About

Your Trusted Immigration Partners in Windsor, Ontario and Troy, Michigan

At Sisu Legal, we understand that immigration isn't just about paperwork—it's about families, dreams, and building a better future. As a dedicated immigration lawyer, Emilia Coto, serves both Canada and the United States, and takes pride in creating seamless immigration solutions that bring families together and help professionals achieve their career aspirations across borders.

Who We Are

We are a boutique team of immigration lawyers and professionals strategically located in Windsor, Ontario and Troy, Michigan, specializing exclusively in Canadian and US immigration law. Our unique cross-border presence allows us to provide comprehensive immigration services for individuals and families navigating between these two countries.

Founded by Emilia Coto, Sisu Legal embodies the Finnish concept of "sisu"—determination, resilience, and perseverance in the face of challenges. These are the exact qualities needed when navigating complex immigration systems, and the same qualities we bring to every case we handle.

Our Mission

Our primary mission is creating tailored immigration solutions that help families reunite and professionals relocate with confidence, whether to Canada or the United States. We guide our clients through the intricate immigration systems of both countries, ensuring they achieve their goals with peace of mind and absolute clarity.

We believe that family matters more than anything, and that both Canada and the United States benefit tremendously from having families united. We also recognize and champion the significant economic and cultural contributions immigrants make to their new homes.

Meet Emilia Coto - Founder and Principal Immigration Lawyer

I am Emilia Coto, founder and principal lawyer at Sisu Legal. My journey to becoming an immigration lawyer was deeply personal—I became a lawyer because I see helping others as my fundamental purpose in life.

As someone who has personally experienced the immigration process in both Canada and the United States, I intimately understand both the challenges and opportunities that immigration presents. This firsthand experience has given me unique insights that benefit my clients in ways that go beyond legal knowledge.

I am proud to be licensed to practice federal immigration law in both Canada and the United States, with memberships in the Law Society of Ontario and the New York Bar. Immigration law isn't just part of my practice—it's my exclusive focus and passion.

My Approach to Immigration Law

What sets my practice apart is my commitment to personalized service. I deliberately limit the number of cases I take at any given time to ensure each client receives the individual attention they deserve. When you work with me, you'll never feel like "just another case number"—you'll experience the difference that dedicated, personal advocacy makes.

Growing up in an immigrant and entrepreneurial family myself, I understand the barriers to obtaining accessible legal services. That's why I've structured my practice to be as accessible as possible, offering flat-fee pricing and flexible payment plans alongside traditional billing options.

Professional Background

Before founding Sisu Legal, I spent three years at a full-service, medium-sized firm in Windsor, Ontario, where I honed my legal skills. Prior to that, I worked at a community legal clinic focusing on immigration and landlord-tenant law, where I developed a passion for helping vulnerable populations.

One of my proudest professional achievements was receiving the Women's Law Association of Ontario Avril A. Farlam Advocacy Award for my representation of vulnerable clients and securing substantial monetary settlements through mediation with opposing parties.

My legal experience includes successful representation before various tribunals and the Superior Court of Justice. I've developed strong trial experience that allows me to advocate effectively for my clients in any legal setting.

My international perspective has been shaped by valuable work experience at a social enterprise in Brazil and at the United Nations in Egypt, giving me a global understanding of migration issues that informs my approach to immigration law.

Why Choose Sisu Legal for Your Immigration Needs

Five Promises When You Work With Us

1. Step-by-Step Guidance: You will never be left wondering what comes next in your immigration journey. We provide clear roadmaps and timelines so you always know where you stand.

2. Direct Access to Your Lawyer: You will have an immigration lawyer on-call to answer any and all questions throughout your case. No gatekeepers, no communication barriers.

3. Efficiency Through Systems: Your case will be processed with maximum efficiency using proven systems, processes, and technologies designed to eliminate errors and minimize delays.

4. Optimized Applications: You'll receive the best possible immigration application tailored to your unique circumstances. You will NEVER be left wondering if you could have done something better or differently.

5. Genuine Care: You will never feel like you're just "another case." We genuinely care about your immigration journey because we've been in your position before and understand what's at stake.

