Best Law Firms 2026

DUI or Criminal Record? Check your options before you risk the Canadian border.

A DUI or criminal record can still cause issues at the Canadian border, even years later. In a confidential 15–20 minute assessment, find out where you stand and what cross-border options may be available — confidentially and judgment-free.

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Built for people with a past that could follow them to the border

Every situation is different. This confidential assessment is designed for you if any of the following apply:

1

You have a DUI or impaired driving conviction

Even a single, older conviction can raise questions at the border.

2

You have a criminal record

Theft, assault, drug charges and similar records may affect entry.

3

You’ve been denied entry to Canada before

We’ll help you understand why and what can be done next.

4

You’re unsure if your past will affect travel

Get clarity before you book flights or make plans.

A simple, confidential process

01

Book your assessment

Request a confidential 15–20 minute call. We’ll confirm your preferred time by email.

02

Talk to an immigration professional

Walk through your DUI or criminal record situation with a real immigration professional — confidentially and judgment-free.

03

Get your options

Understand where you stand and the realistic cross-border options available to you before you travel or apply.

Book My Assessment

A firm that handles admissibility every single day

There’s a reason individuals and families across Canada and the U.S. trust Exeo with their cross-border situations. We are an immigration-only law firm with a risk-first approach built to prevent refusals before they happen.

20+
Years of experience
4
Countries served
4.8
Avis Google
2026
Recognized in the Best Law Firms® 2026 rankings by Best Lawyers®

Our Immigration Services

As an immigration-only law firm, Exeo helps individuals, families and businesses navigate the complex and often changing rules to work, immigrate, invest, study or visit Canada, the USA, Mexico and Europe — with a risk-first approach at every step.

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Immigrate to Canada

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Corporate Immigration

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Visit Canada or the US

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Immigrate to the USA

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Investor Programs

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Work Permits

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Study in Canada or the US

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Canada Admissibility Assessment?

A free 15–20 minute confidential assessment with an immigration professional. It’s designed to get to the point: what matters, what doesn’t, and what your realistic options truly are for entering Canada with a criminal record or past charges.

Who is this assessment for?

Anyone with a criminal record (theft, assault, sexual offences, drug-related offences, etc.), any history involving drugs (possession, charges, past disclosures), anyone who has been questioned, flagged, or denied entry to Canada., or anyone unsure whether their past could affect Canadian travel or admissibility.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

The assessment is a free, short 15–20 minute call. Assessment slots fill quickly — book now to secure your preferred time. Please note that while we’re happy to answer questions about the assessment process, legal advice is only provided once a assessment is booked.

A reliable team that genuinely cares

Introducing our team of immigration lawyers in Montreal — professionals who dedicate themselves to you and your project.

Francis Tourigny

Co-Founder/Partner

Francis is an experienced business immigration lawyer and an active member of the Quebec Bar. Before co-founding Exeo, he honed his business immigration expertise in Hong Kong, facilitating the immigration process for numerous individuals to Canada and the United States.

Upon his return to Canada, Francis joined a prestigious law firm, specializing in the regularization of foreign workers' status for companies.

Francis has been frequently invited to share his knowledge and experience at conferences in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

His career started in major Canadian law firms, following law studies at the University of Montreal and at the University Paris-1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, complemented by a degree in sociology and political science.

Marc-André Séguin

Co-Founder/Partner

B.C.L., LL.B., LL.M., Québec Bar, New York State Bar, Texas State Bar

Marc-André is a co-founder of Exeo Attorneys and practices in business immigration since 2010. He is a member of the Expert Group of the Barreau du Québec in immigration and citizenship law. He is admitted to the Bar of Québec (Canada) and of the State of New York (United States).

He sits on the Immigration and Citizenship Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Division and is a member of the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee of the International Union of Lawyers, where he gives several workshops and conferences.

Frequently asked to comment on Canadian and American immigration law issues, Marc-André Séguin has been cited for his expertise in the media in Québec, Canada, the United States, Mexico and France. He is also regularly invited by Chambers of Commerce to discuss issues related to business immigration.

He is the founding President of the non-profit organization For Refugees, whose work has been making international headlines since 2017, and also sits on the board of directors of several organizations in Canada and abroad.

Marc-André graduated in Civil Law and Common Law from McGill University and holds a Masters in Asian Legal Studies from the National University of Singapore.

He is fluent in French, English and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Portuguese.

Laurence C. Trempe

Partner

Laurence C. Trempe heads the Canadian Mobility Department at Exeo and is also a partner at the firm.

