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
CILA is committed to delivering exceptional value through its member resources. We offer numerous Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions each year, catering to lawyers at all experience levels. Our CLEs include hands-on workshops for skill development in new practice areas and advanced sessions to keep members informed about complex topics. Moreover, CILA shares valuable documents related to immigration practice with members through the CILA Library. We continually expand our resource offerings to benefit our members.
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
Canada Is Looking Abroad While Its Best Talent Is Already Here
Authored by Andy J. Semotiuk, Canadian Immigration Lawyer.
CILA proposes Super Visa reforms to Canada’s Immigration Minister
CILA recently submitted a letter to the federal immigration minister regarding the Super Visa.
Before Canada Was Canada: What Bill C-3 Means for Pre-Confederation Ancestors
By Suzanne Carol Schuelke and Stuart G. Friedman, Border.Law, PLLC
