CILA: Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association

09/29/2026

CILA Conference 2026 is just 1 week away!

In just one of many panels at this year’s conference, we’ll be discussing how the passage of Bill C-12 is reshaping the removals landscape for ineligible refugee claimants.

This panel will explore what counsel need to know about PRRAs, deferral requests, removals, and stay motions, and how to respond effectively to the Respondent’s position and to questions from the Bench.

Practical insights will focus on protecting clients to prepare for each stage of the process.

You can find the agenda, and more information about the conference here: https://buff.ly/YHoiNTr

The 2026 CILA Legal Conference marks an exciting milestone as ours second annual gathering, building on the success of our inaugural event in 2025. This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.

09/23/2026

CILA Conference is only 2 weeks away!

We'd love to thank all of our amazing sponsors who help make this event possible.

Featuring dedicated Advocacy and Economic streams, CILA Conference 2026 will cover everything from Federal Court strategy, PRRAs, removals, and inadmissibility to LMIA trends, work permits, border issues, and future PR pathways.

Gain practical, up-to-date insights from experienced practitioners, government voices, and industry leaders while exploring the ethical and professional challenges facing immigration representatives today.

With timely trend panels, expert-led deep dives, networking opportunities, and special keynote speakers, this conference is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to navigate a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Register here: https://buff.ly/nfSibZW

09/21/2026

LMIA Lab: What’s Changed? Current Refusal Trends - How to “Bulletproof” the File

This session at CILA Conference 2026 examines how ESDC has been assessing LMIAs in 2026.

Panellists will examine current refusal trends. Drawing on policy, training, and practitioners' experience, the panel will identify how officers evaluate applications in practice and where files are most vulnerable.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for structuring LMIA applications that are better positioned for approval, withstand post-approval inspection, and support a strong foundation for judicial review where refusals arise.

Learn more about this panel and the rest of the schedule for CILA Conference 2026 here:
https://buff.ly/9SRojGZ

The 2026 CILA Legal Conference marks an exciting milestone as ours second annual gathering, building on the success of our inaugural event in 2025. This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.

09/17/2026

CILA Conference 2026 is just under 2 weeks away!

We’ll be delving into some of the most timely and significant topics in immigration law today, like building a strong Federal Court record.

This panel will provide practical strategies for building a strong evidentiary record in immigration files to prepare for possible future litigation, including preparing student visas and visitor visas.

It will cover when and how to use expert evidence, best practices for seeking settlement and reconsideration, and key considerations for bringing a mandamus application.

Attendees will leave with concrete tools to strengthen their advocacy before the Federal Court.

Sign up for CILA Conference 2026 today to attend this panel and so many more!

🎉 Back by popular demand is the CILA Conference 2026! Join over 200 immigration lawyers from across Canada as well as industry leaders as we explore the…

09/16/2026

2 weeks until CILA conference 2026!

Join us Monday October 5th at the beautiful 100 Queens Quay E 3rd Floor location in Toronto for engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.

Attendees can look forward to expanded programming and countless opportunities to network with fellow legal professionals, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts.

It’s set to be an inspiring and energizing event that continues CILA’s mission of fostering connection, learning, and professional growth.

View the agenda and register here: https://buff.ly/PaRFKk5

The 2026 CILA Legal Conference marks an exciting milestone as ours second annual gathering, building on the success of our inaugural event in 2025. This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.

09/15/2026

Navigating Canada–U.S. Ports of Entry: What Immigration Practitioners Need to Know

As enforcement priorities, preclearance practices, and port-of-entry procedures continue to evolve, navigating the Canada–U.S. border is becoming increasingly complex.

This panel will explore the latest trends in entry assessments, interview practices, admissibility decisions, processing constraints, and changes to flagpoling—and what they mean for work permit issuance and client travel strategies.

Hear from experienced practitioners on the challenges travellers are encountering at air, land, and water ports of entry, and gain practical insights to help you better prepare and counsel clients in an increasingly enforcement-focused environment.

Get your tickets to CILA Conference 2026 today: https://buff.ly/PaRFKk5

09/14/2026

CILA is hiring!

We're looking for a Chief of Staff (CS) whose responsibilities include:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, CS will carry out the day-to-day operations of CILA and is accountable for translating the Board's strategic direction into measurable results

The CS leads a small administrative team, manages the organization's budget, drives major initiatives such as the Annual General Meeting and the CILA Annual Conference, and serves as a key external voice for CILA with governments, regulators, members, partners, and the public.

If you're interested or know someone who is, you can apply here:
https://buff.ly/fxFl8xw

09/14/2026

Check out all of the exciting panels happening at CILA Conference 2026!

From discussions around policies at the border, how to build a strong Federal Court record, ethics in litigation and so much more, we're excited to bring you panels with industry experts who will guide you through these complex topics.

Check out the updated agenda: https://buff.ly/oDHBE7X

And register today: https://buff.ly/lDn3ku4

09/11/2026

CILA Conference 2026 is quickly approaching and we can't wait to share the incredible panels, speakers and networking opportunities we’ll have on October 5th.

Get a preview of what’s in store this year with the New Canadian’s coverage of last year’s conference below!

And grab your tickets here: https://buff.ly/lDn3ku4

https://buff.ly/lJqXiz3

Sign up for our newsletter: https://newcanadians.tv/newsletterThe...

09/10/2026

Get a discount to this year’s CILA Conference if you’re a student!

This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.

Attendees can look forward to expanded programming and countless opportunities to network with fellow legal professionals, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts. It’s set to be an inspiring and energizing event that continues CILA’s mission of fostering connection, learning, and professional growth.

Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/PaRFKk5

The 2026 CILA Legal Conference marks an exciting milestone as ours second annual gathering, building on the success of our inaugural event in 2025. This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape.