PC

poonam chahal

Open to opportunities

IMMIGRATION CASE MANAGER

Surrey, BC, CA

Sign in to follow
JYH Immigration Limited
University of Pune

About

Results-driven Immigration Case Manager with 10+ years of progressive experience across Canadian and international immigration casework, compliance, and operations. Skilled in reviewing complex case files, interpreting legislation and regulations, and rendering well-reasoned, evidence-based decisions on Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications, Deportation/Removal Order appeals, Restoration of Status, and Permanent Residency matters. Recognized for an exceptional eye for detail — consistently identifying errors, inconsistencies, and gaps in case files, including those prepared by other representatives and consultants, and mistakes made by officers, before they affect an outcome. Experienced applying principles of administrative fairness in dispute resolution and formal review processes. KEY STRENGTH: Exceptional ability to find faults, errors, and inconsistencies in case files — including those prepared by other representatives and consultants, and mistakes made by officers — before they affect an outcome.

Experience

  1. Manager, Immigration Case Manager

    JYH Immigration Limited

    Sep 2024 to Present

    Surrey

    • Review case files and third-party submissions in fine detail, catching errors and omissions by other representatives and consultants, and mistakes made by officers, before they affect an outcome. • Lead complex immigration cases — H&C applications, deportation defence, PR, and Restoration of Status — ensuring thorough documentation and full compliance with IRCC regulations. • Interpret and apply IRPA and IRCC regulations to assess case merits and determine the appropriate course of action for each file. • Manage a high-volume caseload of temporary residence files (work permits, SOWPs, TRVs, study permits) with a focus on accuracy and client satisfaction. • Liaise directly with IRCC, Service Canada, and legal representatives to resolve case challenges and secure positive outcomes. • Own end-to-end case processing — document collection, preparation, submission, and tracking through to final decision. • Redesigned intake and tracking workflows, cutting processing delays and lifting client satisfaction and approval rates.

  2. Manager, Immigration Operations

    Visaforme Immigration Inc.

    Mar 2023 to Aug 2024

    Surrey, BC

    • Prepared and filed PR, Restoration, and temporary resident applications in strict adherence to IRCC deadlines and regulatory standards. • Scrutinized case files line by line to identify errors and weaknesses before submission, reducing risk of refusal. • Drafted persuasive submissions for LMIA-based work permits and SOWPs, achieving consistently high approval rates. • Delivered case strategy and compliance oversight, identifying and mitigating refusal risk at every application stage. • Guided clients through appeals and sensitive immigration matters with clear, step-by-step communication.

  3. Operations & Immigration Manager

    Elite Immigration

    Apr 2016 to Nov 2022

    Punjab, India

    • Directed full-cycle immigration operations across Study Visas, PR, TRVs, Work Permits, and Restoration of Status for a diverse client base. • Audited case files in meticulous detail, catching errors made by junior staff and other preparers, and preparing written reports to strengthen submissions prior to filing. • Applied consistent, evidence-based judgment when assessing case eligibility and weighing supporting documentation. • Trained and mentored junior staff on IRCC processes, compliance protocols, and client-service standards. • Built long-term client relationships through transparent communication and consistent, favourable outcomes.

  4. Manager – Marketing & Customer Service Operations

    GE Capital BPM & Services Ltd.

    May 2012 to Dec 2012

    Gurgaon, India

    • Directed a large-scale customer service and documentation team, maintaining strict compliance in a highly regulated environment. • Designed process-improvement initiatives that cut service turnaround times and lifted efficiency by 15%. • Collaborated with senior leadership to prepare operational reports and compliance updates for internal and external stakeholders.

  5. Manager (Legal)

    GE Capital Business Process Management & Services Ltd.

    Mar 2010 to May 2012

    Mumbai, India

    • Assessed disputed claims on their merits and represented the company in local arbitration tribunals, applying principles of fairness and due process to reach determinations. • Oversaw legal activities for the western region, focusing on financial products and services. • Strategized and evaluated the company's legal plans, capital structure, and compliance requirements in coordination with management. • Collaborated with collections teams to execute legal strategies and maximize recovery volumes. • Managed relationships with seven authorized representatives and 25 law firms across the Western region. • Handled provisioning, billing, and auditing of law firms, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company standards. • Resolved customer dispute cases through formal review processes, issuing determinations in line with company policy and legal standards.

  6. Post-Acquisition Audit Specialist

    GE Capital

    Nov 2009 to Mar 2010

    Gurgaon, India

    • Conducted independent, detail-driven reviews of case files and processes, applying defined criteria to assess compliance and identify discrepancies missed in initial processing. • Conducted comprehensive post-acquisition audits across production, remittance, statement distribution, party/merchant acquiring, and loyalty operations. • Analyzed production processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies and recommend performance improvements. • Audited remittance procedures, ensuring accuracy in financial transactions and reporting. • Verified statement distribution methods and systems to streamline delivery and improve customer communication. • Prepared audit reports detailing findings, recommendations, and implementation plans for management review.

  7. Assistant Manager

    GE SBI Credit Card

    Nov 2007 to Nov 2009

    Pune & Rest of Maharashtra, India

    • Monitored overall operations for credit card services across Pune and the rest of Maharashtra. • Identified areas for process improvement and implemented measures to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. • Established quality standards for operational areas, ensuring high-quality service and adherence to SLAs. • Led a team to ensure smooth operations and efficient service delivery to cardholders. • Collaborated with internal departments to address customer issues and improve service delivery processes. • Supervised team activities, provided guidance and training, and ensured adherence to policies and procedures.

  8. Area Head Assistant Manager – Head Customer Service

    Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

    Dec 2005 to Nov 2007

    Pune, Maharashtra, India

    • Managed customer service operations for the Pune, Rest of Maharashtra, and Goa regions. • Oversaw a team responsible for delivering high-quality customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction. • Handled customer queries, complaints, and escalations, ensuring prompt resolution and effective communication. • Conducted training programs for staff to improve service delivery and adherence to service standards. • Managed customer relationships and promoted banking products and services to meet customer needs.

  9. Executive Administrative Assistant

    Investone Client Connexion India Pvt. Ltd. (Citibank)

    Jul 2004 to Dec 2005

    Pune, India

    • Managed walk-in customers, providing detailed explanations of banking and insurance products and services. • Conducted cold-calling activities to generate leads, directing them to marketing executives for follow-up. • Compiled and updated sales figures from team members, providing regular updates to the Sales Manager. • Maintained accurate banking records essential for reconciliation and regulatory compliance. • Supported the Sales Manager and team in preparing presentations, reports, and proposals for client meetings.

Education

  1. University of Pune

    Master of Science (M.Sc.)

    2008

  2. University of Pune

    Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

    2002

Licences & certifications

  • Certified Taekwondo Black Belt