Just a reminder that there is another five year rule associated with naturalization that we often forget about: good moral character for the five years (three years for spouses of US citizens) immediately prior to filing the naturalization application. Many cross-border practitioners probably assume that high net worth Canadians always meet this requirement. Bad assumption.
Arrests, charges, and criminal convictions of any kind and at any time in the client’s life must be noted on the naturalization application and may affect the good moral character assessment, whether or not the “bad conduct” occurred during the five year period before filing (sounds unfair, doesn’t it?). Almost any arrest or conviction merits a consultation with an immigration attorney who is highly experienced in naturalization matters.
Clients ought to encourage the professionals in their lives to "play well together in the sandbox": to meet, talk, and share client information.
"...Collaborating is just an excuse for running up higher hourly fees..."
How short-sighted!
When the lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents on both sides of the border don't talk with each other, working with blinders on, their cross-border clients can miss tremendous opportunities and face stiff penalties--in effect burning tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on the barbie.
