Sabine Hassoun

Consultant Profile: Sabine Hassoun

I am a regulated immigration consultant and lecturer at law, with more than 8 years teaching experience and more than 15 years of work experience in the legal, business management and financial field. I lived in a few countries before settling in Montreal. I hold bachelors in law ; and Master in law LL.M from university of Montreal, I have great passion for learning in general and teaching specifically where I can pass on my knowledge to others as I also learn from them. I always aim to set an example for being dedicated, organized, professional, consistent, supportive and ambitious. I taught at college lasalle for the immigration law program and I teach occasionally at herzing college in addition to my current role at immigration.ca as legal operations manager.

Why did you decide to become an immigration consultant?

I have always had a special interest in being able to help others achieve their goals, and to leave a positive trace on people’s lives and future. I do believe in people’s hopes and dreams of getting a better life. That is why I chose this area of law. Immigration law in my opinion, positively influences other people’s life paths.

What’s one thing you’d change about the immigration system if you could?

The slow processing times and the refusals process of temporary resident applications.

Describe the most interesting case you had to manage.

In my practice I succeeded in achieving a 100 percent approval rate, even when I get a refusal, I usually contest it and it gets overturned. Recently I was working on a work permit application for a start up visa program applicant, which was refused 2 days after we submitted, due to improper assessment of the application by the assessment officers at IRCC, I did not give up on trying to overturn the decision, so I prepared a reconsideration request, the application was reopened for assessment and got approved 2 weeks after. I always advise my students and my colleagues to never give up if they believe an error took place.

Why did you decide to get into your specialization?

I have always wanted to be in a position where I can advocate for people’s will to get a better life. Law gave me the opportunity to advocate, and immigration law gave me the chance to support people in their journey to get a better life in Canada.

Who is your favourite Canadian celebrity?

Keanu Reeves.

What’s your favourite place in Canada?

Quebec City.

Why is immigration important for Canada?

Canada is the land of immigrants,
I believe that immigrants help build our society and add to the diversity of Canada,they contribute positively to our community by transferring their knowledge, skills and education.

What is your bucket list place to travel to?

Palmyra in Syria and Petra in Jordan.

As an ambassador for Canada, what are you most proud of?

Our Canadian immigration system, laws and regulations that reflect the principles of the Democratic System in Canada and the Canadian procedural and natural fairness and justice. Although it is not perfect, I still believe it is one of the most honorable and efficient immigration systems compared to other countries.