A Journey Through Immigration Challenges: A Student’s Story

A Journey of a Young Lady

This was one of those rare consultations where the young person sitting across from me quietly wiped away tears almost throughout our entire meeting. As soon as I noticed, I softened my tone. I took a moment to acknowledge her emotions while also reminding myself to remain composed and objective, so I could provide proper advice on her immigration journey.

Starting School in the Winter of 2019

She arrived in Canada at 16—a child from a country with no snow—facing the harsh Canadian winter. Her semester started in January, and she was placed under the care of guardians who, as she said, were not very supportive. Adjusting to a new school system, climate, and culture was quite challenging.

A Pandemic, a Passport Problem—and a Cascade of Immigration Challenges

Then the pandemic hit, bringing a cascade of issues for all of us—especially for a teenager alone in a foreign country. Her passport expired, and her consulate was unresponsive. She had to travel to Ottawa just to access her country’s embassy.

Still, she managed to earn a Canadian bachelor’s degree by age 21—a remarkable achievement. But due to the complex timeline and pandemic-related disruptions, she was unable to apply for a post-graduate work permit.

Her subsequent application for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) was refused. Judicial review was denied. She was issued a letter instructing her to leave Canada immediately.

A Detour

When I asked her what she wanted to be, she lit up. Her Canadian degree was in the field of her dreams. She had worked so hard—and reached her goals—only to have them delayed by factors beyond her control.

She was seeking a second opinion, hoping there might be another way: a Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds application, maybe even a refugee claim. But neither path was realistically available to her.

The most strategic next step was to return to her home country and reapply under stronger conditions. That is often the case in complex immigration challenges like hers.

Planning the Next Chapter

Despite the pain of this outcome, her path isn’t over. It’s evolving.

• She’s currently studying French.
• Her English is excellent.
• She’s only 23.
• With 1–2 years of relevant experience in her home country, she could return to Canada for a master’s program—or apply again through Express Entry.
• She may even pursue a PhD down the road.

With that foundation, she can return to Canada—perhaps for a master’s or even a PhD—and continue her immigration journey on stronger footing.

Immigration Challenges Are Not the End

Immigration challenges like this are deeply personal. While her journey didn’t follow a straight line, she has clarity now—and that’s everything.

“Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’m happy to share my story with you and others; you have my permission.”