“Navigating Canada from the US — in one conversation.”
Provided directly by Mary Lam under Law Society of Ontario licensure. Temporary status, permanent residence, citizenship, refugee claims, and appeals — across every Canadian immigration pathway.
LSO Licensed · Ontario, CanadaAll US immigration legal advice and representation is provided by licensed US immigration attorney partners. Direct referrals.
US Attorney Partners · Seamless HandoffMary Lam is one of Canada's most accomplished immigration lawyers, with 32 years of complex litigation experience before appellate courts across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She advocates for clients caught in the machinery of immigration systems that others find too difficult to challenge.
Over three decades, Mary has served clients from every corner of the world. Whatever your background, wherever you are coming from, she has likely navigated a situation like yours before.
Mary argued and won Pepa v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 SCC 21 before the Supreme Court of Canada. It took over 8 years to get a just result. Significantly, in the post-Vavilov era, the Supreme Court settled the jurisdictional question itself rather than sending it back to the Immigration Appeal Division — opening the door for other levels of court to make such conclusions.
Lead CounselStatutory interpretation of appeal rights under IRPA and removal proceedings. The Supreme Court settled the jurisdictional question itself — opening the door for other courts to make such conclusions.
Part of Legal TeamClass action confirming that foreign nationals residing abroad with pending applications do not automatically hold Charter rights under ss. 7 and 15, and that Parliament retains broad authority to retroactively terminate pending applications under s. 87.4 of IRPA. The case resulted in a significant settlement.
In effect December 15, 2025. Bill C-3 extends Canadian citizenship by descent — millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship.
In effect March 26, 2026. Bill C-12 impacts past and future asylum claimants, including new rules affecting claims made at the US–Canada border. Mary is actively assisting individuals affected by its retroactive provisions.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the country. Officers are directed to consider all relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis when determining whether an alien warrants this extraordinary form of relief.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances. This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over.”
— USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler
NOTICE: The USCIS news release above is reproduced verbatim from uscis.gov for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Immigration law is fact-specific and changes rapidly — the policies referenced are subject to litigation, revision, and further agency guidance. Individuals affected by these developments should consult a qualified immigration lawyer before taking any action. Mary Lam is licensed to practise law in Ontario, Canada. US immigration legal advice is provided exclusively by licensed US attorney partners.
Immigration law lecturer — contributing to the next generation of immigration practitioners at one of Canada’s top research universities.
Hong Kong Exchange Program, 1992 — research on foreign domestic worker rights under international human rights law, supervised by Prof. Rebecca Cook, O.C.
Publisher and editor of USMCA Watch — analysis of USMCA, North American trade policy, and cross-border immigration developments. Available for speaking engagements and media commentary.
Keynote — Fireside Chat with the Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Invited to speak to the Canadian Bar Association Alberta Immigration South Section on Pepa v. Canada (2025 SCC 21) and best practices for Federal Court litigation.
Panelist, Pepa, Precedents, and the Evolving Standard of Reasonableness: A New Onus on Administrative Decision-Makers.
Work permits, LMIA, intracompany transfers, and study permits — for individuals and employers on both sides of the border.
Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Programs, and spousal sponsorship.
Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3 — potentially available to millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry — and citizenship by naturalization.
Asylum claims and border protection matters, including individuals affected by Bill C-12 — in effect March 2026 — and its retroactive provisions.
All levels of tribunal including the Immigration Appeal Division, Federal Court judicial review and appeals, and Supreme Court of Canada advocacy for the most complex matters.
H-1B, L-1, EB categories, O-1, and removal defense — direct referrals to licensed US attorney partners.
▲ Policy change: USCIS now requires most applicants to complete green card processing abroad. See alert →
Canadians living or working in the US who need ongoing Canadian status maintenance, citizenship advice, or cross-border planning.
Americans exploring permanent residency, citizenship by descent under Bill C-3, or relocation to Canada — for lifestyle, safety, or business reasons.
Mixed Canadian-US families navigating both permanent residence and visa systems simultaneously — spousal sponsorship, family class, and dual-status planning.
Canadian companies with US operations — all US immigration matters referred to and handled by licensed US attorney partners.
US companies hiring Canadian professionals — all US immigration matters referred to and handled by licensed US attorney partners.
Canadian options for individuals in the US with uncertain or precarious immigration status — assessing pathways to regularize, relocate, or establish status in Canada.
Every immigration matter is unique. Mary Lam takes the time to understand your situation fully before advising you on the best path to Canada. Her practice is limited to Canadian immigration law. Reach out to discuss how she can help.
Professional Notice: Mary Lam is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), licensed to practise law in Ontario, Canada. Canadian immigration advisory services are provided directly within the scope of Ontario legal practice. All US immigration legal matters are referred to and handled by licensed US immigration attorneys. This website does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by use of this website or submission of this form.