Dear GDipICL graduates,
Congratulations on completing the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law program, and reaching this significant milestone in your academic journey!
You have invested in your education and future growth, and demonstrated the power of perseverance and dedication.
As the next generation of immigration practitioners, policymakers, and leaders, you will play a vital role in enhancing Canada’s economic growth and social vibrancy, supporting our human rights and family reunification priorities, and ensuring shared access to prosperity.
You are joining the proud tradition of Queen’s graduates and alum who are the long-term stewards of the ideals of this institution, its principles, and its commitment to advancing public and community service.
Below you will find a message from our senior program administrators, congratulatory messages from faculty, staff, students, and more.
We encourage you to share this content with your friends and family as we celebrate YOU and give you the recognition and appreciation that you deserve.
Congratulations!
Message from Dean Colleen Flood
Message from Sharry Aiken, Academic Director
Message from Don Ames, Manager, Admissions and Recruitment
Message from Jan Edward, Manager, Academic Operations and Administration
Congratulations on this momentous achievement! Your journey to this point has been filled with challenges, but your unwavering dedication and hard work have brought you to this incredible milestone. As you stand here on the threshold of a new chapter, remember the immense potential within you.
This is not just a graduation; it's a launchpad for the positive impact you're destined to make in the immigration and citizenship sector. Your commitment to excellence and the pursuit of knowledge has set you apart, and I have no doubt that you will continue to shine.
As you transition to becoming a part of our GDipICL Alumni Family, envision the endless possibilities ahead. You're not just graduates; you're champions ready to shape the future. Your unique talents and perspectives will contribute to the betterment of the world around you.
I am genuinely excited to witness the transformative influence you will have on the lives of those you serve. So, go forth with confidence, embrace the challenges, and let your passion drive you towards making a lasting, positive difference. The world is ready for the incredible contributions only you can bring. Congratulations once again!
Jan Edward, Manager, Academic Operations and Administration
Messages from Faculty, Staff and Students
Scott Macdonald, Instructor
Oluwakemi Oduwole, Instructor
Arian Sultafa, Instructor
Rhonda Williams, Instructor
Anita Boscariol, Instructor
Vikas Rai Chauhan, Graduate
Congratulations on reaching this amazing milestone ! It was a great pleasure being one of your instructors, to see you engaging with and learning the course material. All of your hard work and dedication has led to this wonderful achievement in your lives. May you take what you have learned to carve out a future in the immigration field which is both rewarding and meaningful.
All the best !
Joanne Lau, Adjunct Instructor, ICL 850
Congratulations to all the fellow graduates. Thanks to Queens University for developing this extensive course and all the Professors ( especially Mr. John Norquoy, Hassan, Aris, Christopher) , who were involved throughout this journey. Special shout out to respected Ms. Jan Edward our Program coordinator who timely responded to all the queries. I would also like to extend thanks to my classmates Mr. Manan Gupta and Mrs. Manpreet Randhawa for career guidance and motivational support throughout the course.
Thank you
Poonam Ruhal, Graduate
Congratulations!!! you guys did it!!!
Wishing you all the best for the next steps you take in this journey...
Muhammad Wajahat Faizan, J.D. LL.M, Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, RCIC, Adjunct Professor
Dear Graduates,
I would like to congratulate you for reaching this milestone.Bravo! Through grit, hard work and determination, you have reached your goal thus far – and now is a moment to reflect in awe on just how far you’ve come in one year. May your future hold such rich and engaging learning experiences forever!
Welcome to the field and I truly hope the foundations laid here at Queens will prove over time to have prepared you well to serve the public with the academic, ethical and psychological skillset needed to succeed in this very challenging field. All the best wherever your path may take you next – and please keep in touch!
Lynn Gaudet, Adjunct Professor
Dear GDipICL Graduates,
Warmest congratulations to each and every one of you on reaching this remarkable milestone in your academic journey. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment have brought you to this moment, and it is a privilege to share in your joy as you embark on this new chapter in your lives.
As you graduate from the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law (GDipICL) program, you are not just closing the door on your academic pursuits but opening a world of opportunities. The knowledge you have gained, the challenges you have overcome, and the connections you have forged during your time here will serve as a foundation for the adventures that lie ahead. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and your graduation from the GDipICL program is not the end but the beginning of a new and exciting phase.
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to the GDipICL Class of 2023. You have not only demonstrated your academic prowess but also your ability to dream big and work diligently to realize those dreams. I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve remarkable things in your future endeavors.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Jolene McLean, Program Coordinator
Congratulations to all my friends on graduating from the GDipICL of the Queens university! This is a major milestone in our lives, and the day is finally here!
This momentous occasion, is a testament to your grit and determination, of the countless hours you have toiled, of the huge sacrifices made by you, and your family. I deeply respect you, and your family for this immeasurable support.
