Avoid a Refusal

Often, we wonder why is it that we need professional help to do something we can do ourselves? I will simply follow the instruction manual and complete the task myself. After all, the instruction manual is provided for a reason.

While in most circumstances you can execute your own DIY project to desired results (while saving a few bucks), yet what if you were told that your future depended on it and you only get 1 chance to do it right? What would you do then? Consider the fact that the risk isn’t just about the effort or time you put into it, a negative outcome will lead to a financial loss along with a lost opportunity you only had one chance to grab.

Immigration Applications

Immigration applications are one such scenario. Yes, you do get an instruction guide and most of the times you may hit the nail on the head, but even a tiny error could result in extensive delays or in more critical scenarios – a long term ban.

As the saying goes, there’s more to it than meets the eye; similarly, in matters concerning immigration to Canada, many issues that an immigration officer may consider when making a decision aren’t addressed in the guide or checklist at all.

The fact that most people do not know is that an immigration officer would rather rely on guidelines set out in the Program Delivery Instructions, than the instruction guide available on the web.

Consider this – have you ever received or known someone who has received a visa refusal stating – ‘’lack of ties to country of origin’’, even when the applicant shared details of ownership of multiple properties, financial holdings, business undertakings of not just themselves but their entire families? Or how about – lack of employment prospects in their home country” despite them submitting official letters from their current employers stating that their positions will be held for them while they studied.

Mistakes Happen

The recent episode of the work permit refusal of Steve and Melanie Whitlow is proof enough that even the slightest error could open doors to significant delays, refusals and the painstaking immigration appeals process.

In a recent scenario, Steve and Melanie Whitlow, moved to B.C. from Wisconsin as part of B.C.’s PNP. While applying for an extension to their work permits, they failed to include the necessary Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption number from her employer. A small error, a mere oversight as she states. But it led to denial of their extension.

Such errors, although minor, yet unnoticeable to the untrained eye could be the make or break factor for your Canadian immigration application.

As a result, they lost half of their combined income because, the husband became ineligible to work in Canada legally. Although, the wife was able to appeal and get her permit re-instated, the husband’s case is still pending review. Thus, the cumulative stress and loss of income is far more than the RCIC’s professional fee.

These issues aren’t limited to study permits or work permits. Applicants are always at a disadvantage when dealing with Canadian Immigration on their own, because the power and knowledge are both in the hands of the government, and the officer reviewing an application has far less to gain or lose than the applicant. The immigration officer is part of the system that the applicant is trying to work with and therefore knows how to navigate the system, while the applicant is a newcomer to the maze of Immigration forms and lists.

Seek Representation

One way to help level the playing field is to seek representation. A regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) can provide legal knowledge and support through this difficult process, making dealing with Canadian Immigration less stressful and helping to improve the chances of success. With many years of experience, we know what to anticipate from Immigration officials, and we build your case based on its individual merits, going beyond the checklist provided by Immigration in order to successfully advocate on your behalf.

If you’re intending to come to Canada as a worker, a student or are planning to permanently immigrate to Canada and need help submitting an application, contact us.