Because it is extremely beautiful, Canada is very popular with visitors, tourists and transit passengers. Canadians are very hospitable people and the temptation to overstay in the country is always a real possibility.
To make it easier for temporary residents, the Department of Immigration has provided legal pathways through which visitors can apply to change conditions and remain in the country longer.
One such pathway is the study permit application. But this is only applicable during the COVID season. A visitor can enroll in a college or university and proceed to apply for a study permit. There are some legal procedures involved and that is why I recommend you contact me as soon as that idea crosses your mind. Because it is a pilot project, it is important to contact me before you catch your flight to Canada. Under normal circumstances, you can apply for a study permit but the visa and study permit will be processed offshore.
Another pathway is the spousal sponsorship. If you fall in love with a Canadian and would like to apply to stay, you don’t have to return to your country of origin. The spousal sponsorship application can be done while you are still in Canada. This is a legal-intensive application and it will be to your advantage not to proceed till we complete a consultation session.
Situations can change in the country of origin of a temporary resident. War can break out, for example. Fear of persecution and death can prevent a temporary resident from returning home. If such happens, you can come to my office for us to explore your eligibility to apply for refugee protection. This, also, is a legal-intensive application and my counsel will be very essential before you proceed to make an application.
Lately, and due to COVID 19, some visitors have been allowed to secure employment and proceed to apply to change from visit to work permit status. This is not a easy switch and a lot of advice is required before one can successfully embark on such an application. Consultation with our consultant is recommended.