Reapplying After a Study Permit Refusal: From Public College Graduate to PGWP and LMIA-Based Work Permit, Then Permanent Residence Through the Canadian Experience Class｜Client K

She always responded quickly and carefully and kept me updated with the latest information, which was really great.

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 did you decide to immigrate to Canada?

I majored in English at university and in international and cultural studies at graduate school. These two were the main reasons I wanted to live in Canada. In Japan, I rarely had opportunities to use English. I had studied English for four years at university and wanted to be able to speak English with good pronunciation, so I first decided to study in Canada. When I actually started living in Toronto, I sensed a “multicultural mosaic”: meeting people of various races and religions was an everyday occurrence, and I felt it was an environment where everyone accepts cultural differences, yet people are assertive and it is easy to express your individuality. Having actually studied and worked here, I found there was still much to learn in Canada, so I decided to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

What made you choose Shiraishi VisaJP Canada?

Because the study permit application I made myself in 2016 was refused, I asked Shiraishi VisaJP Canada to handle my study permit reapplication. Ms. Sakurai, the immigration consultant in charge, handled it sincerely and precisely, and I obtained the visa more smoothly than expected. After that I felt secure, and after graduating I asked Ms. Sakurai to handle everything: my Post-Graduation Work Permit application and then my permanent residence application under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). She looked after me for several years, and I am happy that I have now obtained permanent residence.

What was the most memorable part of the process?

When I consulted Ms. Sakurai, she recommended applying for an LMIA-based work permit. The LMIA is a strict program, and I was quite worried about whether I would pass the review. Ms. Sakurai gave me lots of precise advice on the documents to submit; I especially remember her explaining concretely what my employer should include in the employment letter. She also coached us for the final interview between the LMIA officer and my employer, which was a great help. I am truly grateful that the LMIA was approved.

Another memorable part, and the hardest part of obtaining permanent residence, was that my CRS points for the Canadian Experience Class were not enough, and I could not reach the score needed to receive an invitation (ITA). With my visa expiry approaching, I felt mentally cornered.

Visa applications are more complicated than you might think, from collecting documents to writing letters of explanation, and a small mistake can lead to a refusal, so I strongly recommend asking a professional.

How was your experience using Shiraishi VisaJP Canada’s services?

What I am glad about with Shiraishi VisaJP Canada’s application service is, first, that I received precise advice. Because it was clear what I needed to do, I could move the application forward without wasting time. They also gave detailed instructions on the required documents, how to fill in the forms and the submission deadlines, which made applying much easier.

This time, because of COVID-19, the process was a long journey from start to finish (about 10 months in my case). During that time I carried anxiety, stress and other mental burdens, and it was really good that I could consult Ms. Sakurai whenever I was in trouble; she always responded quickly and carefully and kept me updated with the latest information.

Future outlook and a message for those planning to travel to Canada

Having permanent residence broadens the range of career choices in Canada, so my next goal is to advance my career. I think Canada remains a country that actively welcomes immigrants, so for those aiming for permanent residence, if you are blessed with a good immigration consultant and have the determination not to give up until the end, a path will surely open up.

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