Important Updates
Important Updates
March 27, 2026 | New ZealandRNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform
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March 27, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration and Border Security Bill Expands Government Oversight Powers
March 27, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 27, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 27, 2026 | New ZealandRNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform
March 27, 2026 | AngolaAngola: Border Visa and Short-Term Visa Application Process Streamlined
March 27, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration and Border Security Bill Expands Government Oversight Powers
March 27, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 27, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 27, 2026 | New ZealandRNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform
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Photo of Elsa Agostinho

Counsel

Elsa Agostinho

Photo of Elsa Agostinho
Photo of Elsa Agostinho
  • People

Counsel

Elsa Agostinho

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

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 | Fragomen news

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 | Fragomen news

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 | Fragomen news

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

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Fragomen news

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

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 416 504 3838

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Fragomen news

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

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Elsa’s insights

February 23, 2026 | Fragomen news

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

RNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform

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Learn more

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Learn more

Media mentions

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Learn more

Awards

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Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.

Learn more

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Learn more

Media mentions

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Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.

Learn more

Video

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Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Learn more

Blog post

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Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.

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Media mentions

RNZ Asia: Immigration Experts Divided Over Skilled Migrant Residency Reform

Business Immigration Supervisor Fiona Zhou says the restructured Skilled Migrant Category creates clearer pathways and retains skilled workers.

Learn more

Video

Navigating Outbound Services from Germany | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support. 

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

Critical Minerals, the Energy Transition and the Global Race for Skills

Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.

Learn more

Video

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In FC Podcast episode #15, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster, Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons, and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss US entry considerations for the 2026 World Cup, including visa options, policy changes and planning timelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR World: Compliance Now: Value Beyond Risk Management

Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Ranked in Chambers & Partners Poland Immigration Guide

Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Can Staff Visit the USA If They Have a Criminal Record?

Manager Karnig Dukmajian

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: Make Your Move from the UK to France

Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.

Learn more

Video

Traveling to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Visa, ESTA and Entry Rules Explained | #MobilityMinute

Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

CareMarkets: Cost of Non-Compliance

Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.

Learn more

Blog post

Demographics, AI and Global Mobility in 2026: A Global Outlook on Workforce Strategy and Immigration Policy

Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.

Learn more

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