Important Updates
Important Updates
May 8, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 8, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers
May 8, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 8, 2026 | MexicoMexico: Processing Delays Impacting Immigration Timelines
May 8, 2026 | MexicoMexico: Reminder: Use of Automated Immigration Kiosks at Airports
May 8, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 8, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers
May 8, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 8, 2026 | MexicoMexico: Processing Delays Impacting Immigration Timelines
May 8, 2026 | MexicoMexico: Reminder: Use of Automated Immigration Kiosks at Airports
May 8, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
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Photo of Elsa Agostinho

Counsel

Elsa Agostinho

Photo of Elsa Agostinho
Photo of Elsa Agostinho
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Counsel

Elsa Agostinho

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

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[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

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1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

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[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

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[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

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Elsa serves as Counsel in Fragomen’s Montreal office, where she guides clients through complex Canadian and Quebec immigration laws and policies. She works closely with senior business leaders, HR teams and in-house counsel to ensure the right work permits and visas are in place to support urgent talent and project demands, as well as long-term workforce planning. Elsa advises multinational companies across a number of industries to address labour shortages, build recruitment strategies and manage workforce mobility in high-stakes, time sensitive environments. In addition to ensuring corporate compliance during cross-border work, global mobility and business travel, she guides individuals and families through temporary or permanent relocation to Canada.

Recognizing immigration law as a fast-moving, highly technical field requiring adaptability, precision and strategy, Elsa approaches immigration as a core business function that is essential to global mobility, economic growth and talent competitiveness. She also regularly integrates immigration advice with compliance, labour law, HR and corporate strategy. Clients rely on Elsa for legal guidance as well as for clear-risk-mitigation advice correlating with business decisions.

Elsa’s practice centers on advising employers through risk mitigation and compliance inspections, particularly during mergers and acquisitions, where immigration decisions can directly affect business continuity. Clients rely on her as a trusted advisor, especially corporate immigration programs serving small and mid-sized businesses and multinational organizations. This approach helps them minimize operational disruption, compliance risk and financial exposure. Elsa brings a highly valued talent for simplifying complex requirements and delivering guidance, developed through nearly three decades of experience creating long-term, scalable immigration strategies for growth-stage and global companies.

Many clients underestimate the difference between Canadian and Quebec immigration regulations, and how changing policies can create complex compliance obligations for work permits, business travel and employee mobility. Elsa serves as a trusted advisor, navigating these complexities in practical terms and helping clients turn those challenges into risk-aware strategies. Known for her strategic insight, Elsa is recognized as someone who constantly delivers results under tight timelines. She is often described as someone who “makes the impossible possible.”

Elsa’s commitment to immigration law is deeply rooted in her own personal history. Her parents went through the immigration process themselves and she grew up understanding both the challenges involved and the transformative impact immigration can have on a family’s life. Every matter she handles, corporate or individual, is treated with the same high level of care and attention, as she is personally driven to achieve positive results for the people she serves.

As a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on immigration, mobility and compliance, Elsa has a long track record helping organizations and individuals in today’s challenging immigration and mobility landscape.

Elsa speaks English and French.

Many clients underestimate the difference between Canadian and Quebec immigration regulations, and how changing policies can create complex compliance obligations for work permits, business travel and employee mobility. Elsa serves as a trusted advisor, navigating these complexities in practical terms and helping clients turn those challenges into risk-aware strategies. Known for her strategic insight, Elsa is recognized as someone who constantly delivers results under tight timelines. She is often described as someone who “makes the impossible possible.”

Elsa’s commitment to immigration law is deeply rooted in her own personal history. Her parents went through the immigration process themselves and she grew up understanding both the challenges involved and the transformative impact immigration can have on a family’s life. Every matter she handles, corporate or individual, is treated with the same high level of care and attention, as she is personally driven to achieve positive results for the people she serves.

As a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on immigration, mobility and compliance, Elsa has a long track record helping organizations and individuals in today’s challenging immigration and mobility landscape.

Elsa speaks English and French.

Education

  • Ecole du Barreau du Québec, Professional Training and Practice, 1996
  • Université de Montréal, LL.B., 1994

More from Elsa

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Barreau du Québec (Bar of Quebec)

Awards

Listed in Chambers Canada, 2024-2026

Listed in Chambers Global, 2024-2025

Listed in Best Lawyers in Canada, 2018-2025

Professional accomplishments

Member, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Member, Canadian Bar Association

Member, Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association (AQAADI)

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “La pénurie de main d'œuvre chez les entreprises : plus néfaste que la pandémie.” Évènement Les Affaires 2e édition, 2021.

Speaker, “AI Immigration – Your Stepping Stone to Success.” World Summit AI Americas, Montreal, Canada, 10-11 April 2019.

Speaker, “Temporary Foreign Workers Program.” Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC), Montreal, Canada, 2014.

Speaker, “Changements au programme des travailleurs étrangers temporaires.” CERC, Montreal, Canada, 2013.

Speaker, “Les travailleurs expatriés au Québec : Guide pratique pour une intégration juridique et économique réussie.” 4th Mondissimo International Mobility Conference, Paris, France, 2012.

Speaker, “S'implanter au Canada: les visas, les aspects juridiques, l'investissement.” 4th Mondissimo International Mobility Conference, Paris, France, 2012.

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Share

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Share

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  • Facebook
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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Fragomen in Montréal, Canada

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in MontréalRead more

February 17, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses how proposed H-1B salary threshold increases may raise employer costs and influence hiring strategies for specialized talent across industries.

Learn more

Video

Portugal Extends Citizenship Timeline | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses Portugal’s newly approved nationality law changes and the potential impact on Golden Visa applicants and other foreign residents.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: AI Use in UK Immigration Tribunals Prompts Scrutiny Over Decision-Making Process

Partner Rajiv Naik highlights the importance of transparency, clear guidance and human oversight as AI use expands in UK immigration tribunals.

Learn more

Video

Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES): What Travelers Need to Know

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup outlines how Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES) introduces digital tracking of non-EU short-stay travel across the Schengen Area, requiring more proactive planning, accurate record-keeping and awareness of increased border processing times to avoid delays and overstay risks.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年4月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing Agencies

Partner Chad Ellsworth discusses recent H-1B lottery changes, including salary-weighted selection and filing restrictions, and how they are influencing employer selection outcomes and hiring approaches for foreign talent.

Learn more

Work authorization

EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses how proposed H-1B salary threshold increases may raise employer costs and influence hiring strategies for specialized talent across industries.

Learn more

Video

Portugal Extends Citizenship Timeline | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses Portugal’s newly approved nationality law changes and the potential impact on Golden Visa applicants and other foreign residents.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: AI Use in UK Immigration Tribunals Prompts Scrutiny Over Decision-Making Process

Partner Rajiv Naik highlights the importance of transparency, clear guidance and human oversight as AI use expands in UK immigration tribunals.

Learn more

Video

Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES): What Travelers Need to Know

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup outlines how Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES) introduces digital tracking of non-EU short-stay travel across the Schengen Area, requiring more proactive planning, accurate record-keeping and awareness of increased border processing times to avoid delays and overstay risks.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年4月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing Agencies

Partner Chad Ellsworth discusses recent H-1B lottery changes, including salary-weighted selection and filing restrictions, and how they are influencing employer selection outcomes and hiring approaches for foreign talent.

Learn more

Work authorization

EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

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