The State of International Education in Canada….and Prospects for the Future
Moderator: Catherine Sas, KC, with multiple presenters
Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Time: 9 am - 5:00 pm Pacific time
Location: in person - LaSalle College Vancouver, 2808 Bradfield Court, Vancouver
Type: in person, webinar and recording
Price: $195.00 - Including: Coffee breaks, Lunch and Networking
CPD approval:
- CICC 6 hours - 6 CPD hours approved. Recording valid until November 13, 2026. Includes 90 minutes of Professionalism.
- LSBC 6 hours - 6 CPD hours approved. Recording valid until 31 December 2025. Attendance to this course will provide you with a combination of 90 minutes of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for your BC Law Society reporting.
- Law Societies of Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia
For members of these Law Societies, consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual requirements.
Outline:
9:00am Opening and Welcome Remarks - Catherine Sas KC
9:05am to 10:30am
Keynote presentation: From the International Educator’s Perspective: the Past, the Present and the Future
Panelists:
Gurneet Anand, Senior Director of International Student Initiative, UBC
Tushar Gajwani, Associate Director, FVI
Aditya Akre, Director of International Student Initiative, South Asia, UBC, formerly from LaSalle College), and
Alex Alferov, Regional Manager, Admission, LaSalle College
- Illuminating and thought-provoking discussion with Canadian university and college educational professionals, several of whom came to Canada initially as international students and are now permanent residents or Canadian citizens themselves,
- they discuss the impact that recent changes have had on Canada’s international student program in general.
- This discussion will provide historical context to the progressive growth of our international student program over the past several decades and the vital connection that realistic prospects for obtaining Canadian permanent residency plays in the economics of international academics in Canada.
- Reviewing our historical international student past, and our current immigration realities, our panelists will share their perspectives of what the future will hold for international education in Canada as it relates to the delivery of our immigration program.
10:30am - 10:45am - Health break
10:45am to 11:45am
Voulez-Vous Parlez Avec Moi? (Do you want to speak with me?).
Panelists:
Richard Kurland, LL.B.,
Marie-Laure LIAO, Founder President of Motion Asia Management Inc. and
Neha Bansal , professor at UFV Chandigarh and Alliance Francaise Chandigarh
- Richard Kurland will discuss the present emphasis of French language proficiency in both Canada’s temporary and permanent residency programs.
- Academic scholar Marie-Laure Liao will demonstrate the on-line program her company has created to assist students to successfully learn French to CLB level 5 within a period of 6 months enabling them to obtain work permits to Canada and ultimately permanent residence.
- Neha Bansal will discuss the efforts that UFV is taking, in conjunction with Alliance Francaise, to assist their prospective international students in obtaining sufficient proficiency in French to qualify for both a francophone work permit and permanent residency under the Francophone Express Entry category.
11:45am - 12:45pm
Playing the Long Game - Options for International Students in Canada: LMIAs, Continued studies in Canada, H and C applications or Returning Home to gain work experience
Panelists:
Tiffany Osman-Chi, RCIC,
Rudolf Kischer, LL.B.,
Adrienne Denham, LL.B.
- The status quo for international students can only be described as bleak. Our panelists will discuss the current realities for international students seeking to remain in Canada and/or obtain permanent residency status.
- Realistic options and time frames present harsh realities and tough choices for Canada’s international population both current and future.
- Hint: Claiming refugee status is NOT a good option!
12:45pm - 1:45pm - Lunch break
1:45pm to 2:45pm
Litigation Strategies for International Students: Does it make Cents?
Panelists:
Richard Kurland, LL.B.,
Deanna Okun -Nachoff, LL.B. and
Adrienne Denham, LL.B.
- Canada’s international students, both prospective and within Canada, are facing rejections at rates not seen in decades, if ever. With refusals of both study permits and permanent resident applications increasing dramatically, what options do international students have for redress?
- Does a Federal Court application for Judicial Review make practical and economic sense?
- What remedies do international students have at their disposal?
