for regional center EB-5 investor immigrants. Visit our website for more.
There are many reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada, including a criminal conviction, health risks, misrepresenting yourself by lying at the border, and more. Immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke defines the top 9 reasons you might be not be allowed to enter Canada. Contact him if you need assistance with an inadmissibility issue. You can watch a video of this podcast on our YouTube channel.
You can watch a video of this podcast with slides on our YouTube channel. In this episode, immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke talks about the process of renunciation of US citizenship. Whether for financial, personal, or political reasons, some Americans give up their citizenship each year. It is a serious decision and involves a complicated process. Note that no one can become "stateless." They must have another passport to fall back on before they can give up their US citizenship. Renunciation is also irreversible.
Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk talks about the latest travel rules and restrictions for the US and Canada, including COVID tests, vaccine passports, travel bans, and the ArriveCAN app. Connect with Andy.
Tehmina A. Chaudhry is a successful entrepreneur from Pakistan who used Canada's Start-Up Visa to grow her business. We talked to her about how business people can use the Start-Up Visa to achieve permanent residency in Canada while expanding their business and finding success. https://paceimmigration.com/
The Canadian Start-Up Visa is for innovative foreign entrepreneurs who want to live and work in Canada while running their own business. It provides a path to permanent residency, as well as a way to connect with venture capitalists and angel investors who can invest in your business. Pace Director of Immigration Vince Lalonde talks about the highlights of the Start-Up Visa immigration program in this video. You can watch a video with slides of this podcast on our YouTube channel. Contact Vince to discuss.
What is the O-1 work visa and how can you use it to live and work in the United States? Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk talks about how artists, writers, actors, musicians, and others can use this visa, provided they have achieved a great deal of recognition in their field. You can also check out our video of this podcast on YouTube and contact Andy with questions.
Are you an entrepreneur who wants to move to Canada? The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a great way to do just that. You can purchase an existing business or open your own, get a work permit, and achieve permanent residency in Canada for you and your family. Pace Immigration director Vince Lalonde explains how in this podcast. Visit our YouTube channel to watch a video about this program.
US and Canadian immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk talks about the 7 ways that you can get a green card to live and work in the United States.
Andy Semotiuk is a lawyer with Pace Immigration in Toronto, Canada. He is licensed in New York, California, Ontario, and British Columbia. He is a Forbes contributor and public speaker. Contact Andy Semotiuk.