Financial stability vital for Canadian immigration - says Sikandar Lalani CEO Lalani and Associates

INTERVIEW Moonis Ahmed Daily Times' (15 April 2011) Business Reporter 

A chartered accountant by profession, Sikander Lalani has been an immigration practitioner and consultant for over 16 years. In addition to his immigration expertise, he brings to the table extensive assurance, taxation, management consulting and business planning experience. After spending eight years at Price Waterhouse, he took over as partner at Daudally Lalani and Co in 1985. Lalani launched Lalani and Associates in 1992 and has since built it into one of the leading and most reputable immigration consulting firms in Pakistan. As a seasoned professional, Lalani has a strong network and reputation in professional, business and investment circles in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Due to his reputation and respected professional acumen, he is regularly invited to appear on television to speak on topics such as immigration, finance and business opportunities. Lalani holds a B Com from Government Commerce College, University of Karachi. He also completed an executive programme in Management at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan, CPA - State of Colorado, fellow member of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants CSIC), member of Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants and a fellow member of Canadian Migration Institute. He completed an immigration practitioner's course from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada and continues to attend immigration focused professional development seminars and courses to ensure that his clients receive high quality services that are in line with current immigration law such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. 

Daily Times: How can you differentiate between genuine and treacherous immigration consultants in Pakistan? 

IMMIGARATION CONSULTANTS: The good, the bad and the ugly

Recently, a Canada based immigration consultant was arrested in Halifax and as a result 1100 cases filed by the consultant are under investigation for obtaining Citizenship and maintaining permanent residency without physically residing in Canada. The Canadian Government has indicated that if proven, citizenships and permanent residencies will be revoked. 

A Vancouver Sun article reports, “a statement from Immigration minister Jason Kenney said the charges follow “an investigation into whether the consultant fraudulently helped individuals create the appearance they were residing in Canada in order to keep their permanent resident

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Test Post - Canada immigration 'reaches 50-year high'

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Canada admitted the highest number of immigrants in more than 50 years in 2010, but critics claim the government’s policies are too focused on economics, leaving families by the wayside.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney released 2010 figures Sunday showing Canada admitted 280,636 permanent residents.

Canada's religious diversity: Canada's 2% population Muslim

Canada's changing faith - JOE FRIESEN AND SANDRA MARTIN - Globe and Mail

Last updated Tuesday, Oct. 05, 2010 11:34AM EDT

It has been elastic enough to withstand the pressures that have hounded it from birth: the skepticism of Quebec, the racial tensions brought on by non-white immigration.

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About Canada

With its majestic mountain ranges, vast plains, beautiful beaches, a refreshing countryside, rural havens and bustling cosmopolitan centers, Canada has the best of nature and the best of mankind's creations.As a nation built through immigration and multiculturalism, Canada places a high emphasis on diversity and tolerance. Canada is home to immigrants from all over the world, representing a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups. Today, Canada is focused on attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and students to continue its strong economic growth. 

About us

Lalani & Associates, established in 1992, is a full service immigration and business consulting firm with offices in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai. We have strong ties to Canada, possess significant experience in Canadian Immigration and have a deep understanding of the Canadian business and employment markets.