I knew my case was unusual and complicated. My status had expired and my home country in South America was not a safe place any longer. I had not lived there for over 20 years and I had little reason and desire to go back given the crime and political instability. I had contacted a few lawyers in the Toronto area about my situation and all of them told me the only route for me to stay here was on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds – and that application takes years and is very difficult to prove. Their estimates told me that I had a 50% chance of succeeding with my application and the fees quoted were very expensive. My neighbor was the mother of a local lawyer, who works in other areas of law. She asked her daughter if there was someone she would recommend I speak to about immigration. The daughter recommended Jennifer and so I gave her office a call.
I wasn’t really expecting much from my first consultation with Jennifer. I expected that she would give me the same advice that all the others had. Everyone else that I’d spoken to focused on the broad strokes of my situation. Jennifer delved into the specifics. I was skeptical when she presented me a strategy that used the economic immigration pathway, through the express entry system. I told her that everyone else had told me that wasn’t an option for me. She looked at me and said ‘I don’t care what everyone has told you; I can see a path to making this happen and I have done similar things before”. Her passion, experience and confidence led me to trust her and see what happens. She gave me 80% odds initially of estimated success. Today, I’m so glad I made that leap with her. She calls me her ‘miracle file’ and I’ll take that.
There were a few hiccups during my time with the office; some miscommunications and different expectations on both sides. However, I appreciate that they worked with me to resolve those issues with a face-to-face meeting which sorted things out. Everyone I dealt with at the office was competent, knowledgeable and friendly. I was a bit concerned when Jennifer transferred the day-to-day aspects of my file to one of her senior staff, but after dealing with her, I’m happy to sing her praises. I have a deep appreciation for all the hard work she put in on my behalf. My questions were answered quickly and clearly. There were a few times when I needed further clarification on an answer, but it was always given promptly and I was eventually clear on the communication.
I am happy to recommend Jennifer and her team to anyone who needs it. No matter your situation, they will get you the right help for you. They will give you an honest and upfront assessment about your situation and your options. They helped me through an impossible case so I’m fairly certain they can help you.
Looking back on my time with Jennifer and team, I remember when they had all the documents ready to be uploaded and every box was ticked off and we were good to go. It was so reassuring to know that after looking over everything I’d given them, we were finally ready to get the process started.
Now, less than a year later, I have my permanent residency here and I see it as the key to freedom for the rest of my life. My home country is not sustainable at the moment. If I had to return there, I’d be starving, dead, or a criminal. I can now help my family come and stay in Canada. I met someone during my time here in Canada and now I can look forward to planning our wedding and getting started on our future together.
Thank you Jennifer and team for getting me this first step towards freedom.
Leo