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Visitors in Canada

Visitors in Canada seek asylum through a special pathway

“Visitors in Canada: Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has seen a surge in asylum seekers entering the country through an expedited visa pathway. This unique phenomenon reflects the demand generated during the border closure and underscores the complexities of immigration policy during global crises.” As of February 29, 2024, approximately 152,400 visas have been issued under this program, with an additional 7,300 Super Visas specifically catering to parents and grandparents. An internal memo has unveiled that 19,400 visitor asylum claims have been filed under this program, constituting a significant 13% of visa holders. Comparatively, in 2023, 14% of the 137,947 refugee claimants originated from this program. The numbers are anticipated to rise further as many visa holders have yet to arrive in Canada. In response to the unprecedented circumstances, Canada has implemented temporary policy adjustments to facilitate the influx of asylum seekers. Notably, these adjustments waive the typical financial proof and future departure requirements, while still upholding stringent security, criminal, and medical clearances. The influx of asylum seekers through this special pathway presents both opportunities and challenges for Canada. On one hand, it underscores the country’s commitment to humanitarian principles and providing refuge to those in need. On the other hand, it places strains on resources and raises questions about long-term integration and support mechanisms. Canada’s special pathway for asylum seekers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the adaptability of immigration policies in response to evolving global circumstances. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of migration, it reaffirms its commitment to providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and hardship. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Visitors in Canada seek asylum through a special pathway“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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safest Country to Travel in 2024

Canada is the safest Country to Travel in 2024

Canada is rated the safest country to travel in 2024, moving from sixth in 2023. It topped the safety rankings for transportation, absence of violent crime, health measures, and safety for women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC. The ranking is part of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s Safest Destinations report, which relies on surveys, the Global Peace Index, the State Department’s travel safety ratings, and GeoSure Global scores.  The company defined a safe place free from terrorism, disease outbreaks, discrimination, and harassment. They attributed Canada’s top rank to its cold weather and low population density but warned of natural disasters like wildfires and avalanches. Despite this, reviews were largely positive.  Safest Country to Travel in 2024 In an era where safety and security are paramount concerns for travelers worldwide, Canada has emerged as the premier choice for those seeking a secure and welcoming destination. According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s latest Safest Destinations report, Canada has claimed the coveted title of the safest travel destination for 2024, marking a significant ascent from its sixth-place ranking in the previous year. To explore the world’s safest Country in 2024, You need to get a free legal assessment This accolade comes as no surprise to those familiar with Canada’s reputation for excellence in various aspects of safety. The country excelled across multiple criteria, including transportation safety, the absence of violent crime, stringent health measures, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and inclusion of all travelers, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC communities. The methodology behind this ranking involved a comprehensive assessment, drawing upon surveys, the Global Peace Index, the State Department’s travel safety ratings, and GeoSure Global scores. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection defined a safe destination as one that is free from threats such as terrorism, disease outbreaks, discrimination, and harassment. Canada’s rise to the top of the safety rankings can be attributed to several key factors. The nation’s cold weather and low population density were cited as contributing factors to its overall safety profile. Moreover, Canada’s robust infrastructure and proactive measures in ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors have played a pivotal role in earning this accolade. Other nations featured prominently in the Safest Destinations report include Switzerland, ranked second, followed closely by Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands. While these countries offer their unique charms and attractions, Canada’s unparalleled safety standards and inclusive atmosphere set it apart as the premier choice for travelers seeking peace of mind. As the world continues to navigate an ever-changing landscape of travel advisories and safety concerns, Canada stands as a beacon of stability and security. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of Toronto, immersing oneself in the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies, or experiencing the cultural richness of Montreal, travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence, knowing that they are in one of the safest destinations on Earth. Canada’s rise to the top of the Safest Destinations report reaffirms its status as a global leader in ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers. As we look ahead to a future of exploration and discovery, let Canada be your trusted companion on your next adventure, where safety is not just a priority but a way of life. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada is the safest Country to Travel in 2024″ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Temporary Residents

