Athlete Immigration

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“I have a unique perspective on Tom as both a person and an immigration attorney. Tom is someone I know and I trust. I have known him since he was a young boy in Vernon, B.C. He is a hard worker, competitive, intelligent, competent, and extremely responsive. When I was the General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings, I trusted him to handle some of our highest-profile cases and he delivered exceptional service and approvals. If he has a task that needs to get done, he will get it done. I have recommended Tom to numerous current and future Hall of Fame players and coaches and he has delivered favorable results for all of them.”

Ken Holland

Hockey Hall of Fame Member, Three-time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL General Manager

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“I first met Tom when I coached his son who was a player on the St. Louis 2001 AAA Blues. Tom and I became friends and he has helped me and my family with our immigration applications. Tom is always responsive and professional. Every application he filed on behalf of me and my family has been approved. I know he has also successfully represented other high profile players and coaches who are affiliated with the St. Louis Blues. I would recommend Tom without reservation.”

Al MacInnis

Hockey Hall of Fame Member, Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Champion, Conn Smythe Winner as NHL Playoff MVP, Norris Trophy Winner as NHL’s Best Defenseman, 12-Time NHL All-Star, 100 Greatest Players in NHL History and NHL Executive

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“I am very grateful for the help that I received from Tom and his team. Through connections he has developed over the years, Tom was able to get my application approved in an expedited manner with prompt and personalized service. My swearing-in ceremony occurred the same day as my interview and it took place at the home of a Federal Judge. It was a memorable experience for me and my family. The personalized service I received was phenomenal and greatly appreciated since it occurred during a global pandemic. I highly recommend Tom and his team.”

Bruce Cassidy

Stanley Cup Champion, Jack Adams Award Winner as NHL Coach of the Year and NHL Head Coach

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“Tom was referred to me by my former Tampa Bay Lightning Teammate and fellow NY Rangers’ Alum Brad Richards. Being a member of the NHL Family for the last 22 years professionalism and attention to detail are the standard – so too was my experience with Tom and his Team ! They were a pleasure to deal with in helping me navigate my US Green Card. I highly recommend them to all of you in the Hockey and NHL Family!”

Kevin Weekes

Analyst for NHL Network and NHL Player

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“I needed immigration help and the Blackhawks recommended Tom to me. He took care of filing the necessary paperwork and contacted the appropriate people to schedule appointments very quickly. He was very accessible, prompt and professional.”

Bobby Hull

Hockey Hall of Fame Member, Stanley Cup Champion, Two- Time Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL’s MVP, Three-Time Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s Leading Scorer, 12-Time NHL All-Star, 100 Greatest Players in NHL History

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“Tom provided me with excellent service and worked very hard to help me with the immigration process. I highly recommend him.”

Pavel Datsyuk

Triple Gold Club Member, Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Champion, World Champion, Gagarin Cup Champion, Four-Time Lady Byng Trophy Winner as NHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player, Three-Time Selke Trophy Winner as NHL’s Best Defensive Forward, 100 Greatest Players in NHL History

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“I hired to Tom to handle my case and I was amazed by how quickly I was approved without even an Employment Authorization Document and Advanced Parole. Hockey is a fast-paced game, and I cannot help but think Tom’s previous experience as a player has prepared him well to take the same approach in his immigration law practice.”

Tuukka Rask

Vezina Trophy Winner, NHL’s Best Goaltender, Jennings Trophy for NHL’s fewest Goals Allowed, and NHL All Star

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“Tom was recommended to me by the St. Louis Blues. He helped my family and I with the immigration process. He even came to my home to explain the process and make it easier for us. We were all approved in a short period of time and Tom did a great job.”

Vladimir Tarasenko

NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup Champion

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“What I especially appreciated about working with Tom was his ability to obtain quick approvals for me. My green card application was approved within 2 months! I trusted him to get the job done and he got it done very efficiently.”

Tyler Bertuzzi

NHL All Star

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“I witnessed Tom appear to drop everything in order to make sure my emergency travel document was processed in a timely fashion. The approval of this document was very significant for me, and I will be forever grateful to Tom for his skill and courteous service in getting this document and my green card application approved in such a timely manner.”

