Schachnow Law

Canadian immigration law firm

Canadian immigration law, from work permits to the Federal Court.

A boutique Canadian immigration practice acting for individuals, families, founders, and employers. Federal and provincial programs, routine files and complex ones, including representation at the Federal Court. Only a lawyer can appear for you there, which is why a refusal is the point where the choice between a lawyer and a consultant stops being a preference.

Call, text, or message us on WhatsApp at (437) 800-1918

Schedule your immigration consultation today

What we do

Our immigration services.

Individuals, families, founders, and employers. Federal and provincial programs. Routine files and complex ones.

Joshua Schachnow, founding Canadian immigration lawyer at Schachnow Law

Meet our founder

Joshua Schachnow, B.Com., J.D.

Founder

Josh is a Toronto-based lawyer who has been practising immigration law for more than nine years. He has helped thousands of individuals and companies navigate Canadian immigration, from work permits to permanent residence, study permits, citizenship, LMIAs and more, and he built the software this firm runs on. Josh always puts his clients first, and believes quick and thoughtful communication is most important to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

How it works

Software speed, lawyer judgment.

01

Initial consultation

Tell Josh what you are dealing with. You get legal advice on your actual situation, written next steps, and a flat fee for the work, before you commit to anything. We quote after we diagnose, never before.

02

Application preparation

You work in our secure client portal to assemble your file. Our software handles the document assembly, extraction, and cross-checking, which is why a lawyer reviewing every page personally still fits inside a flat fee.

03

A licensed Ontario lawyer reviews and files

A licensed Ontario lawyer reviews every page before it is filed.

Flat fees. Once you are a client, a reply within one business day. No surprises.

Built for outcomes, not billable hours.

The old firm model rewards slow work. We rebuilt ours around modern tooling so we can win on speed, price, and clarity, without compromising on care.

Set up in minutes

Once you retain us, we set you up in our secure client portal in minutes.

A number before you start

Your flat fee is quoted after your consultation, and it does not move. HST and government fees are listed separately.

Lawyer reviewed

Software accelerates. A licensed lawyer is on the file from day one.

Document intelligence

We extract, summarize, and flag issues across thousands of pages.

Status you can see

A secure client portal with milestones, documents, and updates along the way.

FAQ

Common questions

Do not see your question? Ask us directly. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly.

Ask a question
Which Canadian immigration programme applies to me?
That depends on whether you have a job offer, whether you have family in Canada, your education and language scores, and whether you are already in Canada. If you have a job offer, start with work permits. If you are a skilled worker without one, start with Express Entry. If you have a spouse or parent who is Canadian, start with family sponsorship. If you have been refused, start with appeals and judicial review. If none of those fit, an H&C application may. A 30 minute consultation exists to make that decision for you in one conversation.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I apply myself?
Many routine applications can be done without a lawyer, and plenty of people do them successfully. What a lawyer adds is strategy where there is a choice to make, document review where points or eligibility depend on what your paperwork actually says, and standing if you are refused. If your matter is straightforward, we will tell you so on the first call.
Can an immigration consultant do this instead of a lawyer?
For many routine applications, yes. For a refusal, no. Only a lawyer can appear for you in Federal Court, so a consultant cannot take your case to judicial review no matter how your file develops. If there is any chance you will need to challenge a decision, that limit is worth knowing before you choose.
What does it cost to get started?
Book a 30 minute consultation with a licensed Ontario lawyer. You get advice on your actual situation and written next steps. If we take the matter on, your flat fee is quoted after that consultation, never before, and it does not move.
How quickly can my matter start?
In minutes. Once you retain us, we set you up in our secure client portal straight away. Any message you send gets a reply within one business day.
Will you tell me if I do not need a lawyer?
Yes. The consultation exists for exactly that. Telling a strong applicant to file it themselves costs us one file and is the honest answer, so it is the one you will get.

Trusted by clients across Canada.

LA

Lucas Arantes

Josh was incredibly helpful throughout two work permits and our overall immigration process, guiding all of us (including two different employers) every step of the way. He made complicated immigration topics easy to understand and helped us choose the best strategy for our family's needs. Now we're proud Canadian citizens raising our two kids in Montréal.

IA

Irem Ayan

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Joshua throughout my immigration process. He easily spotted the mistake in my first Express Entry application and guided me through a second application which was recently approved. Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I wouldn't be planning my landing in Canada if it weren't for his advice.

RA

Rob Attwell

Josh was incredibly helpful and responsive in dealing with our immigration issues through the Global Talent Stream Program. He really knew his stuff and was willing to help me and, more importantly, our candidate through the process.

Every matter is different. Results vary, and past outcomes do not predict future ones.