CIC Officer Gets It Wrong

Some people still have a hard time believing that CIC officers can make bad decisions during reviews of immigration applications (another good reason to hire an immigration lawyer!).

Here's a summary of a recent case where the CIC officer did not consider the fact that a couple had a child as a factor in favour of showing the relationship was genuine!

"The sponsored application for permanent residence of the appellant's husband was refused under section 4 of the IRP Regulations...The visa officer failed to consider the fact that the couple had a child as at least a factor in favour of a genuine marriage. Absent exceptional circumstances, a reasonable person accepts the existence of a child as proof of a genuine spousal relationship. No negative inference was drawn from the applicant's previous unsuccessful attempt to come to Canada as an adopted child. The evidence in support of the genuineness of the marriage was considerable. The appeal was allowed. Aujla (Sidhu), Jagwinder Kaur v. M.C.I. (IAD VA5-02812), Shahriari, April 17, 2007.

"Simplified" Application Not Simple

A number of people have asked me if the new simplified application process for all CIC offices (except Buffalo) is actually any more simple than it was previously.

I can tell you that is not any more simple. In fact, I wonder why they called it "simplified". It is actually the "delayed" application process. An initial form gets you into the queue, however, at a later date, you will still have to provide all the forms and documentation required under the previous process. It becomes more complicated because you have to submit this material within a specified time frame.

So make no mistake -- the process is as difficult and cumbersome as ever under the new simplified process.

The Best Occupations for Work Permits

As many of you know, Canada has a "Canadians first" policy for the labour market. This means that if a Canadian can be hired for the job, a work permit for a foreign worker will not generally be issued. However, it is recognized that certain occupations are in demand througout the country, and employers and workers trying to get a work permit for these occupations will have a much easier time.

If your occupation matches one of those in the links listed below, your chances of obtaining a work permit are pretty good indeed!

Click here for occupations under pressure in British Columbia

Click here for occupations under pressure in Alberta

Click here for occupations under pressure in Ontario

Contact me if you think you may qualify for a work permit in Canada.