New Regulations “Significantly Increased the SUV’s Competitiveness”: 10 on The Weekend With Melissa Godmer

10 On The Weekend is a weekly (-ish) feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different IMI Pro, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might during the ordinary course of business.

Our guest this week is Melissa Godmer, Founder of Godmer Immigration Consultant

How do you spend your weekends?

My weekends are a blend of relaxation and preparation for the upcoming week. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and practicing yoga, which help me recharge and stay active.

Additionally, I often use weekends to catch up on work and to plan and strategize for my business.

What are your top three business goals this year?

1. Write a book; stay tuned for more details!
2. Strengthen our worldwide collaboration and reach: We are excited to participate in the Asia Outbound Summit in Shanghai from November 18 to November 21, 2024, and will continue to expand our global presence beyond this event.
3. Enhance our online platform for a more seamless and user-friendly client experience.

What’s your biggest business concern right now?

There is one thing that I wouldn’t describe as a concern but more as an integral part of our daily operations: Navigating the rapidly changing immigration policies and ensuring our clients are well-informed and prepared for these changes is essential.

Staying updated and adapting quickly is crucial for providing the best possible service.

Which book is on your nightstand right now?

I’m currently reading Chillpreneur: The New Rules for Creating Success, Freedom, and Abundance on Your Terms by Denise Duffield-Thomas. It offers a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship and success, which is quite inspiring.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?

I entered the investment migration industry seven years ago, driven by a passion for helping entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives realize their dreams of moving to a new country. My focus has been on establishing, expanding, or investing in businesses through Canada’s business immigration programs.

My background in business and immigration provided the perfect foundation to assist these professionals in successfully navigating the complexities of business immigration.

What was your proudest moment as a service provider? 

One of my proudest moments was successfully helping a client who faced numerous challenges in their immigration process. Seeing their business thrive in Canada and knowing I played a part in their journey was incredibly rewarding.

Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?

The recent changes to the Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) in Canada were not surprising, but the speed at which the government implemented them was unexpected.

The tightening of regulations has significantly increased the SUV’s competitiveness. Now, applicants must have well-established businesses and robust professional profiles to effectively navigate these new challenges.

If you could go ten years back in time, what business decision would you change?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every decision, even the challenging ones, has shaped my journey and taught me valuable lessons. Each step has contributed to the growth and resilience of my business, and I believe that these experiences have been crucial in reaching where I am today.

What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?

It would be hard to choose just one, as there are many influential figures in the investment migration industry!

If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?

In five years, I envision Godmer Immigration Consultant as a leading firm in the business immigration sector. I want us to be known for our innovative solutions and exceptional client service.

I hope to expand our reach globally, helping more entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of establishing successful businesses in Canada and beyond.