Photo of Sophia Khanzadian

Counsel

Sophia Khanzadian

Photo of Sophia Khanzadian
Photo of Sophia Khanzadian
  • People

Counsel

Sophia Khanzadian

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

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
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

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
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

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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Clients turn to Sophia for clear, strategic guidance on Canadian and Québec immigration when mobility decisions carry real operational, regulatory and financial impact. She advises multinational organizations and mid-cap businesses on how to navigate complex immigration frameworks while advancing broader business objectives.

Based in Fragomen’s Montreal office, Sophia serves clients across industries where skilled talent and regulatory scrutiny are critical, including engineering, aerospace, finance, information technology, pharmaceuticals, mining and metals. She also helps multinational employers with scaling operations in Canada while maintaining compliance with evolving federal and Québec-specific immigration requirements.

Sophia has a strong ability to integrate immigration strategy and regulatory compliance into complex corporate initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and high-volume hiring programs. She ensures that immigration solutions align with operational goals and minimize risk and is often called upon when immigration issues extend beyond isolated legal questions to material compliance and operational risks.

Clients value Sophia’s strategic, business-minded approach to immigration and compliance. She is known for anticipating regulatory issues before they arise, presenting compliant options rather than obstacles, and translating complex immigration frameworks into clear guidance that supports executive decision-making. Sophia’s work directly strengthens clients’ bottom lines by reducing compliance exposure, accelerating workforce deployment, and enabling long-term talent strategy.

She believes immigration law is a business enabler, not a barrier. Her approach is grounded in partnership, transparency, and a deep understanding of each client’s operational realities. Sophia measures success not only by approvals obtained, but by how seamlessly immigration supports the client’s broader business objectives. Her ability to combine technical immigration experience with strategic, business-driven advice allows her to operate as an extension of her clients’ leadership teams—particularly in complex, time-sensitive, or high-risk matters where precision and judgment are essential.

As an active leader in the global mobility community, Sophia is a member of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) and Co-Chair of the Montréal CERC Committee. She is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association (Immigration and Citizenship Section), the Québec Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Armenian Bar Association.

Sophia is fluent in English, French and Russian

Clients value Sophia’s strategic, business-minded approach to immigration and compliance. She is known for anticipating regulatory issues before they arise, presenting compliant options rather than obstacles, and translating complex immigration frameworks into clear guidance that supports executive decision-making. Sophia’s work directly strengthens clients’ bottom lines by reducing compliance exposure, accelerating workforce deployment, and enabling long-term talent strategy.

She believes immigration law is a business enabler, not a barrier. Her approach is grounded in partnership, transparency, and a deep understanding of each client’s operational realities. Sophia measures success not only by approvals obtained, but by how seamlessly immigration supports the client’s broader business objectives. Her ability to combine technical immigration experience with strategic, business-driven advice allows her to operate as an extension of her clients’ leadership teams—particularly in complex, time-sensitive, or high-risk matters where precision and judgment are essential.

As an active leader in the global mobility community, Sophia is a member of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) and Co-Chair of the Montréal CERC Committee. She is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association (Immigration and Citizenship Section), the Québec Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Armenian Bar Association.

Sophia is fluent in English, French and Russian

Education

  • University of Quebec in Montreal , LL.B., 2005
  • University of Quebec in Montreal , Certificate in Labour and Social Law, 2001

More from Sophia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Quebec

Professional accomplishments

Member, Quebec Bar Association

Member, Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Citizenship and Immigration Law Section

Member, Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association (AQAADI)

Member, Armenian Bar Association

Member, Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC)

Co-Chair, CERC Montreal section

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “International Recruitment: Facing the Challenge with a New Mindset.” CERC Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada, 18 September 2023.

Sophia’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

Sophia’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

Sophia’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
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Sophia’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
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Sophia’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
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 438 801 4651

F:+1 416 504 3840

Montréal

Fragomen Canada LLP

1010 Sainte-Catherine Street West Suite 200

Montréal QC H3B 5L1

Canada

Sophia’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

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
August 3, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: New Processing Priorities for Certain Visas Announced
August 3, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: Processing Delays and Increased Scrutiny Affecting Work Visa Applications
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
August 3, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: New Processing Priorities for Certain Visas Announced
August 3, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: Processing Delays and Increased Scrutiny Affecting Work Visa Applications
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
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