Immigrating to a new country is one of the most transformative journeys a person can undertake, yet it is also one of the most complex and confusing. In my own experience, it became clear that a single missed deadline or a bad piece of advice could derail everything. I faced this harsh reality firsthand when I missed an immigration deadline by just three days due to inaccurate guidance from an agent. That mistake cost me a year, and it changed the trajectory of my life.

This personal setback ignited a fire within me to seek better resources and create them for others. I realized how much of an impact accurate, accessible information could have in navigating the immigration system. 

So, I founded Shirah—an innovative solution designed to empower immigrants with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their journey. What began as a way to help people for free has grown into a global company with 11 team members, dedicated to transforming how immigrants access essential services. Shirah’s mission is to ensure that others don’t have to face the same struggles I did.

Transforming Lives Through Technology

Shirah has supported nearly 3,000 individuals, providing personalized guidance for their immigration journeys. At an event, I met someone who said, “Your webinar changed my life. I knew exactly what to do.” These moments affirm the essence of our work: empowering people to make life-changing decisions with confidence.

Our platform leverages AI and data to create a seamless and personalized experience. The predictive calculator generates actionable recommendations and matches users with consultants tailored to their needs, regardless of the consultant’s experience. With a flat fee structure, we eliminate financial barriers, making services more accessible and affordable.

This commitment addresses a critical gap in the immigration process. Statistics show that 97% of newcomers in Canada access settlement services via a digital device. Yet, a 2023 Settlement Outcomes Report noted that fewer clients utilized support services when accessing them remotely. Shirah bridges this gap by making immigration services both accessible and effective, ensuring that technology can bridge barriers while still offering the crucial support newcomers need.

Overcoming Challenges in Immigration Tech

Combining technology with immigration services hasn’t been without hurdles. Shirah operates in uncharted territory, requiring constant innovation to balance user needs with ethical considerations. For example, when applying for funding from Alberta Innovates, we addressed concerns about protecting user data and mitigating legal risks.

The absence of a roadmap means we experiment often, and not all trials succeed. But our willingness to iterate and embrace feedback keeps us evolving. Our journey as pioneers set a foundation for others to build upon, ultimately advancing the immigration tech space.

Shirah faces challenges in navigating evolving regulations and ensuring compliance while maintaining platform accessibility for a diverse user base. Our commitment to innovation means continually refining our approach to meet the needs of our clients while adhering to legal standards. By staying proactive and responsive to regulatory changes, Shirah is building a scalable model that not only addresses current demands but also anticipates future trends in immigration services.

Democratizing Immigration Services

One trend reshaping the industry is the move from B2B to B2C models. As more companies adopt B2C approaches, technology is becoming accessible to individuals navigating immigration independently. 

Shirah’s AI-powered document preparation tool exemplifies this shift, offering services at just $150 compared to traditional options costing over $2,000. This technology not only lowers financial barriers but also enhances transparency, combating prevalent scams in the immigration space. 

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

At Shirah, our diverse team—from Africa to the Middle East—ensures that the solutions we develop resonate across cultural lines. This inclusivity allows us to stay relevant, updating our platform with the latest policies and user feedback.

As technology continues to redefine immigration services, Black professionals and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in advancing inclusive solutions. Our lived experiences as immigrants give us the empathy and insight to design platforms that genuinely serve diverse communities.

Advice for Aspiring Innovators

To aspiring innovators in the immigration tech space: start where you are. My initial goal was simple—to cover my bills and gain some freedom. I didn’t begin as a tech innovator. I started as a consultant, offering basic services and advice. Over time, my vision grew, and so did my company. The most important lesson is this: you don’t need to start with a massive plan. Start small, set manageable goals, and let your journey shape your vision.

The immigration system is complex, but with innovation, we can simplify the process and make it more accessible for everyone. With persistence, technology, and an open mind, you can create a solution that will transform lives.