GGFI Law LLP

04/30/2024

CUAET Measures Extended to July 31, 2024

Persons who applied under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and received a positive decision on or after February 4, 2024 will have until July 31, 2024 to arrive in Canada and apply for inland study permits and open work permits. Persons who qualify will not have to pay the permit application and processing fees.

A complete summary of the ongoing CUAET measures can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/cuaet-processing-delays-extension.html

New Designated ECA for Architects

As of May 20, 2024, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board will be authorized to issue Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for applicants under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 21200 – Architects.

Permanent Residence Fees Increasing

On April 30, 2024, IRCC will be increasing the permanent residence application fees. A chart setting out the fee increases can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/increase-permanent-residence-fees-april-2024.html

Permanent residence fees increasing on April 30, 2024

04/16/2024

GGFI Law is excited to announce the launch of its full-service immigration and refugee law department. We work collaboratively with our clients to develop the best short and long-term strategies to meet their immigration and labour needs. Our clients include individuals, families, small businesses, and large corporations.

As a business owner, we can assist you in hiring temporary foreign workers to fill a labour shortage, transfer employees temporarily to a Canadian branch of your company or obtain the proper authorizations to start a new business venture.

If you are looking to gain Canadian work experience, we can help you find the work permit program that best suits your needs. If obtaining permanent residence is your end goal, let us guide you through your journey and help you find the best strategy for establishing your roots in Canada.

We are also happy to assist in facilitating family reunification, whether you are looking to sponsor your spouse or child or looking to reunite with your parents or grandparents.

GGFI has extensive experience representing refugee claimants from start to finish. If you have reasons to fear persecution in your country of origin, speak to one of our lawyers now. We strive to create a safe and accommodating space for persons with disabilities, victims of family violence, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Whatever your immigration and refugee needs may be, GGFI is here to help. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• LMIAs, Intra-company Transferees, Self-Employed Work Permits
• Visitor visas, work permits, temporary resident permits
• Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
• Spousal Sponsorships
• Parent and Grandparent Super Visas
• Permanent Residence Applications
• Citizenship Applications
• Refugee Claims and Appeals
• Pre-Removal Risk Assessments
• Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications
• Deferrals and Stays of Removal
• Danger Opinions and Detention Reviews
• CBSA Flag Removal Requests
• Inadmissibility
• Authorizations to Return to Canada

03/18/2024

GGFI Law has been recognized as a Top Commercial Law Partner for 2023 by FCT.

04/21/2023

GGFI Law LLP is excited to welcome to the firm lawyer, Nolan Kiddie. Nolan brings three years experience as a practising lawyer in Waterloo Region. He joins the civil litigation team eager to assist clients in a wide variety of matters ranging from employment law to contract disputes.

03/27/2023

GGFI Law is looking for an Estates Law Clerk. The primary purpose of the Estates Law Clerk is to provide support and document preparation for the Estates Department and its lawyers. GGFI prides itself on providing a friendly and collegial environment and a competitive compensation package.

Duties:
The duties include, but are not limited to:
• Preparation of Applications of Certificates of Appointment With or Without a Will
• Completing Estate Information Returns
• Preparing or reviewing estate/trust/guardian/attorney accounts
• Liquidating share assets
• Completing all reporting letters and any necessary correspondence
• Some preparation of wills and Powers of Attorney
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills
• Excellent time management, organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team within tight timelines
• Ability to multi-task and take initiative
• Excellent client service and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Great attention to detail and ability to catch mistakes when proof reading
• Strong interpersonal skills

Please submit your resume and cover letter to our Human Resources Generalist, Brooklyn Steuernol at [email protected]

GGFI Law is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation for interview or employment purposes.

01/17/2023

During the month of December, GGFI took part in the Wilmot Family Resource Centre Inc. Holiday Hamper Program. GGFI was matched with two families that needed assistance during the holiday season. GGFI staff collected gifts for each member of the family as well as grocery gift cards. The gifts were then delivered to the Wilmot Family Resource Center for distribution. Thank you to everyone who donated. Please check out the Wilmot Family Resource Center website if you would like to learn more about the programs and resources they offer. https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/programs-services/christmas-hampers/

01/10/2023

We would like to announce that as of January 3, 2023, the law firm of Amy, Appleby, and Brennan (AAB) has joined GGFI Law LLP. We would like to give a warm welcome to Bill Appleby, David Amy, Shelley Gillett, Amy Lo Bosco, Anne Dracopoulos, and Sydney Mears. We look forward to working together to provide great service to both GGFI and AAB clients.

10/13/2022

After three weeks of collecting food donations, GGFI is proud to say that a total of 520 items were donated to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. This totalled 456 pounds of food and will provide 356 meals to the community. GGFI also held a silent auction for employees. $264.25 dollars were collected from this event and all proceeds were donated to the Food Bank. The food and fund drive with the Waterloo Region Food Bank is just one of the ways GGFI tries to give back to the community. Thank you to all staff members who donated.

09/29/2022

We would like to announce that as of October 3, 2022, the law firm of Colleen J. Winn will be joining GGFI Law LLP. As Colleen will be retiring as of September 30th, 2022, our lawyers look forward to serving her clients on a go-forward basis at GGFI. We would also like to give a warm welcome to Collen’s former staff member, Anne von Stackelberg, who will be joining the GGFI team as an administrative clerk. We wish Colleen all the best in her retirement and welcome her clients to GGFI Law.

09/21/2022

Each year around Thanksgiving, GGFI Law holds their annual food drive to help give back to the community. This year from September 19 to October 7, 2022, GGFI Law is partnering with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region by collecting items to be donated. To help make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable time for everyone, the goal of GGFI Law is to collect a total of 500 items to donate. If you are wanting to give back this Thanksgiving, think about picking up a few extra items while at the store. Most grocery stores have collection bins available, or you can drop off your donations at the Waterloo Regional Food Bank.