I'm writing a second 5 star review, because Ilir (Mr. Orana; but after three TRPs and a holiday basket, I feel we are on a first-name basis) has continued to assist me substantially in obtaining multiple TRPs and we have also worked with one of his close colleagues in obtaining me a NAFTA work permit. We got the first one at the border, then immediately applied at the consulate, which can take FOREVER.
So - my story (all for one *reckless driving conviction*):
The first TRP with Mr. Orana's help at the border (issued 7/18/18) was a 6 month TRP, then the border guards said "no worries if your next one is delayed, you applied at the consulate, shows good faith, just show up here if it's not received in time (11/18/18)". WELL. I tried renewing the TRP by myself at the border after that first one expired, but the decision had not been received from the consulate (12/2/18, a day of 14 hours of travel). I figured it was an emergency because there was a meeting I had to go to on 12/4. That did NOT go well. Never trust a border guard, ALWAYS trust your attorney. Mr. Orana told me it was a risk, and I might be better off waiting for the consulate. I got told by the guards that in addition to a TRP, I needed a work permit. A stern lecture from the Canadian border guard was given to me. I got escorted by a Canadian armed guard back on to the first Delta flight to the US. Canadians - they can be armed! And even surly! I actually burst into tears. Lots of tears. At least I had first class, so I was deported in style. The border guards were seriously super mean, until I started crying. I might have been crying somewhat hysterically. Not a proud moment.
On 12/1218, the consulate approved a longer TRP, but also required a work permit. More on the work permit in the next paragraph. *PRO TIP* - order your "GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes" if you're applying at a consulate and want (need - who in the heck actually wants this pain???) to consider further entry to Canada after your consulate-issued permit expires/getting another permit. There are various websites that can help you do this, just google "get gcms" or ask Mr. Orana, since someone can do this on your behalf but they have to be located in Canada, and it's like $15, so minimal charge, BUT it will tell you EXACTLY what the consulate and border guards are thinking, since it's like a "freedom of information act" type thing - you have the right to know what their documented thoughts are. That might help Mr. Orana prepare your next application.
SO - the consulate-issued TRP was valid from 12/12/18 - 5/31/19, along with the work permit that the border guards insisted that I apply for on that "kicked out of Canada" visit of 12/2. (You might wonder why I remember all these dates. This tells you what a horrid torture it was, it's that memorable.) The work permit application was done by one of Mr. Orana's attorney colleagues with whom he graduated from McGill (Aryana Rousseau, if you need a work permit/immigration attorney, she's awesome, too). The work permit was "at the border" since it was under NAFTA.
Then, my employer, bless their hearts, decided they wanted to extend my time in the land of great croissants and hot chocolate (I'm in Montreal)...so I was advised by both Mr. Orana and border guards to get a new application to the consulate together ASAP, because the consulate was going to be able to make a decision in, oh, about 4-6 months, like as soon as my then-current permit expired. You know it's legit if your attorney confirms the border guard b**s*** (remember, never trust a border guard, but always obey them). So, Mr. Orana and Ms. Rousseau worked together - and with separate firms, now, this is a big deal - to get me both a work permit and TRP issued by the Canadian consulate in New York. We submitted a legit short novel (it was 100 pages) of VERY THOROUGH documentation about why my employer required me to be in Canada, my qualifications, etc, etc.
My (count this!!) second work permit and third TRP were issued by the Canadian consulate in New York with a validity of 2 years. TWO YEARS!!! This is super rare!!! When I told the border guard that I was applying for two years, she snorted and said "good luck with that". I can't wait to see her again and put my consulate-issued papers on her desk!!!
This is all due to the diligence of Mr. Orana and Ms. Rousseau, so I can't thank them enough. Holiday baskets until the end of time, lol.
Applying for Criminal Rehabilitation on 1/24/23 with Mr. Orana.
Good luck to you all. Highly recommended that you hire Mr. Orana (and hire Ms. Rousseau for non-TRP items; ask them to collaborate if you need both) and I hope you are able to cross the border with a minimum of fuss. DO NOT try this on your own. read more