Overcoming the Challenges of Obtaining an LMIA Work Permit During the COVID-19 Pandemic and an Employer’s Business Closure to Successfully Obtain Permanent Residence Through Family Class｜Ms. I

I had many questions and felt anxious whenever unexpected situations arose, but they always provided accurate advice and answers, which was a tremendous source of support.

This case involved a client who received a job offer from a former employer where she had worked during her previous Working Holiday in Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she obtained an LMIA Work Permit from Japan and returned to Canada.

After meeting her partner in Canada, she eventually decided to apply for permanent residence through the Family Class.

When there was no progress on her application for several months, we made an inquiry with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm the status of her application and successfully guided the case through to permanent residence approval.

Why did you decide to move to Canada?

I felt that Canada’s climate and work-life balance suited me well, and I had been thinking that I would like to live here long-term.

Later, several things came together, including receiving a job offer that would allow me to obtain a work permit and meeting my partner. These experiences ultimately led me to decide to pursue permanent residence through the Family Class.

Why did you decide to use Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s services?

Several years after my previous Working Holiday, I received an offer from the company where I had worked, asking if I would return to Canada with their support for a work permit.

At the time, I decided to apply for an LMIA Work Permit. Since this was during the COVID-19 pandemic and I was applying from outside Canada, it was a particularly uncertain period.

I wanted to work with a consultant I could trust, so I reached out to Shiraishi Visa JP Canada for a consultation. They were extremely thorough and supportive, which led me to entrust them with my application.

What was the most memorable part of the application and visa process?

After submitting my Family Class permanent residence application, there was a period of several months with no updates, which made me very anxious.

However, Ms. Sakurai, who was in charge of my case, contacted IRCC to inquire about the status and continued to keep an eye on the progress of my application.

Thanks to her support, I was able to obtain permanent residence very smoothly. I am truly grateful.

How was your experience using Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s services?

I have worked with Shiraishi Visa JP Canada for approximately five years, from my work permit application all the way through to permanent residence, and quite a few unexpected things happened along the way.

There were frequent sudden rule changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including changes that affected travel, and at one point my employer suddenly decided to close the business.

These unexpected situations made me anxious, and I often had many questions, but they always provided accurate advice and answers, which was a tremendous source of support.

For my second work permit, I used a different consultant due to circumstances related to my workplace. However, I felt that Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s service was more thorough and accurate, so when it came time to apply for permanent residence through the Family Class, I decided to work with them again.

As a result, the permanent residence process went very smoothly, and I am extremely grateful for their support.

What are your hopes for your future life in Canada, and what message would you give to people planning to come to Canada?

Having a professional assist me with my visa applications significantly reduced both the time and mental burden involved in the process.

Now that I have obtained permanent residence, there are many things I would like to challenge myself with, and I am really looking forward to what comes next!