The knowledge gained in this course, will help you successfully positively change the life journey of so many clients, and help you create countless life changing client stories.
And as Spiderman said “With great power, comes greater responsibilities!” I do hope that you would distinguish yourself, with the deep knowledge and skills, and will uphold the ethos of the profession, and help build a better Canadian Society!
I wish you all the very best in all your future endeavors!!
Namasté | Regards,
Vikas Rai Chauhan (He/ Him), BHM, AGMP, MBA, GDipICL, Past President (2022-23) & Honorary Member of the Student Council Graduate Fall 2022 Cohort
Congratulations on reaching this academic milestone! Live, soar and thrive. You have endless possibilities ahead of you. Take a moment and give yourselves the credit that you deserve for this achievement. Wishing you success in all your endeavors. We are all proud of you.
Christina Asperilla, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Please take some time to reflect on the many accomplishments you achieved during your memorable time doing the GDipICL program.
Working with the GDipICL students is a memorable experience. The team takes such pleasure and pride in our efforts to support you through your journey. We are genuinely invested in your successes as students and your broader achievements in life beyond the classroom. Working with intelligent, engaged, and committed students who move toward personal and team success makes our work behind the scenes worthwhile and enjoyable.
Now that the GDipICL experience has wrapped up, each of you has moved on to new careers, new paths of study, new growing families and new challenges and opportunities.
Your cohort deserves to come together to celebrate your milestone achievement.
Thank you for choosing Queen’s University for your GDIPICL education. As the years progress, you will look back and remember the skills you enhanced, the lessons you learned and the relationships cultivated. We are honoured to have been a part of this memorable time in your life.
Amanda Higgins-O’Donnell, Program Coordinator
I cleared my EPE this September all thanks to Queens’ commendable professors and very engaging academic staff. Thanks for this enjoyable ride that led me towards a new career path.
Bhanvi, Graduate
Congratulations GDipICL graduates! You have successfully completed a challenging and rigorous graduate level legal studies program. As you look back on your learning journey in this program you will certainly see how far you have come since those first few weeks in ICL810. You have survived and you have thrived! Take a moment to recognize the personal and professional sacrifices that you and your loved ones have made in order to reach this stage! Savour and relish this moment knowing that you are empowered with the skills, values and knowledge that you have gained in this program and will continue to develop throughout your professional career. Best wishes in all your endeavours, whatever path they may lead you towards!
Harini Sivalingam, ICL810 Coordinating Instructor
Congratulations to the class on all your hard work. This is a difficult and challenging course, but the hard work will pay off for you in your future because you will have the skills and education necessary to work in this complex field and to be a good advocate for your clients. Please feel free to reach out to me for support in the future. Wishing you all the best.
Julie McMahon, Graduate
To all graduates of the GDiplCL program, congratulations! I am proud of the Class of 2023 and cannot wait to see all your accomplishments in the next chapter. All of your hard work and perseverance have led you to this proud moment in your lives. For those of you who attended my classes, please remember the Three Cs. The world of immigration is now at your fingertips, and I wish everyone the very best in your next adventure!
Fred Y-F Li, Adjunct Instructor
You made it, friend! Through late-night studies, while balancing other priorities like family (furry and human alike) and work. Through natural disasters to emotional rollercoasters. I see you through the screen, making tough decisions and personal sacrifices. And we made it together. We have made lifelong bonds with like-minded folks from across the country and across multiple cultural backgrounds. And our network has become richer with the professors and administrators we've had to guide our way.
I am cheering you on, fellow career-shifters. I see you, fellow advocates, who will become guides and practitioners in the immigration space. Or not. And that's okay too. I foresee staying connected with you because of our shared experience through the GDipICL program.
Here's to our future success, whatever that may look like, and however you define it.
I look forward to hearing your news. Feel free to connect via LinkedIn!
Hannah Flostrand, Graduate
I’m so glad that another cohort of GDipICL students successfully completed the program and will have an exciting different future! It’s an honor to be part of your academic journey and the teaching is also an invaluable learning experience for me. Thank you for your dedication to the program and your experiences sharing, questions, inspiration to me, and all I have learned from you. Warmest congratulations on your graduation! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors no matter be a RCIC, a Visa officer, a RISIA, an immigrant settlement worker or in seeking other related career! Whatever you do and wherever you go, I hope what you learned from the program can always support you, strengthen you, guide you, and inspire you!
Ivy Li, Instructor
Our industry is constantly evolving. Consequently, you must be very flexible and energetic to stay on top of the never-ending changes in Canadian immigration and citizenship law. However, if you embrace your opportunities, you will find your new career to be the most rewarding experience.
Take on the world! Collect many memories. So, you will inspire your juniors with amazing stories when it is your turn to teach.
Adventures await you.
