About CILA
History
Governance
CILA was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation on January 1, 2021. Our Founding Members established a Steering Committee to consult with immigration lawyers and stakeholders across Canada and determine the level of support and initial priorities for our organization.
Almost 500 Canadian immigration lawyers joined CILA in 2022-23. Our first election was administered by an independent Elections Committee pursuant to CILA’s Election Policy and our inaugural Board of Directors elected in January 2023. CILA’s officers are appointed by the Board of Directors. Our current Board of Directors is found here.
CILA Members are encouraged to get involved in our committee work and to express interest in serving on our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is inclusive and representative of our Members, from young lawyers to senior members of the Canadian immigration bar.
CILA’s Role
Our mission revolves around four key pillars:
Communications
Advocacy
Community
Resources
Values
Community
We work collaboratively to elevate the practice of immigration law and facilitate the delivery of fair, inclusive, and diverse immigration to Canada.
Independent
CILA maintains a strictly apolitical stance, focusing its comments on policy and law rather than engaging in political matters.
Positive
CILA is an agent of positive action and change within the Canadian immigration bar, for immigrants to Canada, and for Canadian policymakers.
Nimble
CILA possesses the agility to respond swiftly to immigration-related developments, offering well-informed reactions and commentary.
Effective
CILA is results-driven, achieving outcomes through its proactive actions and initiatives.
Become a member now!
Join a growing community of Canadian immigration lawyers, academics and law students.
Our Latest Articles
The quagmire of how to apply for restoration of status?
Authored by Chaobo (Bo) Jiang, Barrister and Solicitor, Zaifman Immigration Lawyers, and Chair, Manitoba Bar Association Immigration Law Section.
From Opportunity to Problem: How Immigration Became Election 2025’s Blindspot
By Siavash Shekarian, CEO of SHEKARIAN LAW PC, Chair of CILA’s Business Immigration Committee, and Public Affairs Liaison of the Citizenship & Immigration Section of
Criminal Inadmissibility in Canada: Legal Framework and Case Law
Authored by Charu Vinayak, Student member of CILA