2:45pm to 3:45pm
Immigration Practice Management : Diversifying your portfolio
Panelists:
Tiffany Osman-Chi, RCIC,
Olena Weber, RCIC,
Brooke Finlay, RCIC
- With Canada’s international student program decimated, how do immigration practitioners keep their practices thriving and vibrant?
- Other categories of immigration practice are equally being restricted or frozen. What options do practitioners have in Canada’s current hostile immigration environment?
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm - Health break
4:00pm to 4:30pm
30 Tips in 30 Minutes: Marketing to International Students - What’s the Sales Pitch Now?
Panelists:
Tiffany Osman-Chi, RCIC
Brooke Finlay, RCIC
Deanna Okun Nachoff, LL.B.
Richard Kurland, LL.B.
Olena Weber, RCIC
Rudolf Kischer, LL.B.
• Our six panelists will each provide five tips as to how to realistically and ethically promote Canada’s international student program and provide long-term, realistic strategies for students to achieve their Canadian immigration goals.
CICC Essential Competency mapping
RCIC
Foundational Knowledge
1.3 Interprets Canadian immigration and refugee legislation, regulations and policies.
1.3.3 Differentiates the functions and powers of the various federal departments and agencies which have a role in immigration and citizenship matters.
1.5 Synthesizes and applies case law to various immigration and citizenship cases.
1.5.2 Identifies the leading cases that impact Canadian immigration, refugee and citizenship.
Legal Research and Informatics
Business Management and Leadership
4.7 Reviews business practices and performances to ensure efficient and quality service.
Professionalism
6.1 Demonstrates and maintains competence in practice
6.1.2 Stays current and complies with legislation, regulations, professional standards, policies and guidelines.
Moderator:
Catherine Sas KC
Born in Edmonton, AB, Catherine lived in Spirit River, Alberta until moving to Abbotsford, BC when she was six. While pursuing her education, Catherine has lived in Victoria, Montreal, Cultus Lake, BC and Vancouver. In 1989 Catherine spent a year teaching English in Nagoya, Japan. She now practices law in Vancouver, but resides in Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island with her husband Paul and sons Louis and William. Catherine opened her own firm in 1990 and operated as a sole practitioner until joining Miller Thomson as a partner in 2010 where she practiced for 5 years. In May 2015, Catherine returned to sole practice, and then later that year in November, Catherine combined forces with Victor Ing, to form the Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre (established November 2015).
Gurneet Singh Anand — Senior Director, International, University of
British Columbia (UBC)
Gurneet is an accomplished education leader and strategist who brings deep experience at the intersection of global partnerships, student-centred innovation and transnational engagement. He currently serves as Senior Director, International at UBC, shaping the institution’s international agenda, forging collaborations across borders, and driving institutional strategies that foster meaningful global education opportunities. Gurneet’s academic roots lie in Canada and India. He is a proud alumnus of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where he developed the foundational skills that would guide his career in international education. Further honing his strategic and management expertise, he also studied at the Harvard Business School, equipping him with the business acumen to lead large-scale institutional initiatives. Before his current role at UBC, Gurneet played a pivotal role at UFV India (the Indian presence of UFV) where he strengthened academic operations, student engagement and cross-border pathways—earning recognition as one of UFV’s Top 10 Alumni. His work has continually focused on bridging Indian and global institutions through purposeful strategy, visionary leadership and a passion for transformative education. Gurneet is deeply committed to the idea that education is a global public good and that international engagement must be equitable, inclusive and student-driven. His career stands as a model for how academic institutions can navigate complexity, build meaningful global connections and deliver outcomes that matter to students, partners and society.