Our Specialized Immigration Services

Canadian Immigration

• Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship (both Inland and Outland);
• Family Class Sponsorship (Parents, Grandparents, and Children);
• CUSMA (TN) Professional Visas;
• Super Visas;
• Intra-company Transfers;
• Express Entry;
• Business Visitor Visas;
• Permanent Residence Renewals;
• Citizenship;
  

US Immigration

• Marriage Immigration Green Cards (both Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status); 
• U.S. Family Sponsorship Green Cards (Parents, Siblings, Children);
• Fiancee Visas;
• Citizenship applications, including for children born abroad;
• Green Card Renewals, including Petitions to Remove Conditions of Residence;
• U.S. Business Visitor Packages;
• L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visas;
• E Visas (Treaty Traders and Investors);
• TN Visas;
• Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship;
  
• Vaccine Waivers.

Our Proven Process

Working with Sisu Legal is as straightforward as our three-step process:

Step 1: Strategy Session

Schedule your initial strategy session where we'll get to know each other and determine if we're a good fit for your immigration needs. During this consultation, we'll assess your eligibility for immigration benefits, explore your options, and if you're not currently eligible, discuss pathways to eligibility.

Our goal is to be as helpful as possible, whether you ultimately decide to retain our services or pursue a different direction. As a bonus, if you decide to move forward within 14 days of your consultation, the consultation fee is credited toward your legal services.

Step 2: Create and Execute Your Immigration Plan

Once you decide we're the right firm for you, we'll develop a tailored immigration strategy. This includes creating a detailed roadmap for gathering optimal evidence, preparing necessary affidavits, and assembling flawless application forms.

Throughout the entire process, you'll have direct access to your immigration lawyer. Thanks to our flat-fee structure, you can contact us as frequently as needed without worrying about additional charges accumulating.

You'll receive comprehensive checklists, detailed instructions, and continuous support at every stage of your immigration journey.

Step 3: Submit Your Best Possible Application

Before submission, we put your entire application through our rigorous error-proofing review system to ensure it represents the strongest possible case. We'll discuss opportunities for enhancement and refinement—we never cut corners when it comes to your future.

Once we're both satisfied that we've prepared the optimal application for your circumstances, we'll submit it on your behalf and provide you with a clear roadmap of what to expect during processing.

We remain by your side throughout the entire process, keeping you informed about any updates and developments. After a decision is rendered, we'll help you understand what to expect with your new status and any responsibilities or opportunities it entails.

OUR GUIDING VALUES:

OPTIMISM

We focus on solutions.

We face problems with a resilient attitude.

When facing an obstacle, the first thing we ask is, "What is one thing we can do right now to solve this situation?" We always focus on the solution instead of the obstacle. 

LEADERSHIP

Our clients trust us to provide solutions that could alter the course of their lives. We take this responsibility seriously and go above and beyond to think of creative solutions. 

Excellence is a priority. We want to push to create better products and services for immigration problems.

CULTURE 

We empathize with the immigrant experience. We believe that in immigration, understanding someone's culture is crucial.

We respect, value, and celebrate other's perspectives and autonomy to choose their immigration and life path. Magic happens when people are given the freedom to create their own path.

Our core motivator is family and the importance of being connected. To better serve families, including our own, we rely on technology to deliver high-quality services without sacrificing our own freedom and family time. 

We are not a traditional firm, and this shows in the way we deliver services, with predictable fees, mostly virtually, and in the client’s native language.

It is important for the internal culture of the firm to reflect our values. We show kindness to our clients, to our team, and to ourselves. 

COMMUNITY 

Helping others and building relationships is at the core of what we do.

Building meaningful community support is vital to immigration success and to maximize our collective impact.

We want to be leaders and givers in our community because we care deeply about people. 

Professional Affiliations

Our commitment to excellence in immigration law is reflected in our professional memberships:

- Law Society of Ontario (LSO): As members of this regulatory body for lawyers in Ontario, our Canadian immigration services meet the highest professional standards.

- New York Bar: Our membership in this regulatory body allows us to practice federal US immigration law with full credentials.

- Association of American Immigration Lawyers (AILA): We participate in this national organization established to promote justice, advocate for reasonable immigration policies, and enhance the quality of immigration practice.

- Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA): Our involvement with this national organization keeps us at the forefront of advocacy for improvements in Canadian immigration policies and operations.

Get Started on Your Immigration Journey Today

Whether you're seeking to reunite with family members, pursue professional opportunities across borders, or establish a new life in Canada or the United States, Sisu Legal is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your strategy session and experience the difference that dedicated, personalized immigration legal services can make in your journey.

Sisu Legal - Your Cross-Border Immigration Advocates in Windsor, Ontario and Troy, Michigan