Robby Fabbri

NHL Player and Stanley Cup Champion

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“Tom was able to work with my busy schedule to handle my immigration application. I am very appreciative of how personable and accommodating he was throughout the process, and I have already recommended him to others.”

Mike Babcock

Triple Gold Club Member, Stanley Cup Champion, Two-Time Olympic Champion, World Champion and NHL Coach

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“Tom was referred to me by a NHL General Manager. Tom helped to expedite U.S. citizenship applications for my wife and I during the season while I was in Boston coaching the Montreal Canadiens. His personal service was exceptional, and I will recommend him without hesitation.”

Claude Julien

Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Champion and Former NHL Head Coach

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“Tom does a wonderful job assisting with the immigration process. I am very satisfied with the work he did to help me become a United States citizen. I appreciate how he helped us through the whole process.”

Kris Draper

Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Selke Trophy Winner as NHL’s Best Defensive Forward and NHL Executive

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“Tom made the green card process very easy for me. He did a great job and I appreciate his help. I would definitely recommend Tom to any athlete looking for help with his or her green card.”

Niklas Kronwall

Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Champion, Two-Time World Champion, and NHL Executive

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“A trusting partner to the Saginaw Spirit and the Ontario Hockey League is how I best describe Tom Arkell and his immigration law team. I recommend them with the utmost of respect and appreciation. “A portion of our mission statement states, ‘Partnering with the community to develop elite student athletes into successful people’ is exactly what we have accomplished in our partnership with Tom Arkell and his immigration law team. Tom has especially provided great assistance in obtaining National Interest Exceptions for our team in addition to the OHL/CHL teams within the United States. His diligent work provided a very benefit to all of us during a challenging time for cross border travel. Tom and his professional staff have become an integral ingredient to the Saginaw Spirit franchise success as well as many other teams in the Canadian Hockey League. They have become a teammate!’

Craig Goslin

Craig Goslin, President, Saginaw Spirit

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” I have worked with Tom and his team for almost a decade. I have called Tom on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, nights, and weekends about Detroit Red Wings immigration issues and, without fail, he has always tried to help me and the organization. Tom and his team have helped the Red Wings during Ken Holland’s tenure as General Manager and now with Steve Yzerman as General Manager. Tom’s Immigration Practice Manager, Stacy, is also incredibly responsive, detail-oriented, and helpful working with me, Red Wings players, coaches, staff, spouses and agents to complete applications in a timely manner. The Red Wings have trusted Tom and his team to help many Red Wings legends over the years including Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, Dino Ciccarelli, Mike Babcock and Kris Draper. I have referred Tom to numerous people over the years because I trust his professionalism. The timely and professional service I have received from Tom and his team is second to none. ”

Kim Brodie

Sports Executive and Former Immigration Manager for the Detroit Red Wings

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“I hired Tom as my hockey career was winding down and I was beginning my professional career. He was acutely aware of when to prepare and file my case to make sure that I had a seamless transition from a player to working for the NHL. He was always very responsive and punctual. He did an exceptional job and my case was approved.”

Kevin Westgarth

Stanley Cup Champion, NHL Player and NHL Executive

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“I have known Tom for well over 30 years. We were youth hockey opponents and then teammates and roommates on a B.C.’s Best Ever U16 championship team. Many years later our paths crossed again when I was with the St. Louis Blues organization. Over the years we have become friends and while I was transitioning from the Buffalo Sabres to the Ottawa Senators I hired Tom to help me become a U.S. citizen. With Tom’s professional assistance, it only took 60 days from the time of filing until I received my U.S. passport! Needless to say, Tom’s responses to my questions were very timely and he was very understanding of my busy travel schedule. He has my highest recommendation. ”

Davis Payne

Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Coach

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“Tom transitioned my case from New York to Detroit after he contacted the New York USCIS office and it was a seamless process. My case was approved expeditiously and Tom helped to make what is normally a stressful process a memorable one through his established connections. He has helped me and my family whenever we have needed it. I am very grateful for his help and I have already recommended him to others including a friend of mine in New York who works for the NHL. My friend hired Tom and his case was also approved very quickly. Tom responds promptly to texts, calls and e-mails and he is very professional.”