Canada Welcomed 700,000 New Temporary Residents in Just One Year

On September 27, 2023, Statistics Canada reported that the number of temporary residents in Canada has increased by nearly 700,000 year-on-year as of the second quarter of 2023. This number is expected to reach 2.5 million by the end of 2023.  Many of these temporary residents seek Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through Canada’s economic immigration options. However, the number of PR spots available is limited compared to the number of temporary residents in Canada.  Canada has set an annual target of 465,000 for all immigration programs in 2023, with a target of over 500,000 by 2025. Number of Temporary Residents in the Provinces Out of all the categories, Ontario has the most temporary residents—nearly one million. The details for the province-wise distribution of temporary residents including all categories are given in the table below: Province Total TRs Asylum Seekers Work Permit Holders Study Permit Holders Work and Study Permit Holders Others  Ontario 986,863 90,793 419,475 284,739 159,806 32,050 Quebec 470,976 146,723 200,522 63,799 38,858 21,074 British Columbia 400,964 11,384 196,259 138,434 38,848 16,039 Alberta 150,320 5,766 89,575 36,576 11,013 7,390 Manitoba 60,615 1,434 32,608 18,068 6,652 1,853 Nova Scotia 45,794 325 20,712 13,619 9,056 2,082 Saskatchewan 30,704 236 15,512 10,512 2,957 1,487 New Brunswick 27,458 188 13,864 7,476 4,626 1,304 Newfoundland and Labrador 12,911 73 6,063 5,017 1,186 572 Prince Edward Island 9,953 26 5,192 3,702 745 288 Yukon 1,446 0 1,120 217 80 29 Northwest Territories 567 7 490 38 20 12 Nunavut 108 3 87 4 3 11 About the Canadian Temporary Residents Permits A temporary resident is a foreign national who is legally permitted to enter Canada for a specified period of time. When a foreign citizen is granted temporary resident status, it means that they have met the legal requirements to come and/or remain in Canada as a visitor, student, worker, or temporary residence permit holder. Only foreign nationals who are physically present in Canada can obtain temporary residence status. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada Welcomed 700,000 New Temporary Residents in Just One Year” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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asylum claims in Canada

Why are there still increasing numbers of asylum claims in Canada?

Why are there still increasing numbers of asylum claims in Canada? In March, Roxham Road, a pathway used by many asylum seekers to enter Canada, had been closed. However, Canada has still processed over 80,000 asylum applications this year.  This is partly due to expedited visa processing and more straightforward asylum claims at airports in Montreal and Toronto. Immigration offices in Ontario and Quebec also receive inland claimants who entered Canada legally or illegally.  Part of the answer, it appears, is that Montreal and Toronto’s international airports have become magnets for asylum seekers. According to Radio-Canada, immigration officials secretly implemented a new policy to speed temporary visa processing, including eliminating the requirement for applicants to provide proof that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay. This is said to have made it simpler for persons who would typically struggle to get tourist visas to enter and then claim asylum upon arrival. This is in contrast to decades of policy characterized by strict visa requirements and airline penalties for passengers boarding with fake documents. Recently released statistics also show that immigration offices in Ontario and Quebec are receiving a large number of inland claimants: migrants who entered Canada legally or illegally and then applied for asylum; this was already happening when Roxham Road was open; in 2022, Canada received another 50,000 asylum claims from migrants who were already in the country; and the situation is similar so far this year. Asylum seekers come to Canada for its generous treatment and benefits. Still, the top source countries for migrants needing protection are Mexico and India, which are not in political upheaval or armed conflict. What are the benefits of asylum claims in Canada? Asylum seekers want to come to Canada because it is a wealthy country with unrivaled treatment, including generous benefits and almost-guaranteed citizenship for those granted protection; in many other regions, they frequently receive inadequate food and shelter and exist precariously at the mercy of host governments. However, the influx of claims in Canada is not always tied to worldwide patterns. Despite the fact that Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan are the leading source countries for migrants seeking international protection, Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board says that Mexico is our top source this year, with India ranking fifth. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Why are there still increasing numbers of asylum claims in Canada” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program

Parents and Grandparents Program will reopen in October

Canada is committed to helping families reunite through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 15,000 sponsorship applications this year and will send invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential sponsors starting on October 10, 2023.  Due to the number of remaining PGP applications from previous years, IRCC will randomly select potential sponsors from the 2020 pool. Those not invited may consider applying for a super visa, which allows visits of up to 5 years at a time and can be extended for up to 2 years. Anyone who submitted an interest to sponsor a form in 2020 but did not get an invitation to apply in 2021 or 2022 is asked to check the email address they gave on the form in 2020. Those requested to apply as part of the 2023 intake will continue to use the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, both of which allow electronic submission of applications. This is part of Canada’s goal to modernize its immigration system, as well as simplify and speed up the application process. Are you planning to reunite with your parents or Grandparents? Fill out the form to make your sponsorship process smooth for your family. Parents and Grandparents Program Eligibility Requirements To be qualified to sponsor your family members for Canadian PR (Permanent Residency), such as parents or grandparents, you must be: at least 18 years old. A Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, or a person who is registered as an Indian in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act. Have sufficient funds to assist the family you decide to sponsor. Also, provide acceptable evidence of income for the previous three years that meets the IRCC’s financial requirements.   What is Canada’s super visa? A super visa allows you to see your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years. It is a visa that allows repeated entries for a duration of up to ten years. Eligibility requirements for a super visa are as: be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. have a signed letter from your kid or grandchild inviting you to Canada, including an agreement of financial assistance for the duration of your stay, the name and number of persons in this person’s residence, and a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency certificate. have confirmation of private medical insurance from a Canadian or foreign insurance carrier recognized by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship You should also From outside of Canada, apply for a super visa. Have your visa printed outside of Canada (follow the instructions from the visa office). You’re allowed to enter Canada. take a medical exam for immigration. fulfill certain additional requirements. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program will reopen in October” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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best country in the world

