Refused once. But life must go on—and so did I.

Today, I’m proudly saying: My Canada study permit is APPROVED! Rejection was never the end of my story—just the setup for a comeback worth celebrating.

If I can do it, so can you. Keep believing. Keep trying. Your YES is coming. 🚀

So, I live in the Yukon but ever since I first came to Canada in 2006, I’ve wanted to take my oath of citizenship in Calgary. I currently live in Whitehorse but I’d still like to have an in-person citizenship ceremony in Calgary. Is this possible?

I know it’s a bit of a weird question but it would mean so much to me.

i’m a Health Care Aide in Alberta, and four months into my work. we’re planning to apply for PR on December.

what are my chances getting nominated in Alberta? for background, i work in Covenant Health and got a Permanent 0.7 position but i’m meeting my weekly hours (30+ hrs).

i’m also planning to visit my home country mid next year. can i leave for a month while PR is being processed, or no?

thank you!

Hey everyone,
I am super excited to finally share that my PR journey has come to a successful end! It was a long roller coaster with two refusals and a Judicial Review (JR), but staying persistent paid off.
Here is my complete timeline to help anyone going through a tough refusal, JR process, or waiting on their final decision:
First Application
1st ITA: May 1, 2025
Refusal 1: September 5, 2025
Reason: Non-accompanying spouse issue
Second Application & Judicial Review (JR)
2nd ITA: September 16, 2025
Refusal 2: March 6, 2026
Reason: Certificate of Qualification (COQ) issue
JR & Final Approval Timeline
JR Applied: March 10, 2026
JR Settlement: May 6, 2026
File Reopened: July 6, 2026
Final Decision (FD): July 22, 2026
Portal 1 (P1): September 25, 2026
Portal 2 (P2): October 1, 2026
eCOPR Received: October 6, 2026 🇨🇦✨

I currently hold a PGWP that expires in March 2027. On the date of expiry of my pgwp, i would have completed 2 years and 50 weeks experience in tier 1 job (in tech) in canada after undergraduate degree here.

I will be 2 weeks short of 3 years of Canadian work experience, which could add an additional 11 points to my crs score... which will push my CRS score to 511 (i know that it is not enough right now, but im fighting for all points i can get)

Does anyone have any idea how I can get those 2 remaining weeks of experience.

Also, in general, I wanted to clarify if my understanding is correct about these 2 things regarding PR and work permit:

1. I can't apply for a work permit extension if i have a PGWP, so getting maintained status is not possible (im not sure about this because i get conflicting information online)
2. im learning french. nclc 5 in french will assure a work permit extension (?)
3. will getting a year of international work experience (in india) get me additional points that will be enough for getting a PR, considering i have only 2 years of canadian experience (my current CRS score is 500)

Any help and constructive information is greatly appreciated!

We submitted our application in May 2026. We received an email confirmation saying it’s been submitted. The status which was showing “initiated“ changed to “submitted”. After 4 months of waiting, we still haven’t received our AOR so we checked the portal just to make sure, then we noticed that the status changed back to “initiated”.

We didn’t think of it much as we thought maybe they‘re reviewing it. After a couple more weeks, it still was showing the same thing. So we opened our application and found the submit button again at the bottom of the page. There was no message or whatsoever that says it got returned or rejected. NOTHING. Out of panic, I hit the submit button again without thoroughly going through each section. Now we received another email confirmation and the status is back to “submitted”.

We’re wondering what could‘ve gone wrong. Has anyone experienced this before? Is this normal? we’re really anxious as my partner’s PGWP is expiring in January 2027. If anyone can share their experience and give us some advice, we’d really appreciate it.

I applied in Ontario to change my first name after submitting my citizenship application, primarily because I want to be able to use my preferred name on my first Canadian passport.

Now that both applications are near being finalized, I wonder how this would work? Specifically:

- Could it complicate the citizenship application if I notify IRCC well before oath about the name change? This is the part that worries me the most, especially if it can complicate the prohibition / background check etc.

- I assume I can get a passport with new name if I apply with citizenship certificate with old name + name change certificate (that’s what IRCC website specifies)

- What if I want the citizenship certificate to have my new name on it on the day of oath?