Brad Richards

Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe Trophy Winner as NHL Playoff MVP

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“Tom helped me to become a U.S. citizen. He provided excellent and personalized customer service. He took care of all the details and I greatly appreciate everything he did to get the job done quickly and efficiently. I know he has assisted many other current and former NHL players and their families and their cases were also approved.”

Dino Cicarelli

Hockey Hall of Fame Member and NHL All-Star

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“Tom prepared and filed my green card application extremely quickly and he always responded promptly to all of my questions. He prepared the application and I signed the forms – he made a complicated process seem very simple and I greatly appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to my case.”

Kirk Muller

Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Coach

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“I was introduced to Tom Arkell through my agent. Tom and his team were very helpful with my immigration application during a time of transition when I was traded from the Blues to the Red Wings and then to the Canadiens. He also assisted with my transition from a player to a coach. He did an outstanding job for me through the entire application process.”

Steve Ott

Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Coach

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“What I truly appreciate about both Tom and his practice manager, Stacy, is their extreme level of responsiveness to my texts and phone calls, even on evenings and weekends. This high level of responsiveness and Tom’s attention to detail resulted in an expedited approval of my green card. I am very grateful for the work that Tom and Stacy did to make this happen.”

Jonathan Bernier

Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Goaltender

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“Hiring Tom to file my green card application was definitely the right choice. He paid very close attention to my case and he was very thorough. Because he was an athlete he understood my concerns and his personal knowledge of hockey and the NHL helped to make my case stronger. He went above and beyond to make sure I could concentrate on playing in the NHL while he scheduled appointments and took care of the details. He made sure the process was effortless for me and I am very grateful for his help.”

Daniel Cleary

Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Executive

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“Tom was very thorough, prompt and professional in handling immigration applications for me and my family. He made the application process quick, easy and painless. He did an extraordinary job.”

Cam Ward

Stanley Cup Champion ans Conn Smythe Trophy Winner as NHL Playoff MVP

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“I became aware of Tom through work he had done helping various USHL teams and NCAA as well as WHL coaches. He simplified the application process for me. I have already referred many other people to Tom and will continue to do so because he is professional, knowledgeable, meticulous and, most importantly, he truly cares about his clients.”

Dennis Williams

WHL Head Coach and General Manager, WHL Western Conference Coach of the Year and World Junior Champion

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“My family is thankful for Tom’s assistance with our immigration applications. He did a great job and I gladly recommend him to any athlete or coach who needs immigration assistance”

Todd Bertuzzi

NHL All-Star

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“I was introduced to Tom through my agent. Tom was extremely responsive in helping me and my family prepare our immigration applications. We received our green cards within 3.5 months of Tom filing the applications. I greatly appreciate how quick and easy he made the application process.”

Jussi Jokinen

Alternate Captain of Team Finland and NHL Player

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“Tom filed the necessary documents to successfully help me become a United States citizen. He made the application process simple and was able to reschedule appointments to fit my busy travel schedule. Although I was in Alaska and he was in Illinois, the distance was never an issue. I have already recommended him to others who need immigration assistance.”

Dallas Ferguson

NCAA Division 1 Hockey Coach

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“Tom was recommended to me by other coaches and hockey people. He was always responsive and the service he provided was exceptional. I highly recommend him to others who need help navigating the complicated U.S. immigration legal system.”

Dave Shyiak

NCAA Division 1 Hockey Coach

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“Tom assisted me with my immigration application. He was very prompt and professional and made the process way less stressful than I had imagined. I am fortunate to have had Tom working with my wife and I through the application process.”

Brock Sheahan

NCAA Division 1 Hockey Coach

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“Tom really helped me out and made it easy for me to navigate through the complicated immigration process. I still remember to this day how the lady at the immigration office in Chicago was impressed with the documents I presented and how professional it looked. Thanks Tom.”

