Successfully Obtaining Permanent Residence Through Family Class After Studying in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Obtaining an LMIA Work Permit｜Ms. M

Sakurai-san responded quickly to even the smallest questions and was a constant source of support throughout the process of obtaining permanent residence.

This case involved M, who decided to pursue a long-term move to Canada after studying in Canada online from Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic following a Working Holiday experience.

Shiraishi Visa JP Canada provided long-term support throughout M’s immigration journey, from two LMIA Work Permit applications and a Visitor Record application to the eventual permanent residence application through Family Class.

By carefully organizing and accurately presenting M’s complex immigration and personal history, while providing reassurance throughout the processing period, we were able to help M successfully obtain permanent residence without being asked to submit any additional documents.

Why did you decide to move to Canada?

After graduating from university in Japan, I worked for about four years in an industry where I held a national professional qualification. However, I began to feel that there was a limit to how far I could develop my career in that field.

Rather than continuing to live the same routine without making any changes, I wanted to take a chance and experience living abroad. This was what led me to decide to move to Canada.

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

After my Working Holiday, I had planned to return to Japan temporarily, obtain a Study Permit, and then come back to Vancouver. However, because of the pandemic, I had no choice but to study in Canada online from Japan.

During that time, I became even more determined to return to Canada and pursue permanent residence. Since immigration rules and visa systems were changing frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had no idea what the best course of action was.

I wanted to consult with a qualified professional about how I could pursue permanent residence in Canada based on my background, so I first contacted Shiraishi Visa JP Canada about visa application consulting and representation.

After that, I entrusted Shiraishi Visa JP Canada with two LMIA Work Permit applications, one Visitor Record application, and ultimately my permanent residence application through Family Class.

What was the most memorable part of the application process?

There were many memorable moments, as Sakurai-san from Shiraishi Visa JP Canada supported me throughout my entire immigration journey, starting with visa consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by my LMIA Work Permit applications, and ultimately my successful permanent residence application.

In particular, my permanent residence application involved a tremendous amount of information. I had previously applied for and withdrawn multiple visa applications, worked multiple jobs at the same time, taken a leave of absence during my studies in Canada, and moved several times within Vancouver.

Being able to review my complicated history together with the consultant while completing the application allowed me to submit everything accurately without any mistakes or omissions.

In the end, despite all my worries, the application proceeded smoothly and I was able to obtain permanent residence without being asked to submit any additional documents. That was the most memorable part of the entire process.

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

For every visa application, I also gathered information myself and checked the Canadian government’s website. However, I was extremely anxious about the possibility that my application could be refused and that I might no longer be able to stay in Canada. Because of that, I found myself worrying about even the smallest details and wondering whether I had done everything correctly.

Sakurai-san responded quickly to even the smallest questions and was a constant source of emotional support throughout the entire process of obtaining permanent residence.

The processing period after submitting an application can take several months, and without the consulting service, I think I would have spent every day worrying that there might have been a mistake or omission in my application while I waited for a decision.

What are your plans for your life in Canada, and what message would you give to those considering coming to Canada?

When I first came to Canada from Japan, I was nervous because it was my first time even traveling overseas alone on a plane. Looking back, I think the environment in Vancouver suited me well. Now, I am surrounded by people I would never have met if I had not come here, and I enjoy my everyday life.

When I first came to Canada, my main goal was to study English. However, in addition to improving my English, I have had many opportunities to experience different perspectives and cultures from around the world, which has given me so many things to learn about and think about.

Now that I have obtained permanent residence in Canada, I feel that many more opportunities have become available to me. I hope to continue learning many things in Canada and contribute to society in my own way.

There are many things you cannot know until you actually experience them yourself, so if you are interested in moving to or traveling to Canada, I would definitely encourage you to take that first step.

Additional Comments

I am incredibly grateful to Sakurai-san for all the support over the years. I am also very happy that I can now share the news that I have successfully obtained permanent residence.

Thank you so much for supporting me through such an important life-changing experience.