Immigration Paralegal

McInnes Cooper; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Firm-paid health and dental benefits

Health Spending Accounts

Commuting allowance

Vacation and personal time

Hybrid work options

Professional development

Wellness initiatives

DEI programs and community involvement

Job summary

McInnes Cooper seeks an Immigration Paralegal to join our national Immigration Practice. The role supports immigration matters from intake to filing with a hybrid work arrangement across offices.

You will work closely with immigration lawyers, manage documents, liaise with IRCC/CBSA, and help deliver high-quality client service to corporate and individual clients. The ideal candidate has a paralegal or related diploma, immigration experience is an asset, and strong communication, attention to

Qualifications

• Paralegal, Legal Administration, or related diploma or equivalent.
• Experience supporting immigration matters or in a legal/regulatory/client-service environment.
• Knowledge of Canadian immigration processes or ability to develop quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage immigration files from intake through completion, meeting deadlines and client expectations.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate immigration applications and supporting docs (work permits, ICTs, LMIA, CUSMA, visitor visas, permanent residence, citizenship).
• Draft forms, letters, and materials for lawyer review.
• Communicate with clients to gather information and provide updates.
• Liaise with IRCC and CBSA; maintain accurate records in case management systems.
• Conduct immigration-related legal and procedural research to support matters.
• Collaborate with lawyers across offices to deliver timely, high-quality support.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and best practices within the Immigration Practice.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational & time management

Professionalism & discretion

Client relations

MS 365 proficiency

Education

Paralegal/Legal Admin diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented legal professional who enjoys managing complex files, building strong client relationships, and helping people navigate significant life and business transitions?

McInnes Cooper is seeking an Immigration Paralegal to join our national Immigration Practice. This position may be based in any McInnes Cooper office and offers a hybrid work arrangement. Working closely with immigration lawyers and legal professionals across the firm, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional service to both corporate and individual clients. You will manage immigration matters from intake through filing, helping clients navigate Canada's immigration system while ensuring applications are prepared accurately, efficiently, and on time.

Qualifications

What You Bring to the Team

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Paralegal, Legal Administration, or related diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting immigration matters or working in a legal, regulatory, professional services, or client-service environment.
• Knowledge of Canadian immigration processes and documentation requirements, or the ability to develop this expertise quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• A client-focused mindset and the ability to build positive working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and an aptitude for learning new technology and case management systems.

Immigration experience is considered an asset; however, we welcome applications from candidates with strong legal, regulatory, professional services, or client-service backgrounds who are eager to develop expertise in this growing area of practice.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $47,000 to $70,500 annually. Individual compensation is determined based on the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and other relevant factors.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

As an Immigration Paralegal, you will:

• Manage immigration files from initial intake through completion, ensuring deadlines, requirements, and client expectations are met.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate immigration applications and supporting documentation, including:
  • Work permits
  • Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs)
  • Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
  • CUSMA applications
  • Business visitor and visitor visa applications
  • Permanent residence applications
  • Citizenship-related matters
• Draft forms, submission letters, correspondence, and supporting materials for lawyer review.
• Communicate directly with clients to gather information, obtain supporting documentation, provide updates, and guide them through application processes.
• Liaise with government agencies, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Maintain accurate records using immigration case management technology and firm systems.
• Conduct immigration-related legal and procedural research to support client matters.
• Collaborate with lawyers and team members across offices to deliver timely, high-quality legal support and client service.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing, and best practices within the Immigration Practice.

Why Join McInnes Cooper?

McInnes Cooper is one of Canada's leading business law firms, known for innovative legal solutions and a collaborative, inclusive, and genuinely supportive culture. When you join McInnes Cooper, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work with experienced lawyers and legal professionals at a nationally respected firm.
• A collaborative environment where your contributions and ideas are valued.
• A flexible, modern workplace that supports well-being, learning, and professional growth.
• Opportunities to collaborate across offices and practice groups.
• A Great Place to Work committed to inclusion, wellness, and community engagement.

At McInnes Cooper, you'll find more than a job. You'll find challenging and rewarding work, opportunities to grow, and a community of people who genuinely care about each other, our clients, and the communities we serve.

Our team members enjoy access to:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan;
• Firm-paid health and dental benefits, plus Health and Personal (Wellness) Spending Accounts;
• Commuting allowance;
• Vacation, personal, volunteer and sick time;
• Hybrid and flexible work options for many team members;
• Professional development and employee wellness initiatives; and
• Diversity, equity and inclusion programs, with community and volunteer opportunities