Jean-Guy Trudel

Head Coach of the Peoria Rivermen

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“Tom came highly recommended after he helped another Major League Baseball player become a U.S. citizen. He took care of all the details and went out of his way to make sure not only that my case was approved but that I had an excellent experience. Tom even took pictures of my private naturalization ceremony and sent them to me to make sure this important event in my life was documented. I am thankful for all of Tom’s help and I will not hesitate to recommend him to my family and friends.“

Ubaldo Jimenez

MLB All-Star

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“I definitely recommend Tom to any athlete seeking immigration assistance. The process can be intimidating but he made it easy for me to understand. I appreciated how accessible and professional he was and know he will be a great help to you too.”

Perdita Felicien

Retired Canadian Hurdler- World Champion 100 m Hurdles, Multiple Medalist at Both the Indoor and Outdoor World Championships, Winner of the Silver Medal at the Pan American Games (two times).

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“Tom filed an extraordinary ability petition on my behalf based on my success at the University of Michigan and representing Canada internationally. Tom was very attentive to my case and the petition was approved extremely quickly. He worked hard on my case even though he graduated from Notre Dame and I graduated from Michigan!”

Kevin Sullivan

Former Olympic Competitor in Distance Running, NCAA All-American (Fourteen Times) and NCAA Division 1 Director of Track and Field and Cross County

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“Tom helped to change my life. By handling my case he has enabled me to live and work permanently in the U.S. and pursue my career here as a professional water skier and coach. Thank you Tom!”

Trent Finlayson

Professional Water Skier and Coach, Member of Team Canada for World Championships for Water Skiing

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"My wife and I were referred to The Arkell Immigration team by a teammate in Columbus. Tom has helped many of my teammates in the past with their immigration applications and it was an excellent experience pleasure working with Tom on my green card application. Tom and I texted regularly via text message which made communication convenient for me. I was approved very quickly and a I really appreciate Tom’s help."

Elvis Merzlikins

NHL Goaltender and Rookie All-Star

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“Tom worked diligently with me to establish and execute a plan to make sure I received work authorization and my green card. His experience as a player and coach helped to explain the specialized training I provide to hockey players. Tom was always available to answer my questions and made sure he got the job done to help me obtain my green card which allows me to expand my Power Edge Pro business in the United States. He is clearly an expert in U.S. immigration law, and I am grateful for his help.”

Joe Quinn

Owner and Skills Instructor, Power Edge Pro

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“Tom showcased my on-ice work with some of the best NHL players in the world, including several #1 overall NHL Draft picks, to obtain an extraordinary ability approval on my behalf. He was instrumental in helping me to obtain the supporting documents and letters of recommendation that were necessary to obtain the approval. He was easy to work with and I will not hesitate to recommend him to others who need immigration assistance and advice.”

Nick Quinn

Skill Development Coach, Power Edge Pro

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“The Arkell Immigration Team was referred to me by a former teammate and, with their help, I obtained my green card incredibly quickly! They were extremely prompt and responsive and worked with USCIS to obtain expedited appointments for me during the NHL season. Stacy was my primary contact person and she always responding quickly to my text message. The Arkell Immigration Team did an amazing job for me!”

Robert Bortuzzo

NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup Champion

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"I worked with The Arkell Immigration Team to help me and my family with our immigration applications. Upon submitting all our documentation to their office, our forms were submitted and processed for us quickly and accurately. We didn't have to do much other than wait for the government to review and approve our forms. Tom's office stayed well-engaged with us as we waited for our approvals. They were a great office to work with and I would highly recommend them for any immigration needs."

Tyler Bozak

Stanley Cup Champion

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"I am a Player Development Coach for the Chicago Blackhawks. Tom’s hockey knowledge helped me obtain approval under the extraordinary ability category and he has helped me, and my entire family become permanent residents and U.S. citizens. He made sure my son, Jacob, had no issues traveling across the border while playing junior hockey in Canada. He was instrumental in helping my son, Gabe, play internationally for the United States National Team Development Program. I truly appreciate everything he has done for me and my family."

Yanic Perreault

NHL All-Star

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“I started working with Tom when I was with the Chicago Blackhawks. He helped me and my wife with my wife's U.S. immigration during a tumultuous time when I was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and then Vancouver Canucks and became a new father. Tom always made himself available when we needed him, he provided sound and accurate advice, and he was very gracious with his time. He got the job done and I will not hesitate to recommend Tom to others.”

Sam Lafftery

NHL Player

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