Frequently Asked Questions

Most foreign nationals studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than 6 months need a study permit. Some short-term courses under 6 months may be exempt. Citizens of visa-exempt countries may also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) alongside their study permit.

Yes, you can reapply after a refusal. However, simply reapplying without understanding why you were refused often leads to another refusal. We review your refusal letter carefully, identify the officer's concerns — such as insufficient ties to your home country, weak financial documentation, or an unclear study plan — and build a stronger, more compelling reapplication.

Generally, yes. If you have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time at a DLI, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. You may also be eligible for on-campus work without restriction. Rules have changed recently — confirm your eligibility with us before assuming you can work.

The Student Direct Stream is a faster processing route available to legal residents of certain countries including India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, and others. To qualify, you generally need to have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), official language test results, and a medical exam. SDS applications are typically processed within 20 business days.

If you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you benefit from "maintained status" — meaning you can continue studying while your renewal is pending. If your permit expires and you haven't applied for an extension, you may be out of status and need to restore your status promptly. We strongly recommend applying for renewal at least 30–60 days before expiry.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document an employer gets from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that no Canadian worker could fill the position. An LMIA-exempt work permit does not require this — it may be issued under international trade agreements (like CUSMA/USMCA), intra-company transfers, post-graduation work permits, or other policy exemptions. Many applicants qualify for LMIA-exempt pathways without realizing it.

Yes. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates of Canadian DLIs to work in Canada for up to 3 years. The length depends on your program's duration. A PGWP is open — meaning you can work for any employer in any occupation. This is also a key stepping stone toward permanent residency through Express Entry or PNP streams.

In many cases, yes. Spouses and common-law partners of certain work permit holders — including those in high-skilled positions and those on PGWPs — may be eligible for an open spousal work permit. Eligibility rules vary and have changed in recent years. We'll confirm your spouse's options during a consultation.

If your work permit is employer-specific (closed permit), you generally cannot change employers without applying for a new work permit first. Working for a different employer without authorization is a violation of your permit conditions. We can help you explore your options, including transitioning to an open work permit if eligible.

Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for permanent residency under three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC periodically issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with the highest scores. A higher CRS score significantly improves your chances.

Key factors include improving your language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF for French), gaining additional Canadian work experience, upgrading your education credentials, or obtaining a provincial nomination (which adds 600 points instantly). A spouse's language scores and education can also boost your combined score. We review your profile and identify the most effective strategies.

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own PNP designed to attract immigrants who meet their specific economic and labor needs. A provincial nomination allows you to receive permanent residency even if your Express Entry CRS score is below the typical cutoff. Ontario's OINP, for example, targets specific skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs.

Permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within every 5-year period to maintain their status. Time spent outside Canada while employed by a Canadian company or accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse may count. Failing to meet this obligation can result in loss of PR status — consult us if you're concerned about your residency compliance.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 or older can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. Eligible relationships include spouses and common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents (through limited annual programs), and in some cases, other relatives if you have no close family in Canada or your home country.

Inland sponsorship is for spouses or common-law partners who are already in Canada and wish to remain here while their application is processed. The sponsored partner can apply for an open work permit. Outland sponsorship is for spouses who are outside Canada. It is generally processed at a visa office abroad and may be faster in some cases. Both have advantages — we'll recommend the best approach based on your circumstances.

You have the right to appeal a refused spousal or family sponsorship to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). The IAD can consider whether the decision was legally correct and, in some cases, humanitarian and compassionate factors. You typically have 30 days from receiving the refusal to file a Notice of Appeal. Acting quickly is essential — contact us as soon as you receive a refusal.

A Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit (recently extended from 2 years). It requires proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian provider and proof that your child or grandchild meets a minimum income threshold. It is valid for up to 10 years.

Yes. Depending on the type of application and the reason for refusal, your options may include: filing a reconsideration request, submitting a new application with stronger evidence, appealing to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), requesting leave for Judicial Review at the Federal Court of Canada, or filing a Humanitarian and Compassionate application. We review every refusal letter carefully and advise on the strongest path forward.

Judicial Review is a process at the Federal Court of Canada where a judge reviews the lawfulness of an immigration decision — not whether they agree with it, but whether the officer followed the law and acted reasonably. It requires leave (permission) to proceed. If successful, the case is typically sent back to IRCC to be decided again by a different officer. Strict 15–30 day filing deadlines apply, depending on the decision type.

A Procedural Fairness Letter is sent by IRCC when an officer has concerns about your application — such as doubts about the genuineness of a relationship, document authenticity, or misrepresentation — before making a final decision. You are given an opportunity to respond. A well-crafted, evidence-backed response can prevent a refusal. If you receive a PFL, contact us immediately — response deadlines are short.

The IAD is a quasi-judicial tribunal that hears certain immigration appeals, including refused family class sponsorships, removal orders appealed by permanent residents, and permanent residents who have lost status for failing to meet residency obligations. Unlike the Federal Court, the IAD can consider humanitarian and compassionate factors — not just legality. Skilled representation at an IAD hearing can make a decisive difference.

Deadlines are strict and vary by appeal type. For IAD sponsorship appeals, you generally have 30 days from receiving the refusal notice. For Federal Court Judicial Review applications, the deadline is typically 15 days for decisions made inside Canada and 60 days for decisions made outside Canada. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to appeal — contact us as soon as you receive a refusal.

Citizens of many countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (like the UK, Australia, and most EU nations) need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead. U.S. citizens need neither. A comprehensive list is available on the IRCC website — we can also confirm your requirements during a consultation.

Common reasons for visitor visa refusals include: the officer not being satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your visit (lack of ties to home country), insufficient financial proof, travel history concerns, weak purpose of visit, or a previous refusal or overstay. We analyze your refusal notice, identify the specific concerns, and build a stronger application that directly addresses them.

Visitors are typically allowed to stay for up to 6 months from the date of entry, though a border officer may grant a shorter or longer period. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply to extend your visitor status before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying your authorized period can have serious consequences for future applications.

Generally, no. A visitor visa does not permit you to work or study in Canada. Short courses of 6 months or less may be permitted for visitors in some circumstances, but working requires a valid work permit. Misrepresenting your intentions — such as claiming to be a tourist when you intend to study or work — can lead to inadmissibility and bans on re-entry.