WR Immigration’s Post

After spending the last 6 months talking with clients and other immigration/GM leaders about cost containment in their programs, here are three lessons I've learned: 1. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹. Clear communication with finance is crucial to safeguard key components of your program, justify budget allocations, and support the addition of team members or technologies that will benefit your program.       2. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱) 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. I did this exercise recently with a client where they had been filing L and TN extensions via USCIS (given COVID era travel restrictions) and we redeployed their Blanket program for extensions at U.S. consulates to avoid the increased USCIS filing fees. And there are more opportunities like that. While you can't control some cost increases like USCIS fees for H-1B Petitions, you can adjust program strategies to offset some of those costs.  If you haven't already, ask your vendor to audit your program for savings.     3. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿-𝘁𝗼-𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: There are more GM benchmarking resources available than ever before. Exploring these can provide valuable insights to help you make informed cost-containment decisions for your program. That said, be aware that many public benchmarking reports 𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺. It's crucial to ensure any benchmarking data you use to make strategic decisions for your program comes from a source that aggregates survey data from 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 immigration and GM professionals. At WR, we facilitate an empirical benchmarking program that is driven by a community of immigration and GM leaders, meaning there is true transparency within the data you benchmark against.  DM me if you're interested in learning more!

How to double your business overnight - especially in immigration? Double your prices. This mostly applies to newer professionals who are just getting started, but I talk to immigration lawyers and consultants all day. And the most common "mistake" most newer practitioners make, or a missed opportunity, I see is when they vastly undercharge, usually because either: 1) they're still new, which is understandable if you're trying to get your first few files/approvals under your belt, and/or 2) "ghost consultants charge $200 so I can't charge much more than that" Side note: a "ghost consultant" is someone who sells immigration services even though they're not licensed to do so. While I could probably write a book on why #2 is a bad way to determine pricing for your own firm, here are 2 things to consider: 1) do you really want to position yourself, your pricing and your firm anywhere near those ghost consultants? 2) sure, if you charge more, you may get fewer clients. But fewer clients can actually be a good thing. Would you rather: - 10 clients paying you $500/file, or - 2 clients paying you $2,500/file Same amount of revenue, 1/5 the amount of work/resources/time required (even less if you have good systems/tech in place). I know which one I'd prefer, especially if I'm trying to scale my firm... What do you think about pricing? This can vary wildly from industry to industry, but in Canadian immigration it certainly makes for an interesting conversation

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 In the complex world of immigration, having a trusted partner is essential. Our latest blog reveals why hiring a licensed immigration adviser is a smart move for your business: ✅ **𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲:** Get accurate advice tailored to your needs, keeping you up-to-date with evolving immigration laws. ✅ **𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:** Strategize your applications for better outcomes, backed by expert insights into the process. ✅ **𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁:** Save time for your HR team by outsourcing immigration tasks, increasing overall efficiency. ✅ **𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:** Address unique circumstances with personalized plans, presenting your applications optimally. ✅ **𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:** Navigate compliance challenges confidently, safeguarding your business from potential issues. ✅ **𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:** Let professionals handle immigration complexities while you focus on core business activities. ✅ **𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀:** Build relationships with advisers who understand your goals, streamlining future endeavours. Explore how our blog can reshape your approach to immigration: https://lnkd.in/gtc5SdGS Contact us to find out how we can assist your immigration journey. #ImmigrationAdviser #BusinessImmigration #Efficiency #RiskManagement #Partnerships

Had a good chat today about where immigration services are heading. As AI emerges and improves, it's not hard to see where the industry is going. Here's what we discussed and why it's important for firms: This individual is looking to shift away from DFY services ("done for you", ie. we do everything and submit your application for you) and toward DIY services ("do it yourself", ie. we give you the instructions, you prep your application, we review it, you apply). Why? 1) because a lot of applicants are far more sophisticated these days and can do a lot of the heavy lifting themselves 2) because there's automation and AI that can help them get 90%+ of the application done on their own 3) because some applicants are really just looking for a quality document review and feedback from a professional 4) because if they're sophisticated enough to fall under #1, they'd rather pay less for a review service than $3,000+ for a full service that they won't have much control over 5) because immigration professionals are sick and tired of navigating the IRCC and ESDC portals (which I don't blame them for one bit...) Luckily, Visto.ai fully supports DIY applications and we have firms doing it already. What I'm seeing is implementing DIY usually leads to: - happier clients that get the help they need for a fair price - firms spend less time on admin work and only do what they really should be doing; providing quality immigration advice - clients get to control their application and immigration journey - applications move faster because each side knows what they have to contribute And firms are more profitable. They may not charge as much per file, but they're making far more dollars per hour of work on a DIY file than a DFY file. Have you thought about or tried any DIY services? How did it go? And if you're ready to implement it in your practice, let me know - I'm happy to share how others are doing it successfully and also get you the tech you may need to implement it hyper-efficiently 👇

