James D. Hayes   Immigration Lawyer

James is Canadian and US Immigration Counsel here at Slayen Immigration Law and offers his clients legal services in both jurisdictions.

Before coming to Slayen Immigration Law, James worked as an immigration lawyer in Canada and the US. Early on, James took an interest in litigation and has since decided to make it a focal point of his practice. He regularly litigates immigration and appellant matters in both countries and builds strong client relationships through cultural knowledge, language, and passionate representation. James is proud to appear on your behalf before Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), Refugee Appeal Division (RAD), Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), Immigration Division (ID), Federal Court of Canada, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

For clients seeking US services, James offers legal advice and representation for non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist Visas, F-1 Student Visas, and US-Mexico-Canada Agreement TN Visas. He also prepares L-1 Intercompany Transfer Visas, E-1/E-2 Treaty and Investor Visas, as well as K-1 Fiancé Visas. James also helps clients with immigrant petitions such as family sponsorship and employment sponsorship, i.e. EB categories. He also represents clients before immigration authorities in the US. James also handles cross-border issues, such as advance parole, re-entry permits, travel documents, and various waivers like the 212(d)(3) and 601/601A waivers.

On the Canadian side, James represents clients seeking Detention Review Hearings, Inadmissibility Refusals, Federal Court Appeals, Orders of Mandamus, Refugee Protection Claims, Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, and Procedural Fairness Responses. James also assists clients with Temporary Residence, such as Work and Study Permits, Visitor Records, Permanent Residence, Spousal Sponsorship, Express Entry Applications, and Canadian Citizenship Applications. An immigrant himself, James understands the difficulties of navigating a new environment and immigration system. He looks forward to helping you and your family immigrate to Canada.

James carries a natural appreciation of language, culture, art, and diversity everywhere he goes. He often says that a client is so much more than a file and his work ethic, success, and client connections confirm that. James has spent extended time in China and France and has a particular fondness for both cultures. Above all, James appreciates that every client teaches him something new.

James offers legal services in French and can speak some Mandarin Chinese.

Outside of work, James can be found reading philosophy, playing guitar, or walking the Vancouver Seawall with his spouse.

Miguel A. Martins Pereirinha   Immigration Lawyer | Partner

Miguel’s academic journey began at the University of Kent, where he earned an LLB with honors. While at Kent, he was actively involved in the Legal Advice Clinic, offering pro bono legal services and gaining invaluable experience across a range of legal matters.

After graduation, Miguel served as the case manager for his local Member of Parliament. During this time, he developed a deep passion for helping newcomers to Canada. This experience gave him unique insights and a strong foundation for his career as a Canadian immigration lawyer.

As an associate lawyer, Miguel specializes in a wide range of immigration-related services, including work permits for businesses and individuals, study permits, visitor visas, and permanent resident applications. When necessary, he represents clients in Federal Court.

Miguel’s approach is characterized by a detailed and compassionate understanding of each client’s unique situation, ensuring they receive the best possible guidance and support throughout their immigration journey. His dedication to making the complex immigration process accessible has earned him the trust of his clients.

Called to the bar of British Columbia in January 2021, Miguel is a member of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association.

Steve Parr Of Counsel

Steve Parr practices with Parr Business Law which is in collaboration with Slayen Immigration Law.  Steve and his team bring a wealth of expertise and a straightforward approach to every client interaction.

An entrepreneur at heart, Steve founded and sold a vacation rental company before launching Parr Business Law in 2017. Steve earned his law degree from the University of Victoria in 2014 and also holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Steve pursuing his passion for learning new languages, surfing, playing pickleball, spikeball or hitting up some sauna and cold plunge locale. Forever committed to inner work, Steve has also been a member of the Vancouver personal growth community, the Arka Brotherhood for nearly a decade.

Dean Szikinger   Of Counsel

Dean practices with Zaifman Immigration and in collaboration with Slayen Immigration Law. He has been assisting individuals and families with all types of Canadian immigration applications for over a decade. He has experience resolving complex matters involving refused applications, inadmissibility, procedural fairness, and out of status applicants. He regularly represents clients before the administrative tribunals of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and in Federal Court. Dean also works with employers and businesses to guide them through the process of obtaining positive Labour Market Impact Assessments, and he assists individuals to obtain work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Dean is Past Chair of the Manitoba Bar Association Immigration Law Section and Past President of the Community Legal Education Association. He is involved in the community by volunteering with other organizations such as the Newcomer Employment and Education Development Service.

Dean immigrated to Canada from Hungary with his family in the 1990s. He knows firsthand the unique needs and challenges faced by immigrants and their families, and he considers it a privilege to be in a position to help.

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.

Emily Mountain   Junior Legal Assistant

Emily joined the firm in August of 2022 as a Junior Legal Assistant. Being one of the youngest members of our firm, she is passionate about her studies in criminology, which is what sparked her interest in working in the legal industry, and is quickly learning the ins and outs of law. Emily has an extensive background in Customer Service, and loves learning and exploring new skills.

On the weekends, you can find Emily at home with her family, including her cat, Flicker, and her two dogs. She enjoys being outdoors, especially on horseback, and loves hiking up mountains to admire the multitude of colours of autumn from above.

Selena Fan   Global Immigration Specialist

Selena Fan is a licensed Canadian immigration consultant and Global Immigration Specialist, working alongside Slayen Immigration Law on “world” immigration matters. With 15 years of experience, Selena assists individuals and corporate clients in immigrating to Canada, the USA, Mexico, Grenada, Panama and Europe. Her specialties include investor-focused immigration programs, particularly the Canadian Start-Up Visa and the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, where she works closely with high-net-worth clients to navigate their unique needs.

With extensive experience in international immigration, Selena offers strategic support to clients looking to explore opportunities in different countries. She takes a personalized approach, crafting solutions that fit each client’s unique immigration goals, whether they involve investment, residency, or citizenship. Known for her quick responses and attention to detail, Selena is dedicated to making the global immigration process as smooth and successful as possible for her clients.

Selena holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and commerce from the University of British Columbia and graduated with honors in immigration law from Ashton College. As a member in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), she offers informed, reliable guidance grounded in both academic and practical experience.

Whether you’re an individual or a business seeking investor immigration solutions in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Grenada, Panama or Europe, Selena provides a full suite of services tailored to high-net-worth clients. Trust her expertise and commitment to make your immigration journey successful and stress-free.