Tushar Gaiwani, Associate Director FVI
With over eight years of dedicated experience navigating the global landscape of international education, Tushar Gajwani brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational depth, and cross-border execution acumen to the Field. Equipped with a BBA and an MBA, Tushar has built a reputation as a seasoned leader who bridges the worlds of academia, policy, and institutional advancement. Professional Journey & Key Roles Since 2017, Tushar has worked closely with Fraser Valley India in various capacities—driving program development, partnerships and market expansion initiatives. In his current role, he is the Associate Director, Fraser Valley India, establishing collaborative frameworks, articulating institutional strategy and enabling student mobility across continents. A Strategic Mindset with a Human Focus In an era of rapid change in higher education—where global mobility, digital delivery models and cross-border credentials are reshaping the student experience—Tushar is recognized for his ability to think both big and granular. He understands not just policy and institutional architecture, but also the lived realities of students, educators and partners.
His leadership blends rigorous market insight with empathy, enabling solutions that scale successfully across cultures and contexts. As institutions recalibrate post-pandemic and students seek meaningful, globally-relevant experiences, the international education ecosystem is both disrupted and full of opportunity. Tushar’s work at the intersection of India and Canada positions him uniquely to unpack how to build resilient, sustainable and student-centred international education strategies in the 2020s. Tushar is a strong believer in lifelong learning and collaborative problem-solving. He thrives on partnerships that transcend borders and disciplines. Whether it’s aligning institutional imperatives or helping students thrive in new environments, his approach is grounded in integrity, inclusivity and strategic clarity. A frequent contributor to discussions on transnational education and student pathways, Tushar is passionate about shaping the future of global education through innovation, inclusion, and sustainable institutional partnerships.
Aditya Akre – Director of International Student Initiative, South Asia, UBC
Aditya brings extensive experience in international education, with over fourteen years of professional engagement with Canadian post-secondary institutions. He currently serves as the Director for South Asia at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he is responsible for managing UBC's international strategic initiatives across the region. Previously, Aditya held the position of Campus Director at LaSalle College Vancouver, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the college’s new campus. Prior to his tenure at LaSalle, he spent more than a decade with the University of the Fraser Valley’s international campus in India, contributing significantly to the university’s
growth and outreach in the region.
Alex Alferov, RCIC – Regional Manager, Admission, LaSalle College
Alex Alferov is a post-secondary education leader and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) with over 25 years of experience in international education, recruitment, admissions, and student advising. Currently serving as Regional Manager of Admissions at LaSalle College Vancouver, part of the LCI Education Network, Alex leads global recruitment initiatives, agent engagement, and advising to enhance enrolment outcomes and student experience. His background includes developing and managing international partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing transition and retention programs with a strong commitment to supporting the growth and wellbeing of international students.
Richard Kurlan LLB
Richard is best known as the Editor-in-Chief of Lexbase Immigration. Lexbase is received by IRCC, CBSA, IRB, DOJ . It is widely circulated within IRCC Management and frontline officers, and at Canadian embassies plus lawyers and consultants who receive this monthly data from Lexbase. CBSA uses Lexbase as a training manual. A 2020 Vancouver Sun article points out that Kurland has been “the lawyer for the lawyer of Edward Snowden".
Marie Laure LIAO, Founder President of Motiona Asia Managemt Inc.
Marie-Laure Liao is a global executive with over 30 years of leadership in international trade, cross-border project financing, and strategic business development. She has led projects across, education, commodities trading, real estate, and media, shaping ventures that combine economic growth with social impact. She is the Founder of Motion Asia Management Inc., a consultancy focused on global trade and investment structuring, and Founder & Director of a Private College in Vancouver, a Ministry Education-designated institution delivering workforce training and competency-based programs. Recognized for her strategic foresight, multicultural intelligence, and ethical
leadership, Marie-Laure is a trusted advisor to governments, corporations, and investors worldwide.