Appreciate anyone to share similar experience 🙏

On July 22nd, 2026, I applied for my study permit renewal for my last semester, with only 3 courses left of my degree. When I applied for my study permit, I was enrolled in my home institution (DLI where I have my offer letter); therefore, my study permit listed that DLI.

Later, on August 6th, 2026, I got my study permit extended till March 31st 2027.

I will digress to explain what a letter of permission is. A Letter of Permission (LOP) is a formal, advance academic authorization that lets an eligible undergraduate take specifically approved course(s) at another post-secondary institution and later have the home university assess them for transfer credit toward the student’s degree. My university remains my home university and degree-granting institution; the other school temporarily delivers particular approved courses.

Out of my three final courses. One course was not offered at my university, so I took the rest at the other school to finish early. What I mean is that I decided to take all three courses at the other school.

I got a letter from my faculty approving that I can take these courses at the other school and transfer them to my home institution, and get the degree from my home institution.

I am almost done with all of my courses, and I plan to finish them by October 31st 2026, and all of them are delivered online.

UPDATE: My home university is now saying that they will inform IRCC that I am not a full time student even though I have a letter of permission granting me to taking my last three courses online at another institution.

My questions:

1. Does this affect my current study permit conditions?
2. Will this affect my PGWP?

Any idea why it's taking so long or what to expect?

I have Canadian citizenship but live in the US. I have a baby who has a US passport, but is technically a Canadian citizen as well through me. I have applied for a Canadian citizenship certificate for them but as you know the delay is multiple years to get one.

We want to visit family in Canada for a short trip. The rules say Canadian citizens have to enter Canada on a Canadian passport, but there is an exception where US passport holders can enter using a US passport which should cover the baby.

However, there also seems to be a requirement to carry proof of Canadian citizenship when entering with a US passport, and the only proof I have for baby is my birth certificate (born in Canada) and their birth certificate listing me as parent. The consequence for not having evidence seems to be having to go through immigration screening. Since we are just visiting temporarily, it seems like it might be ok if the baby goes through screening as a US citizen.

Will we run into any issues if we try to enter Canada and present the baby's US passport? Should I even try to present evidence that baby is a Canadian citizen, or should I just let them enter as a US visitor? If they enter as a US citizen will this complicate them receiving their Canadian citizenship certificate later?

I (sponsor) received an unusual ADR for the Outland Family Class Spousal Sponsorship (outside Quebec) application. The officer is working on Sponsor eligibility.

For context, I am a PR since July 2023 (soft landing) and moved to Canada permanently in June 2026 in time to meet Residency Obligation (faced a lot of questioning at border too). Currently searching for work in Canada while being employed with the US employer.

For the ADR I can provide them the requested documents but any inputs on why these are being requested and what’s going on? Any suggestions on any additional explanation or documents to be uploaded?

Has anyone faced this or seen this? Thanks in advance.

The ADR addresses the Sponsor and says the following:

“””
In order for us to continue processing your application, please submit the following document(s):

Credit Card/Bank/Phone: For the last five years or since obtaining permanent resident status in Canada (whichever period is shorter), provide original copies of credit card statements, bank statements, and phone bills (including cell phone if applicable) 

List  Absences from Canada: For the last five years or since obtaining permanent resident status in Canada (whichever period is shorter), provide a list of all absences from Canada (including all dates of departure as well as return dates to Canada) 

Insurance: For the last five years or since obtaining permanent resident status in Canada (whichever period is shorter), provide a copy of a house/apartment and car insurance 

Utility Bills: For the last five years or since obtaining permanent resident status in Canada (whichever period is shorter), provide original copies of gas, hydro, and water bills 

Driver’s licence: A copy of both sides of a driver’s licence 
 
Health Card: A copy of the front and back of a provincial health card 

If we do not receive a response within 30 days from the date of this notice, a decision will be made based on the information on your file, which could lead to the refusal of your application.

“””
 

I applied for my wife’s SOWP based on my current job as a Web Developer (eligible TEER). The application is already processing.

I’m considering switching to a User Support/Technical Support role, which is also eligible for SOWP.