Katharina Kontaxis, Instructor
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have crossed paths with each of you in this program. Our journey has been marked by excitement, challenges, and a sense of unity as we have worked towards a common goal. I look forward to witnessing our growth as we become the ethical and compassionate RCICs of the future. Stay connected friends, and I will see you along the journey ahead.
Lingnan Cai, Graduate
Wishing you all a wonderful career, as you embark in this exciting field. I know you will assist many individuals and families, seeking a better life and opportunities here in Canada. Remember that reputation is very important and to always do right by your clients; ask for help when necessary; and make your mark as competent and knowledgeable practitioners in this field. You all have the tools to be successful and I know you will make every one of us proud, having graduated from this excellent program. All the best!
Prathima Prashad, Instructor
Congratulations class of 2023!
You have accomplished so much throughout this program. Wishing you continued success and an exciting career ahead.
Mia Loebach-Readings, Instructor
Congratulations to all my fellow colleagues for this outstanding accomplishment! Have fun dressing up in your gowns. This milestone step is just a stepping stone for more success to come.
A heartfelt thanks to the experienced & knowledgeable faculty of Queen’s who always enlightened our path.
Jaideep Chikersal, Graduate
Never stop believing in yourself. It is already proven that nothing can stand in our way when it comes to accomplishing our dream. Congratulations, will be having fun dressing up in a gown and hat!
Sakshi Syal, Graduate
Congratulations to my fellow graduates in the GDipICL Graduating Class of 2023!
A year ago, doubts may have clouded our minds as we embarked on our first semester. Nevertheless, we triumphed over our initial challenges, and we have persevered to reach this moment.
As we venture into the world, equipped with the knowledge and skills we have acquired, let us eagerly welcome the opportunities and challenges that await us. May the principles of integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning guide us in both our professional and personal journeys.
Let us take a moment to relish the result of our resolute devotion, endurance, and the countless hours we have spent learning, and then go out and make our mark.
Jheanell Williams, Graduate
Dear Fellow Graduate,
I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023!
Completing the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law has been a journey that combined challenge with great reward, and it is an honor to stand among my peers as we cross this significant milestone. The knowledge we've gained and the experiences we've shared have equipped us to make meaningful contributions in our field.
Our success is a shared success, deeply rooted in the dedication of all our faculty who have guided us with their knowledge and expertise throughout our studies. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am excited to see the paths we will carve out in the world of immigration and citizenship law.
I am looking forward to celebrating our collective success in person.
Warmest regards,
Lida Berenjian, Graduate
Congratulations, everyone! What a year it has been! Now it’s time to celebrate all our accomplishments. Best of luck to all of you!
Melina Aslan, Graduate
From me to you all, congratulations on graduating from the GDipICL. It was a pleasure instructing so many of you. I am grateful to you for sharing with me your dreams and aspirations.
You are entering into an exciting industry. Remember to respect the license, offer top notch professional representation while remembering you will change many lives for the better around the world.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at upcoming conventions and seminars.
Marty Baram, Instructor
Congratulations and best wishes on your new and very rewarding journey!
Razmeen Joya, Instructor
Congratulations to all my fellow graduates who completed the GDipICL program! We did it!!
We have made it successfully through each discussion post, test and assignment. Our hard work, sacrifice and dedication has truly paid off. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. May we take the knowledge and lessons learned to make the field better for our clients. Go Carpe Diem!
Nichola McCormack, Graduate
Congratulations to the class of 2023!
May we all find joy in the new career path we have chosen. We have worked hard and deserve to celebrate.
And to our instructors, I say a big thank you for your patience and impactful knowledge.
Anslem Etuokwu, Graduate
With a heart full of gratitude and pride, I wish each one of us a massive congratulations on successfully completing our GDipICL studies!
Thank you to the Professors and staff members for your patience and assistance with our success! I am so incredibly blessed to have learned from, and alongside so many brilliant Professors and colleagues.
Now, may we show the world grace and humility through our ethical practice as immigration legal professionals, and may we all reach our goals as future Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants of the highest esteem! Congratulations again, Class of 2023!
Sharon George, Graduate
Congratulations on your achievement!! Be proud of this accomplishment. I hope your knowledge and experiences provide you with great opportunities and much success. We will always be here to support you in your future endeavours.
Catharine Baier, Instructor
Congratulations to all who are graduating the GDipICL program. Wow...what an incredible journey this has been! I still remember how overwhelming we all were in our first ICL810 course. But we all were persistent and made a lot of sacrifices along the way to get to where we are now.
Congratulations to all who have passed the EPE exam and good luck to those who will be writing it soon! Enjoy and cherish this time as we all deserve it :-)
I hope to connect and collaborate with some of you soon!
Arshdeep Kaur, Graduate
The program at Queen's was definitely a rollercoaster with its own high and lows. But we all made it through and are going to become RCICs soon. So once again, congratulations to all my classmates and cheers to the Queen's team.
Akshita Narang, Graduate