Jane Katkova
Lawyer
Jane, please tell us about your professional activities - we know that you are one of the most popular and successful immigration lawyers in Canada. What are your current professional interests?
My professional interests are my practice in the field of Canadian immigration law. I have always strived to achieve results, develop expertise, and win clients’ cases. Today, I have a large, long-term practice, an excellent team that works collaboratively and effectively. I believe in G‑d. I believe that nothing in this life is accidental. I believe that people end up with me because they are led from above. And when my clients trust me, I have to do everything in my power for them. I am responsible to G‑d for honesty towards these people, for the professionalism of myself and my employees. This is what I tell my clients: I am just a messenger, a professional, and I will do everything possible to ensure that you get the desired result. I am happy with every victory and rejoice every time, as if I was winning for the first time. And, thank G‑d, there are many such victories.
It is known that you have helped thousands of people.
Yes, many thousands. I understand how valuable each victory is for each individual family. People, as a rule, have serious reasons for moving to another country, in our case to Canada. People don’t usually make such a drastic change lightly; it means that something didn’t work out in the past, there were some problems, or people are looking for a better life for themselves and their children.
Having touched thousands of lives, having lived part of my own, I believed in the fate that G‑d destined for each individual. And also in the fact that in many ways we are co-authors of our destiny. Much depends on our decisions, our courage, our ability to follow our dreams. I believe in a Higher Power without a doubt, and I also believe in humanity. I have infinite respect for people of true faith, willpower, intelligence, I am grateful for the trust of people, I treat it with care.
As one of your former clients, I can say that you treat those who contact you very responsibly.
I think that the most valuable thing for people in my profession is people’s trust. Thank you for your trust. I'm glad everything worked out for us.
It is known that a new direction has appeared in your work.
Yes, the situation in the world is changing, and we are changing with it. For several years now I have been helping clients who want to leave Canada. My Canadian practice is called "Jane Katkova & Associates", the second company is called "Fast Passport Boutique by Jane Katkova.” It helps to obtain residence permits and passports in other countries of the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Also, we work with brilliant specialists in the field of tax minimization and purchasing real estate in European countries.
Could it be described as a “shop for quick passports and residence permits”?
The term “shop” isn’y entirely accurate. This company provides boutique services that are few and far between in Canada, and nonexistent in Toronto. Recently, there has been a trend of Canadians wanting to leave Canada for various reasons. Some are leaving because they are dissatisfied with government policy, others are dissatisfied with the standard of living and rising prices, not to mention the taxation system, which everyone is dissatisfied with. Some people want to move to a country with a warmer climate, others want to have a backup option, a second passport for themselves and their children, and simply have better control over their future. Pandemic times have changed our outlook on life. Now it has become possible to live in one country and work remotely in another. Many people are interested in information about European countries where life is cheaper than in Canada, the climate is more pleasant, and prices are lower. One of these countries is Portugal. After a recent trip to Portugal, I was impressed by how quickly the Jewish community is growing. Jews move there from Canada, England, America, and Israel. The main reasons are a mild climate, a favorable tax regime, the so-called Non Habitual Residence Tax, and relatively inexpensive real estate. Portugal is a country with a good standard of living, health care, and education. And the most important thing for us is that the Portuguese treat Jews well. The Portuguese understand what happened centuries ago when Jews had to flee the country due to persecution by the local population. The first Portuguese king, Afonso I (12th century), treated Jews favorably: he issued decrees in defense of Jews, guaranteed them economic rights and judicial autonomy equal to Christians, and introduced the practice of appointing Jews to high government positions. Subsequently, the Portuguese kings continued this policy until in 1497, under the influence of the church, the Jews were expelled from Portugal. Opposite the main cathedral of Lisbon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planted a tree as a symbol of forgiveness and acceptance by Jews of the repentance of the Portuguese people. Today, Portugal is becoming a new life destination for many: people go there to live, relax and travel.
