Temporary Status
Work Permit - LMIA - Study Permit - Study Permit Refusal - Visitor Visa
Work Permit
Securing a Canadian work permit is an essential step for any non-resident to work in Canada. At Van Law Group, we guide you through your journey of obtaining both employer-specific and/or open work permits.
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An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with certain exceptions. Understanding the specific requirements and conditions of open work permits is crucial for a successful application.
Eligibility Criteria
Being an international student who graduated from a designated educational institution and is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Having an employer-specific work permit and experiencing abuse or being at risk of abuse related to your job in Canada
Applying for permanent residence in Canada
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An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada under certain conditions, such as the specific employer's name, the duration of employment, and the work location.
Eligibility Criteria
An offer of employment from a potential employer who can provide an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An offer of employment (for LMIA-exempt workers)
*To ensure a seamless application process, please make sure all required documentation is provided and in place.
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Navigating the complexities of Canada's work permit regulations can be challenging. Our experienced team at Van Law Group is dedicated to providing personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation. We assist with:
Determining the appropriate type of work permit for your circumstances
Preparing and reviewing all necessary documentation
Ensuring compliance with the latest immigration policies and regulations
Providing representation and support throughout the application process
Recent regulatory changes:
As of September 2024, the Canadian government has implemented stricter rules on temporary workers and students to manage the number of temporary residents in the country. These changes include reducing the number of study permits and limiting work permit eligibility for spouses of some students and temporary foreign workers.
It is important to stay informed about these changes, as they may impact your eligibility and application process.
LMIA
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. Once receiving a positive/neutral LMIA, an employer can invite foreign nationals to apply for a Work Permit.
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Employers must obtain an LMIA before hiring a temporary foreign worker unless the position is LMIA exempt. Exemptions may apply under specific programs or agreements, such as the International Mobility Program.
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Determine LMIA Requirement: Employers must check if an LMIA is required and if they meet the requirements, or if the position is exempt under programs like the International Mobility Program.
Submit an LMIA Application: Employers must provide details about the job, recruitment efforts, and the need for a foreign worker.
Meet Compliance Standards: Ensuring adherence to government regulations to support a successful LMIA application.
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At Van Law Group, we specialize in guiding employers through the LMIA process. Our services include:
Consultation and Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating your hiring needs to determine LMIA requirements and potential exemptions.
Application Preparation: Assisting in the preparation and submission of comprehensive LMIA applications.
Compliance Guidance: Ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements to facilitate a smooth hiring process.
Study Permit
For international students planning to enroll and study at a Post-secondary institution listed on the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) within Canada, obtaining a Study Permit is necessary.
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A study permit is mandatory for most international students planning to study in Canada for programs longer than six months. A study permit not only authorizes your stay, but also outlines specific conditions such as the institution you may attend, the duration of your program, and authorization to work.
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To qualify for a study permit, applicants must:
Have been accepted by a post-secondary institution listed on the DLI in Canada.
Prove sufficient financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
Demonstrate intent to leave Canada upon completion of studies.
Be law-abiding with no criminal record and not pose a risk to Canadian security.
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Navigating ever-changing regulations can be a challenge. Our experienced team at Van Law Group is committed to providing guidance tailored to your unique situation. Let us assist and provide you with:
Comprehensive Consultation: Assessing your eligibility and aligning your academic goals with current immigration policies.
Application Preparation: Assisting in compiling and reviewing all necessary documentation to strengthen your application.
Post-Arrival Support: Offering guidance on extending study permits, work opportunities during and after studies, and pathways to permanent residency.
Recent regulatory changes:
In response to increasing concerns over housing shortages and public services strain, the Canadian government has implemented measures to regulate the influx of international students. Notably, the number of study permits issued has been reduced to 437,000 for 2025, down from previous years. Additionally, new regulations effective from November 2024 stipulate that students enrolling in programs not aligned with occupations facing long-term shortages may no longer be eligible for post-graduate work permits.
Study Permit Refusal Appeals
Facing a study permit refusal can be a significant setback for international students aspiring to study in Canada. Understanding the common reasons for these refusals and knowing the steps to address them is crucial.
It is important to know that there are ways to appeal a refusal for a study permit.
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Insufficient Financial Proof: Applicants must demonstrate adequate funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. Failure to provide convincing financial evidence often leads to refusal.
Lack of Home Country Ties: Immigration officers assess whether applicants have strong connections to their home country, indicating their intention to return after studies. Weak ties can result in application denial.
Inadequate Letter of Explanation: A poorly crafted or missing letter detailing the applicant's study objectives and choice of institution can lead to refusal.
Questionable Program Choice: If the selected study program doesn't align with the applicant's educational or employment background, it may raise concerns about their intentions.
Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can result in immediate refusal. nada. Understanding the common reasons for such refusals and knowing the steps to address them is crucial.
Error or Misunderstanding: Refusals can also happen by human error, such as the immigration officer not properly reviewing or misinterpreting all documents.
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It is important that you have a copy of all your documents for your study permit, including a copy of the refusal letter.
Note that you have 15 days (if inside Canada) or 60 days (if outside Canada) to file for an appeal.
There are other mechanisms to address the refusal, but this may effect your enrollment and graduation date.
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At Van Law Group we specialize in immigration law, offering guidance to clients both in Canada and abroad. Our experienced lawyers can assist you in understanding the reasons for your study permit refusal and help you navigate the reapplication or appeal process.
Visitor Visa
A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. This visa is typically valid for up to six months.
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To be eligible for a Visitor Visa, applicants must:
Have a Valid Travel Document: Such as a passport.
Be in Good Health: A medical examination may be required.
Have No Criminal or Immigration-Related Convictions: A police clearance certificate may be necessary.
Convince an Immigration Officer of Ties to Home Country: Such as a job, home, financial assets, or family.
Convince an Immigration Officer of Intent to Leave Canada: At the end of the authorized stay.
Have Sufficient Funds: To cover expenses during the stay.
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Determine How You Will Apply: Online applications are recommended for efficiency.
Gather Required Documents: Including a valid passport, photographs, proof of financial support, and any other documents specified by the visa office.
Complete the Application Form: Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Pay the Application Fee: The standard fee is $CAN 100.
Submit Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph may be required.
Await Processing: Processing times vary by country.
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Navigating the Visitor Visa application process can be difficult, especially with recent policy changes. At Van Law Group, our experienced immigration lawyers are dedicated to providing personalized guidance to ensure your application meets all requirements. We assist with:
Eligibility Assessment: Determining your qualification for a Visitor Visa.
Document Preparation: Ensuring all necessary documentation is accurately completed and submitted.
Application Submission: Guiding you through the online application process.
Post-Submission Support: Addressing any additional requests from immigration authorities.
Recent regulatory changes:
Recently, Canada has implemented stricter measures towards Visitor Visas, rejecting more foreign travellers and issuing less Visas in order to manage immigration levels. In July 2024, Canada turned away 5,853 travellers, its highest number since January 2019. To add, the number of travellers rejected in 2024 increased by 20% from 2023.
Additionally, there has been significantly less approved Study and Work Permits from their multi-year highs in 2023 and 2022.
Connect with us
Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm
Phone
(604) 356-4434
E-mail
info@vanlg.ca