From Parent-Child Study Abroad to Permanent Residence as an ECE: Achieving the Dream of Moving to Canada in Her 40s Through a PGWP｜Ms. S
Date Posted:August 18, 2026
Last Updated:September 2, 2026
The instructions regarding the required documents were detailed and easy to understand, and I was also very grateful for the advice on how to write the letters.
Visa Type / Immigration Category
BC PNP – International Graduates Stream
Occupation / Job Title
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Visa Status Before Application
Study Permit
Residence at the Time of Application
Other Area of British Columbia
Duration from Application to Visa Approval
24 months
Customer Comments and Testimonials
This case involves a client who began her journey with a parent-child study abroad experience in Canada with her children in her 40s, later obtained a Study Permit and a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and ultimately achieved permanent residence in Canada as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE).
Shiraishi Visa JP Canada provided comprehensive, long-term support for S’s immigration plan, beginning with her initial consultation in 2020 and continuing through multiple visa applications and the permanent residence process.
Why did you decide to move to Canada?
I wanted my children to attend school in Canada, a country with a large immigrant population, where they could be exposed to diverse cultures and values. That was how we initially started our parent-child study abroad experience.
Both my children and I came to love living in Canada and wanted to stay for as long as possible. With the goal of obtaining permanent residence, I decided to study at a college and work in Canada.
Why did you decide to use Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s services?
In 2020, when I wanted to go to Canada but had absolutely no idea where to start, I attended one of Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s free seminars.
I was impressed by how carefully they explained the latest information about immigrating to Canada and how sincerely they listened to and answered participants’ questions.
The fact that they continued to provide up-to-date information as circumstances changed, along with their extensive track record of visa application support, also gave me peace of mind.
I could feel that the entire team genuinely wanted to do everything they could to support people who wanted to come to Canada, which made me want to entrust my visa applications to Shiraishi Visa JP Canada.
What was the most memorable part of the application process?
Everything was new to me, and I did not know anyone around me who was in a similar situation. Since I came to Canada in my 40s and the decisions I made would have a major impact on my children’s future, I was extremely anxious many times before making major decisions, such as choosing a study program or finding a job in Canada.
I am truly grateful that I was able to consult with Shiraishi Visa JP Canada each time I faced an important decision, including choosing my college program and deciding where to work, and receive their advice.
I was especially anxious when the owner of my workplace changed after I had submitted my permanent residence application. However, thanks to their accurate advice and support, I was able to get through that situation.
I was also very grateful that they repeatedly contacted the immigration officer when my visa and immigration applications were taking longer than expected.
How was your experience using Shiraishi Visa JP Canada’s services?
I was quite anxious throughout the process and probably asked a lot of questions, but I was very happy that I received accurate advice every time.
They also responded to my emails promptly.
Starting from a point where I had absolutely no idea where to begin, to ultimately obtaining permanent residence in Canada, has been incredibly meaningful and emotional for me.
Having professional immigration consultants supporting me gave me a tremendous sense of security, especially during the long periods of waiting for my applications to be processed.
What are your plans for your life in Canada, and what message would you give to those considering coming to Canada?
After obtaining permanent residence, one of the things that made me especially happy and grateful was knowing that my children can now attend university as domestic students, with access to domestic tuition rates.
I would like to continue treating my children and family with sincerity and work for many years as a trusted ECE. I also want to enjoy lots of hiking and camping in beautiful nature across Canada.
I know there are many people who feel anxious about coming to Canada. My advice would be to ask Visa JP Canada as many questions as you need and consult with them thoroughly beforehand. Once you feel comfortable with your decision, keep moving forward toward your goal, and I believe your possibilities will continue to grow.
Imagine the moment when you obtain your permanent residence and keep working toward that future!
Additional Comments
Since 2020, I have received an incredible amount of support from Shiraishi-san and the many consultants and staff members at the company throughout every stage of my journey, including obtaining my Study Permit, Visitor Visa, PGWP, and finally permanent residence.
Now that I have successfully obtained permanent residence, I feel nothing but gratitude.
Thank you so, so much for everything!
S and I have now been working together for approximately six and a half years. Our first consultation took place about a year before the COVID-19 pandemic began. At the time, I remember that one of the reasons S was considering moving to Canada was her concern about radiation following the nuclear power plant accident in Japan. Initially, we began exploring ways for S to pursue permanent residence through the agricultural field, where she had extensive experience, as well as other options that could provide a more reliable pathway. We considered a variety of possibilities, including massage therapy and other occupations, and ultimately S chose the path of pursuing permanent residence as an Early Childhood Educator. One of the things I admire most about S is that once she sets a goal, she remains committed to it and continues working toward it without wavering. She also sincerely followed through with each piece of advice I provided. Her husband did not move to Canada, so S managed life as the sole caregiver for her four children while also taking on the challenge of entering an entirely new field—early childhood education—which was completely different from her previous professional experience. From her studies and job search, to negotiating the employment conditions required for her permanent residence application, and even preparing visa and permanent residence application documents for every member of her family, S approached every stage with tremendous sincerity and determination. I was personally inspired many times by the way S continued taking one step at a time toward her dream. Her journey has also given me the confidence to tell other clients who are working toward immigration that “there is always a path forward.” I am truly delighted that S and her entire family have now successfully obtained permanent residence in Canada, and that her children can also pursue university education in Canada as permanent residents. S, thank you so much for allowing us to accompany you on this long journey. I sincerely hope that the years ahead will bring your entire family many wonderful moments filled with happiness, smiles, and fulfillment here in Canada.
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
