Will Tao

Immigration Law

4.3 (10 reviews)

Burnaby, British Columbia

6+ years experience

Heron Law Offices

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

6042392002

https://heronlaw.ca/team/#will

3981 Kingsway, Unit B, Burnaby, BC V5H 1Y7, Canada

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Bio

Will Tao is an experienced Canadian Immigration and Refugee Lawyer with over a decade of experience and the founding lawyer of Heron Law Offices, a firm known for its principled and client-focused approach.Will provides legal services in all areas of Canadian immigration and refugee law with a focus on complex applications, overcoming refusals, inadmissibility matters, appeals, and judicial reviews. He regularly appears before the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada. His focus is on international students, families, and temporary foreign workers. His current work includes challenging the government’s use of Automated Decision Making, navigating inadmissibility matters involving security and misrepresentation, and developing strategic immigration solutions for applicants in the tech, arts, entertainment, and sports industries.Will also provides strategic advice and consultation to government, media, educational institutions, and businesses on immigration, refugee, decolonization, and race equity issues. He is the founder and creator of the award-winning Vancouver Immigration Blog, through which he works to make immigration and refugee law more accessible to the general public. He also has significant past teaching experience as an instructor for the University of British Columbia’s Certificate in Immigration Laws, Policies, and Procedures (CILPP) program.A key opinion leader in Canadian immigration, Will has been frequently invited to speak at various conferences and comment in the news. He has served as an expert affiant before the Federal Court (FC), and has consulted with the Treasury Board Secretariat. In December 2024, Will appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to provide expert testimony on reforms to the International Student Program. Will Tao is an experienced Canadian Immigration and Refugee Lawyer with over a decade of experience and the founding lawyer of Heron Law Offices, a firm known for its principled and client-focused approach.Will provides legal services in all areas of Canadian immigration and refugee law with a focus on complex applications, overcoming refusals, inadmissibility matters, appeals, and judicial reviews. He regularly appears before the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada. His focus is on international students, families, and temporary foreign workers. His current work includes challenging the government’s use of Automated Decision Making, navigating inadmissibility matters involving security and misrepresentation, and developing strategic immigration solutions for applicants in the tech, arts, entertainment, and sports industries.Will also provides strategic advice and consultation to government, media, educational institutions, and businesses on immigration, refugee, decolonization, and race equity issues. He is the founder and creator of the award-winning Vancouver Immigration Blog, through which he works to make immigration and refugee law more accessible to the general public. He also has significant past teaching experience as an instructor for the University of British Columbia’s Certificate in Immigration Laws, Policies, and Procedures (CILPP) program.A key opinion leader in Canadian immigration, Will has been frequently invited to speak at various conferences and comment in the news. He has served as an expert affiant before the Federal Court (FC), and has consulted with the Treasury Board Secretariat. He regularly appears before the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada. His focus is on international students, families, and temporary foreign workers. His current work includes challenging the government’s use of Automated Decision Making, navigating inadmissibility matters involving security and misrepresentation, and developing strategic immigration solutions for applicants in the tech, arts, entertainment, and sports industries. Will also provides strategic advice and consultation to government, media, educational institutions, and businesses on immigration, refugee, decolonization, and race equity issues. He is the founder and creator of the award-winning Vancouver Immigration Blog, through which he works to make immigration and refugee law more accessible to the general public. He also has significant past teaching experience as an instructor for the University of British Columbia’s Certificate in Immigration Laws, Policies, and Procedures (CILPP) program. A key opinion leader in Canadian immigration, Will has been frequently invited to speak at various conferences and comment in the news. He has served as an expert affiant before the Federal Court (FC), and has consulted with the Treasury Board Secretariat. In December 2024, Will appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to provide expert testimony on reforms to the International Student Program.

Practice Areas

Immigration Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Immigration Law
Lexpert-Ranked Lawyer as one of Canada’s Leading Legal Practitioners in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert DirectoryRecipient of the Canadian Bar Association’s 2020 Founder’s Award for accomplishments in his first five years of practiceFour Clawbies Awards, including having the Best Immigration Law Blog in 2019.
Lexpert-Ranked Lawyer as one of Canada’s Leading Legal Practitioners in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Recipient of the Canadian Bar Association’s 2020 Founder’s Award for accomplishments in his first five years of practice
Four Clawbies Awards, including having the Best Immigration Law Blog in 2019.

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019

Education

University of British Columbia, LLM
University of Ottawa, JD

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Reviews

Debra Cooper

2 weeks ago

Expert Immigration Guidance

Will Tao of Heron Law Offices was an absolute lifeline during our complex immigration case. His deep understanding of Canadian immigration law, honed over a decade of practice, was evident from our first consultation. As a Lexpert-ranked lawyer and CBA Founder’s Award recipient, his expertise is undeniable, yet he took the time to explain every step in clear, professional terms. Will’s personal approach made us feel supported, not just represented. He meticulously prepared our application, anticipating potential challenges and addressing them proactively. The outcome was a successful visa approval, a testament to his skill and dedication. Will’s blend of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care sets him apart. We couldn’t recommend him more highly.

David Baker

2 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but inconsistent communication

I worked with Will Tao from Heron Law Offices on an immigration matter, and while his expertise in the field was evident, the experience had some notable shortcomings. Will's deep knowledge of immigration law, particularly his experience with complex cases, was clear throughout the process. He has an impressive background, including recognition in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, which gave me confidence in his abilities. However, communication was inconsistent at times, with delays in responses that could have been better managed. The explanations of the process were thorough, which helped me understand the legal steps, but the follow-up could have been more reliable. Overall, I appreciated his professionalism and legal insight, but I would have preferred more consistent communication to keep the process smoother. For those needing a skilled immigration lawyer, Will is knowledgeable, but be prepared for occasional delays in communication.