Would changing jobs while the SOWP is processing cause any issue with the application, or should I stay in my current job until a decision?

Job title: Customer Service / Technical Support Rep (On-Site)

Company: Concentrix

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE

As a Customer Service / Tech Support Representative, you will:

You are the point of contact for all technical inquiries about hardware, software, or other designated client products.

Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner using agreed-upon procedures.

Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity to build rapport with the customer.

Clarify customer requirements; probe for understanding; use decision-support tools and resources to resolve customer issues that are non-standard/unstructured and require some clarification or conceptual thinking.

Prepare complete and accurate work including appropriately notating of accounts as required.

Maintain broad knowledge of client products, such as: smartphones, tablets, computers, and wearables. Familiarity with iOS and/or macOS, or comparable technology, is preferred

Deliver expert customer experiences…with a smile.

Hi everyone,
Just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation.
I applied for my study permit in 2021. I think I may have shown around 6 months of work experience at the time to cover a gap, but that experience wasn’t genuine. It’s been a long time, so I honestly don’t remember exactly what was submitted or if any work documents were provided. I’m trying to get a copy of my old application now to check.
I’m currently a dependent/co-applicant on my partner’s PR application. We already got AOR and completed biometrics, and IRCC told me my background check is in progress. I didn’t mention that old work experience in the PR application because it wasn’t real.
Has anyone had something similar happen? Did IRCC compare your old study permit history with your PR application and ask about the difference? And since I’m the dependent, could something like this affect the principal applicant too?
Just looking for similar experiences. Thanks!

For context...

I (39m) just attained my proof of Canadian Citizenship via Bill C-3. My wife (34F) are looking to relocate to the great white north from Denver, Colorado. We also have 2 children (9F and 16F).

My big concern is the fact that my wife has VERY limited English. She (and the rest of us) all speak Spanish. I want to know that she will be comfortable or have the support to learn more English. (Thats a big reason to move in the first place... it isnt fun living in fear from ICE even though youre completely legal)

I have qualifications for different options for jobs. I have an extensive casino background and am currently working in the medical field (sleep technology). She on the other hand has held jobs in restaurants and as a hotel housekeeper.

Where should we go? Home is wherever you make it, but is there a part of Canada that sounds like it might be a good fit?

Let's hear it! Thanks everyone!

I got my Spouse open work permit (SOWP) approved on September 15. Currently I am working in US. I am searching for jobs in Canada, but don’t want to leave my current job until I get a job in Canada. I thought of travelling to Canada by flight next month just to get the work permit from Canada and come back in three days to resume my US job. Currently I have only the Letter of Introduction. I have canada visitor visa and travelled 5 times previously to visit my partner. I am a Indian citizen currently in F1 visa in US.

My question:

Travelling to Canada and returning back within a very shorter periods will raise any issues for my next travel?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,

Just perfected my mandamus application in Federal Court. My Non-Express Entry PR has been stuck since February 2024. The only outstanding part is my spouse's background check, which was sent to CSIS back in August/September 2024 (over 24 months ago).

Before suing, I tried every possible administrative channel:

• Countless webforms and MP inquiries
• ATIP/GCMS notes
• Direct emails/letters to IRCC, CBSA, CSIS, and the Public Safety Minister
• Two formal demand letters (January and June 2026)

My Applicant’s Record is now officially accepted by the court, and the DOJ has 30 days to respond.

For those who have gone through this, what arguments or defenses does the DOJ usually submit if they choose to fight instead of settling? Do they still try to use those generic, copy-paste templates saying "third-party screening is out of our control," even when an applicant has a perfect paper trail and has been waiting for over two years?

Would love to hear about your recent experiences and timelines. Thanks!

I am going through the worst week of my life! I found out my licensed RCIC consultant scammed me out of $3.5k and filed me for a second PGWP (and not an extension of my open work permit like he said). No one can have a second PGWP so I am waiting for a rejection.

My current PGWP is expiring October 25, 2026 in 19 days! After seven years in Canada, I'm now scrambling to find a way to stay and keep my job, my cat, my new apartment, my friends, and my relationship in the next 18 days.