If you are an RCIC or an immigration lawyer and find yourself unfamiliar with the process of crafting a business plan, please resist the temptation to purchase one from websites offering such services! As a highly experienced RCIC specializing in IMP applications, I strongly advise against this approach. Opting for online business plan writers poses a significant risk of application refusal, as these services often rely on templates that may not align with the unique requirements of the IRPR such as s. 205(a) and IRCC guidelines. Instead, consider reaching out to me for assistance. I can guide you through the process of creating a customized business plan tailored to meet the specific criteria immigration officers keep looking for in an ICT, C11 or C10 application. Avoid the pitfalls associated with generic templates and let me empower you to independently develop a robust IMP business plan that aligns with immigration officers' expectations. Contact me, and we will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate this crucial aspect of IMPs successfully: [email protected] In the realm of Intra Company Transferee (ICT) applications (Exemption Codes C61, C62 and C63), a well-crafted business plan serves as a crucial document that not only facilitates a smooth transition for employees but also plays a pivotal role in demonstrating the viability and strategic intent behind the transfer. Essentially, a business plan serves as a roadmap outlining the goals, objectives, and operational strategies that underpin the intra-company transfer. This document helps immigration authorities and decision-makers understand the necessity and purpose of the transfer, providing them with a comprehensive overview of how the employee's role contributes to the overall success of the organization. A robust business plan showcases the company's commitment to growth, innovation, and international business development, which can significantly enhance the chances of a successful ICT application. Moreover, a well-structured business plan adds a layer of transparency and credibility to the application process. It not only outlines the financial aspects and market analysis but also addresses potential challenges and risks, demonstrating the company's preparedness and foresight. In essence, a meticulously crafted business plan serves as a persuasive tool, reinforcing the legitimacy of the ICT application and showcasing the positive impact it will have on the employee, the parent company and the subsidiary organization as a whole.

What are CAIP and GCMS? Global Case Management System (GCMS) is an internal system used by IRCC to manage visa applications and related processes. Canada Account Immigration Processing (CAIP) is an online portal that allows authorized representatives, like immigration consultants, or lawyers, to submit and manage visa applications on behalf of their clients. GCMS is a single integrated software and has significantly changed the traditional CAIP system. But how do these systems affect the overall visa applications? Let’s understand. 1. CAIP 📌Application Submission: CAIP allows authorized representatives, such as immigration consultants or lawyers, to electronically submit visa applications on behalf of their clients. This streamlines the application process, reduces paperwork, and minimizes errors. 📌Document Management: Representatives can organize all necessary documents required for the visa application. This includes uploading, and updating. 📌Communication: Serves as a communication platform between authorized representatives and immigration authorities. Representatives can interact with immigration officers, inquire about application statuses, and receive updates. 2. GCMS 📌Application: It provides immigration officers with a comprehensive view of each applicant's file, including all submitted documents, forms, and correspondence. 📌Ease of making decisions: Immigration officers use GCMS to assess visa applications based on various criteria, including eligibility, admissibility, and compliance with immigration laws. 📌Transparency: Applicants can request access to their GCMS notes, which contain detailed information about the status and assessment of their application. This transparency builds accountability within the visa processing system and allows applicants to understand the reasoning behind decisions. Understanding the roles of CAIP and GCMS and utilizing them effectively can enhance the overall visa application strategy.

I've compiled a comprehensive summary of the intricate decision-making process involved in business immigration applications to Canada. Drawing on our insider knowledge, we aim to equip you with information that may be the determining factor between an approved application or rejection. The Canadian immigration officers responsible for business immigration applications employ a scoring mechanism, similar to other immigration streams. However, unlike highly automated systems, the human element plays a significant role in business immigration. While approximately 50% of the application score is automated, the remaining half is subject to the immigration officer's discretion. This discretion extends to crucial aspects such as rating your business concept, with ratings ranging from "excellent" to "unsatisfactory." Appeals for routine decisions are considered futile, leading to our recommendation to file improved applications addressing previous concerns. The paramount consideration in business immigration to Canada is the business you declare. It can either turn your Canadian dream into reality or sink your application. Carefully selecting a business is vital due to the complexity of the process, where every detail matters. Addressing key points: 1. Regulated and non-regulated professions: Avoid businesses dependent on regulated professions as licensing delays may jeopardize your application. Opt for businesses in non-regulated professions for a smoother immigration process. 2. Ineligible businesses: Many popular business concepts are ineligible for immigration, depending on the province. Examples include payday loan businesses, pawnbrokers, and real estate development activities. Choose a business wisely to align with immigration goals. 3. Relocatability: Prefer relocatable businesses, allowing flexibility to adapt to local requirements. The same business may receive different assessments in various cities or provinces. 4. New vs. existing business: Consider starting a new business for flexibility in evaluation. Existing businesses may face scrutiny for unfavourable features or hidden issues. 5. General criteria: Businesses should be reasonably unique, have a clear growth strategy, and align with cultural and economic interests. Ideally, they should generate employment in various sectors. 6. Successful examples: A franchise/partnership, like the Educational Recruiting Agency, exemplifies a business meeting all outlined criteria. It supports numerous jobs in the educational sector, is easily relocatable, profitable, and aligns with Canada's priority to attract international students. For a successful business immigration journey to Canada, carefully assess and select a business that meets specific requirements. Your chosen business can profoundly impact the outcome of your immigration application, so think twice before making a decision. Best of luck on your journey to Canada! #entrepreneurs #investors #businessimmigration #selfemployed