Raymond Green

2 weeks ago

Knowledgeable and Client-Focused

Working with Will Tao of Heron Law Offices was an exceptional experience, particularly in navigating the complex process of my spouse’s immigration application. Will’s deep expertise in Canadian immigration and refugee law was evident from the start, and his client-focused approach made all the difference. He provided clear, actionable guidance and had a keen eye for detail, ensuring our application was meticulously prepared. While his response time could occasionally be slower than expected, his thoroughness and dedication more than made up for it. His recognition as a Lexpert-Ranked Lawyer and recipient of the CBA’s 2020 Founder’s Award speaks volumes about his skill, and it shows in his work. I would highly recommend Will to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and principled immigration lawyer.

Stephen Ortiz

2 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but could improve communication

Will Tao’s expertise in Canadian immigration law is undeniable. His deep understanding of refugee claims and legal intricacies made all the difference in my complex case. The awards he’s received, like the 2020 CBA Founder’s Award, speak to his dedication. However, I sometimes found his response time a bit slow for urgent questions. The cost was fair, but it would have been helpful to have more upfront clarity on billing. Overall, his legal advice was outstanding, and I highly recommend him for serious immigration matters.

Anthony King

2 weeks ago

Exceptional Immigration Expertise

Working with Will Tao of Heron Law Offices was a transformative experience. His deep expertise in Canadian immigration and refugee law—backed by over a decade of practice and recognition in the 2025 Lexpert Directory—was immediately evident. We consulted him for a complex spousal sponsorship case with prior refusals, and his strategic approach, attention to detail, and ability to navigate policy nuances made all the difference. Will’s client-focused philosophy, highlighted by his CBA Founder’s Award, ensured our case was handled with both professionalism and compassion. His firm’s reputation for principled representation was clear in every interaction, from thorough documentation to clear communication. The positive outcome was not just a legal victory but a testament to his dedication. Highly recommend for immigration matters of any complexity.

Angela Gomez

2 weeks ago

Incredibly Knowledgeable and Supportive

My experience with Will Tao from Heron Law Offices was nothing short of exceptional. As a refugee seeking legal assistance, I was overwhelmed and unsure of my options, but Will’s expertise in Immigration and Refugee Law immediately put me at ease. His deep understanding of the legal process, coupled with his years of experience, made a significant difference in my case. Will’s ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and compassionate manner was invaluable, and his commitment to his clients’ well-being is evident in every interaction. His recognition as one of Canada’s Leading Legal Practitioners by the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is well-deserved, as he consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. Throughout the process, Will was always accessible, patient, and proactive in addressing my concerns. His strategic approach and attention to detail resulted in a successful outcome, and I am deeply grateful for his guidance. I would highly recommend Will Tao to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate immigration lawyer.

Melissa Young

2 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but Inconsistent

Will Tao is clearly a knowledgeable immigration lawyer with impressive credentials and recognition, including being featured in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. I found his expertise in refugee law particularly valuable when navigating my complex case. However, while his technical skills were strong, communication was inconsistent—sometimes responses were prompt, but other times there were long delays that added unnecessary stress. The outcome was positive, but I had to follow up frequently to keep things on track. Overall, his experience is evident, but the client experience could be more consistent.

Matthew Hernandez

2 weeks ago

Knowledgeable and dedicated immigration lawyer

I had the opportunity to work with Will Tao from Heron Law Offices during a complex immigration case, and I was impressed by his deep expertise in Canadian immigration and refugee law. Having handled similar cases for over a decade, Will demonstrated a thorough understanding of the legal nuances and was able to navigate the system with precision. What stood out to me was his client-focused approach—he took the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring I understood my options and the best path forward. The firm’s principled approach was evident in how Will handled my case, and I felt confident in his ability to advocate on my behalf. His recognition as one of Canada’s leading legal practitioners in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and his awards, including the CBA’s 2020 Founder’s Award, speak to his exceptional professionalism. While I appreciated his thoroughness, I did notice that his response time could be a bit slower than expected at times, which was a minor inconvenience. Overall, Will’s expertise and dedication made a significant difference in the outcome of my case, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of immigration legal assistance.

John Kelly

2 weeks ago

Exceptional Immigration Guidance

Will Tao of Heron Law Offices was instrumental in navigating my complex immigration case. His deep expertise in Canadian immigration and refugee law, coupled with his principled approach, provided the exact balance of professionalism and personal attention I needed. Recognized for his achievements, including the CBA Founder’s Award, Will’s experience was evident in how he meticulously addressed every detail of my application. From initial consultation to final approval, his strategic insights and clear communication made a challenging process manageable. His blog on immigration law, which won Best Immigration Law Blog in 2019, proved invaluable as a resource, reinforcing his dedication to staying at the forefront of legal developments. Thanks to Will’s exceptional service, my case was resolved smoothly, and I highly recommend him for anyone seeking expert immigration legal counsel.

Emma Turner

2 weeks ago

Exemplary Immigration Guidance

Will Tao's expertise in Canadian immigration law transformed our family's complex case into a successful outcome. His deep legal knowledge, evident from his Lexpert recognition and CBA Founder's Award, provided confidence in his abilities. He patiently explained every step of the process and addressed our concerns with professionalism and empathy. The personalized attention and strategic approach, backed by his decade of experience, made all the difference. We are grateful for his exceptional service and would highly recommend him to anyone navigating immigration challenges.