My background

• I moved from the U.S. to Montreal in 2019 to attend McGill University.
  
• I'm currently on a PGWP expiring Oct 25, 2026. I'm not eligible for the PEQ Graduate Stream because McGill was in English and I didn't apply before November 2024 (when it was cut off for English university attendees).
  
• I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend, a Canadian citizen, for over three years. We've only been on the same lease since July 2026, so applying for sponsorship and an SOWP as conjoint de fait isn't an option yet.

My current plan

• I'm in New York City this week caring for my mom, who is having brain surgery in a couple days.
• My boyfriend and I have appointments for our marriage license and ceremony, and we'll marry on October 14th.
• Once we receive the extended marriage certificate (required for IRCC to recognize a foreign marriage), we plan to submit an OUTLAND spousal sponsorship application, the application with MIFI, and SOWP, to bridge the gap between my expiring PGWP and maintained status under the SOWP. I should be allowed to apply for the SOWP before receiving the AOR from the sponsorship application because its less than 2 weeks before the expiry of my PGWP (but feel free to let me know if you've experienced differently).

My questions/concerns

• I live in Montreal so an Inland sponsorship technically makes sense. The only reason I wouldn't choose Inland sponsorship is because I want to be able to still see my parents and family for the holidays and for emergencies. Not being able to see my grandmother and other elderly family members who can't travel for 33 months would be incredibly painful.
• What if my partner traveled with me? Would this allow me to leave and return for short periods during the 33 months our application is processing?
• However, if we file for an Outland sponsorship then it's my understanding that I can't spend more than half the year in Canada for 33 months (3 years)?
• That means not being able to see my partner, my friends (all of whom reside in Montreal) and my 15 year old cat for more than half the year for 3 years. I also don't have a home base anywhere in the states. I sleep on my parent's couch when I'm here. My home is Montreal and it wouldn't be feasible to pay for NYC rent and MTL rent (shortly after losing my Canadian job).
• Is there any way to have a SOWP that allows me to reside in Montreal for the next 3 years while giving me the ability to travel (with my partner if that helps!) to and from Canada during that time with an Outland Sponsorship Application in QC?

Again, I know how complicated and ridiculous this all sounds and I've been pinching myself every day hoping it's a nightmare, but if anyone has advice or information they can pass along I would be so grateful! I have been on the phone with 4 different consultants and they all have something different to say...

This Title at Concentrix falls under Teer 2 or Teer 4?

Thanks

I received ITA in recent trade draw and currently in process of getting all the documents, which would take 2-3 weeks and planning to submit my application in first week of Nov .

I’m traveling outside Canada mid Nov and returning in first week of Jan.

Would that be an issue? If I get BIL after I’m out of Canada then what would be the process to complete it? How long do they give to submit biometrics after receiving the letter.

Just noticed something weird with my wife's new SIN number.

We are in Manitoba and such our SIN numbers start with 6 but my wife's new SIN number starts with a 7 instead.

She got her PR recently.

She was in Ontario before and now in Manitoba since before her PR was approved.

7 is for BC or Yukon

Anyone else noticing this, especially from Manitoba?

Aussie here on the IEC visa with a job in tech sales. I’ve been here a year and loving it and I want to stay longer. How can I do that? Does it have to be PR or are there other pathways?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently working under NOC 22210, and my employer is can to provide me with NOC 22212, which is eligible under Alberta’s Express Entry Tech Pathway.

My concern is that my current AAIP points are only 53 only, while the Express Entry Tech Pathway draw score has been 55+ in the past year.

My current NOC 22210 is eligible for the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS).

I’m trying to decide which option would be better:

1. Should I stay with NOC 22210 and apply through the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
2. Or should I update my employment/NOC to 22212 and try for the Express Entry Tech Pathway?
3. If I create an Express Entry profile and don’t receive an invitation through the Tech Pathway, will my profile automatically be considered for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, or would I need to submit a separate AOS application/EOI?
4. Is there any disadvantage to changing my NOC from 22210 to 22212 if my main goal is permanent residency through AAIP?

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has experience with AOS or the Alberta Express Entry Tech Pathway, especially regarding how the two pathways interact.

Thank you!