Fulfilling the Dream of Returning to Canada Amid the Difficulties of COVID-19｜Client M

Travel restrictions meant things did not go as planned and it was tough, but I successfully obtained my Canadian work permit.

Immigration Consultant

Yumiko Sakurai

Born in Japan. Worked in tour planning and led international tours at a major travel agency, visiting dozens of countries. After immigrating to Canada in 2003, she worked at a software company in Montreal focusing on the Japanese market. She studied Immigration Consulting at Vanier College and became a licensed immigration consultant. Wanting to support the Japanese community more actively, she relocated to Vancouver where she currently resides and works.

Why I Decided to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

I had previously lived in Canada for several years on a study permit and other visas, but after deciding to leave, I returned to Japan and then moved to the United States to work there.

However, whenever I opened my mouth, I found myself happily talking about Canada… and I strongly felt that I really wanted to go back to Canada.

When I had left Canada, I had been helping a friend with their business, and they had told me, “If you ever want to come back to Canada, anytime!” So from there, I started moving forward with the visa application process.

Borders Closed Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Just as the LMIA Was Approved

The company was not Japanese, and it was also its first time going through a visa process, so I wanted to ask Ms. Sakurai of Shiraishi VisaJP Canada, who had helped me when I obtained my study permit before, and I introduced Ms. Sakurai to the company as well.

This time the LMIA was approved sooner than expected, but right after that, the COVID-19 pandemic began around the world, Canada’s borders suddenly closed, and no one had any idea what would happen next.

I no longer knew what to do and nearly gave up many times, but Ms. Sakurai always listened to my wishes and opinions, gave me ideas that lifted my spirits even a little, and constantly thought about how to find the best way forward in light of government changes and the COVID-19 situation.

When I was at a loss, thinking it would be impossible to enter Canada that year, she was the first to let me know that foreign nationals in the United States would become eligible, just as I was about to return to Japan for the time being, and I was able to enter Canada safely.

She stayed with me to the very end, even with my selfish requests, and supported me greatly on the mental side too! Because this visa application was made in such a very, very difficult situation, all of my past struggles came back to me, and even before I had the visa in hand, I was already in tears when I walked on that blue-green carpet at YVR airport, haha.

It really means so much that, thanks to Ms. Sakurai, I was able to get through this situation and keep going without giving up until the end!! I am truly happy to have had Ms. Sakurai in charge of my case and am filled with gratitude.

Thank you so much!

If anything comes up again, I would love to ask for your help again.

To Those Hoping to Travel to Canada

Right now, I think there are many people who are having a hard time emotionally while waiting to enter Canada under these conditions.

Only God knows how this situation will turn out, but I believe that if you hold on to your hopes until the end and do not give up, things will surely move in a good direction for each of you. I pray for that, and I hope the situation changes for the better, even a little, as soon as possible.

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