In this Virtual Information Session, Peter Christensen from Social and Discretionary Policy and Programs at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will discuss the fundamental and complex topic of the differences between immigration information and immigration advice. He will clarify the Settlement Worker’s role and boundaries in the provision of immigration supports, and will include situational examples. The session will be particularly helpful for frontline settlement staff, and will include a Q&A session.

The Government of Canada’s 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan outlines an ambitious plan to welcome newcomers, and settlement workers sometimes feel pressured to support clients with their immigration applications. However, it is important for staff to be aware of the scope of their role and the services they are legally allowed to provide in accordance with the provisions highlighted in Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). It is essential for Settlement Workers to confidently and clearly be able to distinguish between immigration information and advice.

Event Details and Registration:

Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am PT

Location: Zoom

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Presenter:

Peter Christensen – Assistant Director, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Immigration Consultants Unit)

Peter serves as the lead on S91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (covering who can provide advice and representation for consideration on immigration applications) and also leads the implementation of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. A former IRCC foreign service officer, prior to his current role, Peter completed postings at the Canadian Embassy, Beijing; the Consulate General of Canada, Hong Kong; the High Commission of Canada, New Delhi and, most recently, as the Migration Program Manager at the Embassy of Canada Tokyo. Previously at IRCC headquarters, Peter managed the IRCC Situation Centre during Operation Syrian Refugees; and, most recently, served as Assistant Director of the Immigration Representative Coordination Unit, the operational lead on immigration representation.

TO SUBMIT ADVANCED QUESTIONS FOR THE SPEAKER, PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDJYN9C

For all other questions about the session, please email Savrina at skarimi@amssa.org.