
Vancouver Immigration Lawyer
Joshua is the senior partner in our immigration department, providing full-range immigration services to individuals and corporate clients world-wide.
He assists clients with immigration processing, admissibility issues, procedural fairness matters and refusals – and frequently appears at provincial and federal tribunals and the Federal Court.
Joshua is well known in the industry for his work in accompanying clients to the ports-of-entry across Canada to resolve admissibility issues and facilitate the processing of complex work permit applications.
He also works with individuals and families, with an emphasis on employment, investment, citizenship, humanitarian / compassionate and family sponsorship-based applications. Joshua also works with refugees and other vulnerable applicants, and is always striving to bear the burden for the client on these complicated emotional matters.
Joshua has a diverse background in immigration law, which has included litigating complex immigration matters, and the processing of various temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship applications to Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and international Canadian visa offices.
He is known for his client-responsiveness, and endeavors to bring his positive and upbeat attitude to every file, regardless of the difficult circumstances that the client may find themselves in. Joshua is passionate about immigration law, and is committed to helping clients turn visions into working realities through creative and innovative immigration strategies and a client-focused approach.
Prior to joining Coal Harbour Law, Joshua practiced immigration law with other leading immigration firms in Canada. He was first called to the Bar in North Dakota (2009), and later called to the Bar in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Joshua started law-blogging for The Huffington Post in 2012, and has had several media appearances throughout his career. He previously sat on the Canadian Bar Association Executive Committee – Immigration Division, where he participated policy developments that impacted the Canadian
legal profession. Joshua has become a regular on the immigration lecture circuit, where he enjoys sharing his working knowledge of complex immigration issues with fellow and prospective immigration professionals and students. Joshua has recently joined the Queen’s School of Law as an adjunct-faculty member, where he is teaching Family Class Immigration.
Outside of work Joshua enjoys sailing in the Gulf Islands and Puget Sound.
In addition to Joshua’s Vancouver law practice, he has offices in Surrey and Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Winnpeg
- Juris Doctor, University of North Dakota
Attention to Detail
Joshua has a diverse background in immigration law, which has included litigating complex immigration matters, and the processing of various temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship applications to Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and international Canadian visa offices.
Experience
Prior to joining Coal Harbour Law, Joshua practiced immigration law with other leading immigration firms in Canada. He was first called to the Bar in North Dakota (2009), and later called to the Bar in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.

Jennie McCahill Immigration Practice Manager
Prior to moving to Vancouver, Jennie worked primarily in the areas of banking and insolvency in her native Dublin, Ireland. Upon her arrival in Canada, Jennie gained experience in corporate litigation before settling into immigration law.
Jennie assists lawyers in our Immigration Department and she is especially passionate about working with vulnerable clients on Humanitarian and Compassionate immigration applications. Outside of the office Jennie is involved with local triathlon and cycle clubs, regularly competing in events – she is also an avid downhill skier.
Education
- Bachelor of Law, Dublin Institute of Technology (2008)
- Professional Diploma in Financial Advice, University College Dublin (2014)
- Certificate in Immigration Law, University of British Columbia (2020)

Ryan Mowchun Counsel
Ryan is an immigration lawyer who advises clients on all areas of immigration, including temporary residence matters, permanent residence matters, admissibility and enforcement.
Prior to joining Murphy and Company, Ryan practiced as a solicitor for all levels of government. As such, he has unique insight into the policies, decision making processes and procedures that are involved with immigration processing. With his own father having immigrated to Canada, Ryan also understands the challenges and opportunities associated with pursuing a future in Canada.
In law school Ryan was the recipient of many awards including the McCarthy Tetrault Prize in Contract Law, the Chris Considine Prize in Evidence Law, the Fasken’s Scholarship, The Alexander Holburn Scholarship and the President’s Scholarship.
Ryan lives in Victoria, BC with his wife, son and two dogs.
Education
- B.A., University of Manitoba
- J.D., University of Victoria

Guin Sykes Administrative Assistant
Guin is our talented Administrative Assistant who now assists with a wide range of matters after initially joining the firm as a receptionist.
Outside of the office, Guin enjoys rock climbing, fine art, and coffee.
We'll be there for you
How Can Joshua Help You?
Joshua Slayen Vancouver Immigration Lawyer
Partner at Coal Harbour Law:
1-800-708-3884
1208 West Pender St., 3rd Floor
Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 2S8