Craig Natsuhara
Business Immigration
As a business immigration lawyer, I counsel my clients on the recruitment and retention of foreign workers and assist business people seeking to immigrate to Canada. I also assist foreign businesses establish operations and invest in capital projects across Canada. In addition, I develop strategies for bringing foreign workers into Canada, draft applications for work permits and permanent resident status, and advise non-Canadians on how to overcome potential grounds of inadmissibility to Canada. My practice also has a large focus on Labour Market Opinions and the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
Like all members of the Business Immigration team, I am keenly interested in learning about my clients' businesses so that I can help formulate the appropriate immigration solution and then work with them to ensure a successful implementation. I believe my Commerce degree helps me to better understand my clients' business cases when preparing immigration applications. I also enjoy keeping clients informed of developing immigration issues, new laws and emerging trends. I recognize the importance of industry advocacy, and have recently been assisting the gaming, visual effects and other such industries advocate to government at the federal, provincial and municipal levels for reasonable and effective solutions for temporary foreign worker shortages
I am passionate about giving back to the community. I was the Chair of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Immigration Section from 2007 to 2009 and currently serve as Co-chair of the Service Canada (HRSDC) Joint Committee. I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge by teaching the "Temporary Entry to Canada" module of the University of British Columbia's Certificate in Immigration program and regularly moderating or presenting at Continuing Legal Education conferences. What I am most passionate about is my involvement with the National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre, where I have been a Director since 1998 and am proudly serving my third term as President.
Prior to joining Spectrum HR Law LLP, I was a partner at a major national law firm and head of the Immigration Law Practice Group, developing it into a nationally recognized practice. I have been practicing law since 1999.
