This article was authored by Yameena Ansari, Principal Lawyer, and Julian Agamata, Law Clerk, at Ansari Immigration Law.
Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be tricky. One immense frustration is that when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes mistakes, it’s often up to applicants to fix them. Fixing these errors can take a long time. And people have to figure out how to sort things out on their own.
In just a few months, I’ve seen three cases where fixing government mistakes required much extra effort. These experiences show how unnecessarily complex and frustrating the Canadian immigration system can be.
18 Pages to Correct Name Error on Canadian Permanent Resident Card
Our client received a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) bearing an incorrect name. Upon contacting the IRCC help center for assistance, we were informed they lacked the authority to rectify the COPR. Even submitting a web form proved ineffective in addressing the issue. Instead, our firm compiled and submitted an exhaustive 18-page application detailing the necessary corrections. Despite these efforts, there remains a disconcerting possibility that our client’s Permanent Resident (PR) card may still arrive bearing the incorrect name, necessitating yet another taxing application process for its amendment.
Postgraduate Work Permit Errors: The Costly Impact of a Simple Mistake
One of our clients encountered a situation where their postgraduate work permit (PGWP) was issued with the incorrect validity period. Despite our efforts to address the error by submitting both a web form and a reconsideration request to IRCC, both appeals were denied. Consequently, our client is now applying for a whole new temporary resident permit and a new PGWP. Not only does this cost the client much in legal fees, it also creates stress for us and the client. This major problem was caused by a slight mistake made by the processing officer, highlighting how minor errors can dramatically impact individuals navigating the immigration system.
From Anxious to Approved: Navigating Work Permit Authorization Issues
In a recent case, one of our clients faced a concerning situation when their application to extend their work permit did not result in the expected Continued Authorization to Work letter from IRCC. Despite contacting IRCC through a web form, the client received only a generic response.
Although our client submitted all the required documents, they were left anxious, wondering whether they could continue legally working in Canada or not.
Our firm discovered that while IRCC had all the necessary documents for processing the application, they requested a resubmission of these documents. Following our prompt action to resend the required documents, the client finally received the authorization to continue working, alleviating their anxieties and ensuring continuity in their employment status.
Looking forward to a better future
These challenges not only demand considerable time and resources to address, resulting in increased legal fees for clients, but also inflict undue stress on individuals navigating the immigration process. Moreover, such administrative lapses pose risks to the integrity of the immigration program. It’s conceivable that exceptional candidates may abandon their pursuit of Canadian immigration due to these avoidable errors.
Previously, lawyers could easily communicate with program managers to correct minor errors, but now it’s challenging to even acess their emails much less receive a response. Nowadays, lawyers often have to resubmit applications or navigate complex procedures to correct issues.
To streamline resolution processes and enhance efficiency, the establishment of a dedicated call centre and email line for legal professionals could offer a viable solution. A quick phone call or email could fix minor issues – saving resources for both clients and IRCC.
