Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah was a guest on a recent cross-border planning epiosde on the Snowbirds US Expats Radio Podcast, hosted by Gerry Scott,where they dive into what really happens when people move between Canada and the United States without a solid immigration plan — and why so many families are facing delays, refusals, or unexpected complications.
In this episode, Gerry and Evelyn discuss:
- What pre-immigration planning truly involves — and why it saves money, time, and stress.
- How relocating affects tax residency, investments, real estate, and corporate structure.
- What Canada’s reduced immigration targets mean for workers, families, and retirees.
- The most common mistakes people make when they DIY immigration using Google or ChatGPT.
- Why border officials are increasing scrutiny, from secondary screenings to Nexus revocations.
- New U.S. rules requiring registration for anyone staying 30+ days, including teenagers.
- How cross-border families navigate life when one spouse is American and the other is Canadian.
- Why parents should register children for Canadian citizenship early to prevent future issues.
- What to do when a spousal PR application is refused — and why reapplying properly often succeeds.
- How business owners and professionals use intercompany transfers to relocate to Canada.
- Real-world stories showing how one old border conversation or missed detail can derail an entire application.
Key Takeaways:
- Pre-planning is no longer optional. With increased scrutiny and shifting rules, early, strategic immigration planning is the key to smooth relocation.
- Immigration, tax, real estate, and family planning are deeply interconnected. Decisions in one area directly affect the others — long before an application is filed.
- DIY immigration often creates preventable delays or refusals. Professional guidance catches issues people don’t even know to look for.
- Border trends matter. Secondary inspections, Nexus revocations, and longer questioning are becoming more common — preparation makes all the difference.
- Cross-border families need coordinated plans. From children’s citizenship to spousal sponsorships, proactive planning ensures families stay together.
- Proper systems and strategy protect your financial future. Residency rules, tax implications, and travel patterns can dramatically affect long-term planning.
- A single overlooked detail can derail a case — but thorough preparation keeps you moving across borders with confidence.