Neha Bansal, Professor at UFV Chandigargh and Alliance Francasie
Chandigargh - Instructor | Examiner (DELF-DALF, TEF, DFP) | Trainer | Author | Editor | E-Learning Developer
With over 18 years of experience teaching French as a foreign language and 12 years as a teacher trainer, Neha Bansal currently works with the Alliance Française de Chandigarh and Fraser Valley India. She teaches children, adolescents, adults, corporate learners, and diplomats, adapting her methods to suit diverse profiles and learning goals. A certified examiner-corrector for DELF, DALF, TEF, and DFP exams, Neha has also designed and delivered hybrid and online learning modules on the My Alliance / Apolearn platform. Her passion for teacher training has led her to conduct numerous workshops—both online and in person—across India and Asia, including Japan, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Indian cities such as Varanasi, Jammu, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Madurai, Chandigarh, Delhi and Bangalore. Beyond the classroom, Neha has embraced a variety of enriching experiences — from performing in theatre productions in France, interpreting for the French President’s security team, and leading guided tours for francophone visitors, to organizing language immersion trips to France. Academically, Neha holds a Master’s in Commerce, a DALF C2, a DUFLE from the University of Le Mans, and a Master’s in FLE (Université Grenoble Alpes). Currently, she is engaged in two major educational collaborations. Driven by her passion for languages, pedagogy, and innovation, Neha continues to explore new ways to make French learning interactive, inclusive, and globally relevant.
Tiffany Osman-Chi RCIC-IRB
Tiffany started her immigration career as a student Border Services Officer with the Canada Border Services Agency. She is a registered member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and a member of
the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). Tiffany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia, and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law at Queen's University. She specializes in economic classes, family class, provincial nominee programs and has presented numerous seminars and served on numerous panel discussions within the industry.
Rudolf Kischer LLB
More than two decades of working in the field haven’t dampened Rudi’s passion for the law and for helping Canadian businesses grow by recruiting key international talent. A child of diasporic families with roots in the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and elsewhere, Rudi feels a personal stake in his clients’ journeys through the immigration system and is committed to making that process smoother and more predictable.
Adrienne Denham LLB
Adrienne is an immigration lawyer at LeBeau Law Corporation in Coquitlam, BC. She helps individuals and employers navigate every corner of Canada’s immigration system, with a practice spanning temporary and permanent residency, LMIAs, citizenship, and litigation. She regularly collaborates with immigration consultants on complex matters involving appeals and judicial reviews.
Adrienne graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa’s Common Law program in 2004 and was called to the BC Bar in 2017. She currently serves as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s BC Immigration Section
(2025–2026). Having gone through the immigration process herself, Adrienne brings empathy, pragmatism, and sharp advocacy to every file. She lives in East Vancouver with her son and recharges by swimming, gardening, and hitting the road on her motorcycle.
Deanna Oku-Nachoff LLB
Deanna began her legal career in the not-for-profit sector. She has been working in the immigration field for over 20 years. The focus of her practice is on litigation before the Immigration Appeal Division (refugee claims
and removal order appeals), as well as humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications for permanent residence. She is also frequently called upon as an expert witness in Canadian immigration law. Deanna is a former chair of the Canadian Bar Association's national immigration law section, and co-hosts Borderlines, a weekly podcast hosted on Acast and live streamed on YouTube (generally Fridays at 10am PT).
Deanna has been acknowledged by "Best Lawyers" since 2014, and has been chosen as "lawyer of the year"; in immigration in 2025, 2023 and 2017.
* Deanna practices through Okun-Nachoff Law Corp.
(her personal law corporation)
Brooke Finlay RCIC – IRB
Hi, I'm Brooke! I’m the founder of Navio, a tech-powered, expert-driven platform that guides you through the entire immigration journey with expert guidance along the way. We’re not a law firm. We’re not a DIY app. We’re building something entirely different: a better, more affordable way to navigate Canadian immigration—driven by real experts, powered by technology, and designed for the people building Canada's future. After years inside the
traditional immigration system, I saw how broken and inaccessible it was. So I built Navio to offer what people actually want: Expert support you can trust - available when it matters; Flexible service that respects your time and budget ; Clarity in a system that’s anything but Whether you’re immigrating to Canada, scaling a business, or hiring across borders, Navio puts you in control—with a platform that combines strategy, structure, and real human guidance. We’re not here to tweak the system. We’re here to transform it.
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