Her passion for mobility and border issues was sparked by an internship in Belgium, focusing on the construction of the European Union. She graduated with a law degree (LL.B) from the University of Montreal in 2004, and further developed her legal expertise through continued studies at the University of Montreal and University of Ottawa. Laurence has been an active member of the Quebec Bar since 2009.

She broadened her experience by spending seven years in the Federal Public Service, specifically at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) from 2002 to 2008. In 2008, Laurence transitioned to private practice, leveraging her deep expertise in the field. With over 14 years of legal practice and more than 20 years of combined public-private experience in immigration, she has honed a wide-ranging and in-depth expertise. She represents a diverse clientele, from start-ups to multinationals, as well as individuals seeking international mobility and permanent residence.

Laurence is an active member of the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI) and has served on the Executive Council since 2019. She has directed several legal briefs addressed to the Quebec and Canadian governments on behalf of the AQAADI. She also oversees the IRCC liaison committee - economic and temporary facet, and the liaison committee with the Quebec Immigration authorities. From 2023 to 2026, she served as the co-president of AQAADI- economic and mobility.

Laurence frequently offers her expert commentary on economic immigration and mobility issues in the media. Additionally, she has trained numerous human resources departments and delivered several lectures to various chambers of commerce, associations, and public organizations, as well as to lawyers specializing in immigration.

In sum, Laurence Trempe is a devoted professional whose passion for immigration law and international mobility is reflected in her career and continuous commitment to her clients and the legal community. Her loyal Labradoodle, Léo Ferré, is often by her side, patiently waiting for his daily walks

Florence Beaulieu-Lavoie

Business Development Director | Lawyer LL.B.

Florence is a lawyer and a member of the Quebec Bar. She is involved in client consultations and file assessments, helping guide clients toward strategies tailored to their specific situation. In parallel, as Director of Business Development, she plays a key role in shaping and implementing the firm’s strategic direction. She actively contributes to identifying growth opportunities, developing key partnerships, and designing approaches aligned with the evolving needs of clients. She works closely with internal teams to ensure alignment between business objectives and the firm’s legal services.

She also oversees the firm’s communication and positioning initiatives across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, while ensuring a consistent and high-quality client experience. Through her involvement, she directly contributes to the firm’s visibility and brand development.

During her law studies at Université du Québec à Montréal, Florence served as Director of the Canada–Florida Chamber of Commerce, where she supported North American companies in their expansion efforts across Canadian and Floridian markets. She is currently completing a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree in communications and political science at the University of Ottawa.

With professional experience in Canada and internationally, Florence is known for her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she brings valuable perspective to cross-border mandates.

Marc-André Carrière

Lawyer LL.B., LL.M.

Marc-André is a lawyer member of the Barreau du Québec. He works on various economic immigration cases that are entrusted to him by partners of the firm. Before joining Exeo, he worked as a civil and commercial litigator for Montreal based law firms. Following his master's degree in Chinese Business Law at Peking University, Marc-André also worked in Beijing for a company specialized in the field of economic immigration. He is currently completing a Juris Doctor at Université de Montréal.

Fan of basketball and whisky, he is also passionate about international issues related to East Asia.

Member of AQAADI – Association Québécoise des Avocates et Avocats en immigration
Member of YCPA – Young Chinese Professionals Association
Member of Barreau du Québec, 2018

Stephen P. Pazan

Lawyer J.D.

Admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia

Stephen P. Pazan is an esteemed lawyer with a robust background in EB-5 and investment immigration, making him a pivotal figure in the industry. His expertise is rooted in his experiences as a former Consular Officer and USCIS adjudicator, providing him with a comprehensive view of immigration processes. Before entering the realm of immigration, Mr. Pazan was a civil litigator for prestigious Philadelphia law firms, including Clark Ladner Fortenbaugh & Young, Dilworth Paxon, and Spector Gadon, where he amassed 20 years of experience in commercial litigation. His legal career began in Nassau County, NY, as an Assistant District Attorney, where he tried numerous civil and criminal cases.

During his tenure at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service’s Investor Program Office, Mr. Pazan adjudicated thousands of visas and I-526 petitions, significantly contributing to the EB-5 program's integrity. After his government service, he leveraged his expertise at Baker Tilly Capital, overseeing the Source of Funds portfolio.

Mr. Pazan is also a seasoned speaker and author, sharing his insights on EB-5 and immigration at conferences in Brazil, Vietnam, and the United States, and through various publications. His comprehensive legal background, coupled with his command of the EB-5 and investment immigration landscape, makes him an invaluable asset to clients seeking guidance in this complex field.