Canada has ranked as the 2nd best country in the world

Canada is ranked 2nd best country in the world overall in the 2023 Best Countries ranking by U.S. News, up from 3rd place in 2022. U.S. News analyzed ten sub-categories and surveyed over 17,000 people from 36 countries before ranking 87 countries. Canada ranked in the top five for four sub-categories: Entrepreneurship, Quality of Life, Social Purpose, and Agility.  Canada also ranked in the top seven for nine attributes, such as being the 2nd best country for starting a career and racial equality. These rankings show that Canada is a leading destination for immigrants seeking to build a better life, with excellent opportunities for education and career development. Subranking results were weighted based on many factors, including each country’s GDP, to obtain the overall ratings. Subrankings that were more linked with wealth were generally weighted more heavily. Switzerland topped the worldwide rankings for the second year in a row. The small European country placed first in the “open for business” sub-ranking and was also in the top ten in four other categories. Meanwhile, Canada has surpassed Germany to become the world’s second-best country, moving up from third position in 2022. Based on these assessments, an overall ranking of 87 countries was calculated. This comprehensive methodology provides a nuanced assessment of a country’s position in the global arena. The survey’s ten sub-categories were as follows: Entrepreneurship Quality of Life Social Purpose Cultural Influence Open for Business Adventure Power Heritage Agility Movers Canada ranked 2nd best country in the world in the top seven for nine attributes Additionally, the 2023 Best Countries list recognizes the top 20 countries as the “Best For” many features and qualities. Canada was listed in the top seven countries on nine different occasions among the 15 distinct criteria evaluated by U.S. News. Canada was specifically gathered as the: 2nd best country to start a career 4th best country for education 7th best country for studying abroad 7th best country for raising kids 2nd best country for racial equality 6th best country for women 6th best country for comfortable retirement 6th most transparent country 2nd best country to headquarter a corporation   Which are the 25 best countries in the world 2023? Switzerland Canada Sweden Australia United States Japan Germany New Zealand United Kingdom Netherlands Norway France Denmark Finland Italy Singapore Spain Belgium United Arab Emirates China South Korea Austria Ireland Luxembourg Portugal Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada has been ranked as the second-best country in the world” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Temporary residents in Canada

Temporary residents in Canada are typically young and employed

Temporary residents in Canada are primarily from India and China and tend to be younger and employed. According to Statistics Canada, the labor force participation rate for the Canadian population is 63.4%, аnd it is 74.2% for temporary residents.  Last year, nearly one million temporary residents participated in the census, making up 2.5% of Canada’s population. Temporary foreign workers with work permits make up Canada’s largest chunk of non-permanent residents. International students and asylum claimants also make up a significant portion.  The remaining 8.7% were other types of non-permanent residents, including those in Canada under Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Super Visas. Non-permanent residents (NPRs) made for 2.5% of Canada’s population in 2021 as the census counted about 1 million of them. The majority of those one million, or NPRs, had a work permit. In 2021, 14.2% of NPRs also had a study permit in addition to their job permit, while 40.1% of NPRs had a work permit solely. In addition, NPRs with a study permit comprised 21.9% of all NPRs. 15.1% of NPRs were applications for refugee protection. In the 2021 Census, young adults between the ages of 20 and 34 made up 6 out of 10 NPRs. Comparatively, young adults made up 18.4% of the rest of Canada’s population compared to 37.3% of recent immigrants. The fact that most NPRs have work permits and study permits, which are often held by people between the ages of 20 and 34, might be responsible for their young age.   Temporary residents in Canada A foreign national who is legally permitted to enter Canada temporarily is known as a temporary resident. When it is decided that a foreign national meets the legal requirements to enter and/or remain in Canada as a visitor, student, worker, or holder of a temporary resident permit, that person is said to have temporary resident status. The only foreign nationals who are legally residing in Canada are temporary residents. These applications are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in a number of categories, including: Temporary resident visas Electronic travel authorizations International students Temporary workers Temporary resident permits Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Temporary residents in Canada are typically young and employed” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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supportive of immigration

