This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
Let me start with the most important question, what motivated you to specialize in immigration consulting, particularly in areas like humanitarian and compassionate, medical, admissibility, and other complex matters? And how did Settle Immigration Services come into existence?
Interestingly, this is actually my second career. Back in 2009, I was pursuing Chartered Accountancy. My father is a CA in both India and Canada, and as is often the case in India, the son typically follows in the father’s footsteps.
At that time, immigration consulting was a growing field, and I thought I’d explore it as a side interest. But once I attended my first course, I realized this wasn’t something you could do casually – it’s vast and nuanced. There are so many areas: economic immigration, business streams, enforcement, family sponsorship, and more. So I decided to commit fully. Back then, ICCRC was the regulatory body.
I completed the program, passed the licensing exams, and launched my practice in 2012. In the beginning, I handled every type of case to gain hands-on experience. Over time, I developed deep expertise in certain areas – especially humanitarian and compassionate applications and Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs).
For context, a PFL is issued when IRCC has concerns about an application. It gives the applicant a chance to respond. Often, the officer may have already made up their mind, but the process demands procedural fairness. We’ve had a strong track record – over 90% success in responding to PFLs in the last 12 years. Most PFLs we deal with are the result of DIY applications, which is why retaining a legal expert is so important.
Settle Immigration offers a full range of immigration services, but my personal focus is on refusal cases, H&C submissions, and family sponsorships.
From almost becoming a CA like your father, you built a successful career in a completely different field and are now Chair of the Board at the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). Can you share more about that journey and your responsibilities?
It’s been an interesting and rewarding journey. Initially, without business experience and determined not to rely on my father, I learned the hard way. There were moments when people suggested unethical practices – selling LMIAs, for example – which unfortunately occur in the industry, even among some lawyers.
But I chose integrity. I wanted my work to speak for itself. It took years, but today I’m proud to say our clientele is purely referral-based – 100% word of mouth.
I started with the Finance Audit Committee at ICCRC, which later became the College. I joined CAPIC in 2018 as a committee member, became a board member in 2021, and was elected Chair of the Board in 2024. This would not have been possible without the support of my parents – financially and emotionally.
As Chair, my role includes providing strategic leadership, ensuring CAPIC remains a strong voice for immigration consultants across Canada. I work with the Board to set long-term goals, advocate for policy reforms, and maintain professional integrity. I also attend stakeholder meetings with CICC, IRCC, and CBSA. In fact, I recently co-chaired a meeting with IRCC’s Assistant Director Tammy Lynn on December 18th.
The role allows me to help shape the future of our profession through reforms, continuing education, and advocacy.
For skilled professionals abroad, particularly from India, how do you guide them in immigrating to Canada? What are key considerations?
I start with a comprehensive assessment. I like to call myself an immigration doctor. I diagnose eligibility, identify the right stream (Express Entry, PNP, etc.), and tailor the path to the client’s goals.
People often confuse Express Entry with PR. Express Entry is a system that manages applications under multiple programs: CEC, Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and PNPs. For FSW, you first need 67 points out of 100. CRS is separate and draw-based.
Many applicants fixate on the IELTS “7778” benchmark, but language is just one of six FSW factors. Job duties – not titles – are critical. Under section 87.1 of IRPR, the applicant must perform the majority of duties listed in the NOC. Even if your title is “Receptionist,” if you perform the duties of an “Administrative Assistant,” your role may be skilled.
We pay close attention to experience letters – ensuring 60% of duties align with the NOC. Many employers, especially large ones, use rigid templates, which can be problematic. If needed, we request alternate letters from supervisors.
Foreign experience letters often lack detail. I advise clients to secure complete, detailed letters before leaving their job. And never copy-paste duties, customization is key.
We’ve never received a PFL for PR applications we handled from scratch in 12 years, that’s our benchmark.
Could you elaborate on Express Entry vs. other pathways, and the common challenges applicants face?
Express Entry gives you a score and lets you create a profile. But eligibility is the first step. The system favors younger applicants; points start dropping after age 29.
Even if your score is low, register. Back in February 2021, there was a draw with a cut-off of 75 – the lowest ever. Profiles are valid for one year, and you can update them if you improve your language scores.
If you’re paid in cash, that’s okay, just document it. Get a letter from your employer, bank statements if available, or tax filings. If income is below the tax threshold, provide an affidavit. If documentation is limited, secondary evidence like supervisor letters can help.
For PNPs, some require job offers and others are draw-based. Applicants inside Canada usually have more options. Some streams like Ontario’s Human Capital Stream, pick you from the Express Entry pool.
If you’re already here, Ontario has pathways for recent graduates and skilled trades. A master’s degree can give you 30 extra CRS points and some PNPs allow direct PR application after graduation.
Alternatively, prepare well for IELTS and French. The French TEF or TCF can boost your CRS by 62 points, and IRCC now conducts French-specific draws. This is often underutilized.
Spending $40K–$70K on a degree might not be necessary if you can reach a higher score through language preparation. That money could go toward a house down payment instead.
What are some of the most common mistakes applicants make?
First, eligibility is misunderstood. Selecting the wrong NOC can lead to refusals. Documentation errors are also frequent, such as submitting the wrong form.
People also fail to disclose past visa refusals, even from other countries. That’s serious – under Section 40, it’s misrepresentation, which leads to a 5-year ban or removal if you’re in Canada.
Always disclose, and always hire a legal expert if unsure. Small errors can lead to big consequences.
How have global events like COVID or regional conflicts impacted immigration, and what does the future look like?
Conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and elsewhere have led to increased refugee claims and backlogs. Despite claims that AI only assists decisions, we’ve seen refusals issued by automated systems.
Processing times have been affected, though IRCC says they’re using historical and projected data to improve accuracy. With high immigration volumes, economic pressures have led to reduced targets.
Now more than ever, improving your score through language tests, especially French, is critical.
Is there any final piece of advice you’d like to share?
Yes – do not misrepresent. It’s taken very seriously here. Don’t submit false duties or experience. It may seem like a shortcut, but it jeopardizes your future and your family’s future too.
If you want to gain skilled experience, ask your employer to give you those duties first, then apply. The integrity of your application must be protected at all costs.
Thank you.
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