Canadians are increasingly supportive of immigration

Canadians are supportive of immigration is often seen as a core part of Canadian identity, but policy decisions and international perceptions also play a role in determining immigration levels. Canada aims to admit 1.45 million new immigrants between 2023 and 2025.  Both Canadian and international perspectives on immigration policies affect newcomers’ matters, as immigrants must have a desire to come to Canada. Century Initiative, a non-partisan charity, reported on factors that could affect Canadian immigration, including public opinion, Canada’s brand for immigrants, and potential risks such as affordable housing.   Immigrants’ Contribution to the Canadian Economy The number of people working and paying taxes to support public services, like health care, is one way to assess the health of Canada’s economy. Immigration is to thank for Canada’s labor force’s continued moderate annual increase. The ability of companies to fill open positions with eligible candidates depends on how well they can welcome immigrants. This is because of Canadians living longer lives and having fewer kids. Fewer people are enrolling in schools, and more individuals are retiring. As a result, they lack enough workers of the future that were born in Canada. In addition to filling vacant positions and paying taxes, immigrants also spend money on commodities, housing, and transportation, which helps the Canadian economy.   Why do immigrants choose Canada? Canada constantly ranks as one of the most popular destinations for immigrants to call home. The fact that there are many great reasons to immigrate to Canada so it’s not surprising. Canada has earned its place among the world’s best countries because of its high standard of living, valued multiculturalism, and wonderful surroundings. Canada has a complex, decades-long history of immigration. In fact, immigration and multiculturalism are linked and form the foundation of Canada’s national identity.  This holds true both historically and in both the present and future. Each year, more people are expected to immigrate to Canada in years to come. By 2025, the country is anticipated to welcome about 500,000 newcomers, the greatest number ever.   Why do so many international students choose Canada? Canada is a popular destination for international students due to various reasons. Firstly, Canada’s education system is well-respected globally, offering high-quality education and research opportunities.  Additionally, Canada is known for its multiculturalism, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. The country is also considered safe and politically stable, making it an attractive option for those seeking a secure study destination.  Moreover, Canada’s post-graduation work permit program allows international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies, which can lead to permanent residency there. All these factors make Canada an appealing choice for international students. Click here to read the complete details. Why do many international students choose Canada? We regularly share updated Canadian immigration news, want to keep updated, add the latest immigration news in your feed:  Want to know more details about “Canadians are increasingly supportive of immigration” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canada approved 40 more start-ups

Canada approved 40 more start-ups in February

Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, which promotes entrepreneurship and job creation through immigration, had a strong start this year and in February 2023Canada approved 40 more start-ups.  According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 100 immigrant entrepreneurs have settled in Canada through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program in 2023, which is a 5.3% increase from the same period last year.    British Columbia and Ontario have attracted the most immigrant entrepreneurs this year – 40 and 30 start-ups, respectively. Through that program, Manitoba has welcomed 20 new permanent residents this year, and Alberta has welcomed 10, though none settled in Alberta through the SUV in February. All the SUV activity in that province occurred in January.   575 foreign nationals got permanent residency in Canada last year due to the SUV. That was 60 immigrant entrepreneurs, or 11.6%, more than the 515 immigrants who started businesses and received permanent residence through the program in 2019, one full year before the pandemic started.   Ottawa swiftly implemented travel and public health restrictions when the coronavirus made its way to Canada in early 2020, which led to a 45.9% reduction in immigration, from 341,175 new permanent residents in 2019 to only 184,590 the following year.  Similar reductions were observed in the number of new immigrants included by the SUV, which fell from 515 new permanent residents in 2019 to only 260, or barely more than half, in 2020. 2021 saw a resurgence in immigration, which at the time reached a record high of 406,045 new permanent residents. The SUV program also experienced a recovery, though not by as much.  Also, Read: ALBERTA HELD NEW OCCUPATION-SPECIFIC AAIP DRAWS BRITISH COLUMBIA INVITED SKILLED AND TECH WORKERS   Canada Startup Visa Program Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to move to Canada under the start-up visa program in order to start a new business. Immigrant entrepreneurs have to demonstrate that their startup is distinctive, will create new jobs for Canadians, and is capable of competing on a global scale.   Requirements for the start-up visa Program You have to meet all 4 eligibility requirements for the Start-up Visa Program as well as the requirements for getting into Canada in order to be eligible. You must: have a qualifying business. have a letter of support from a designated organization. meet the language requirements, and. have enough money to settle and live in Canada before you make money from your business.   Want to know more details about “Canada approved 40 more start-ups in February” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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