From a Long-Distance Marriage to Permanent Residence Through the Family Class in About 8.5 Months｜Client C
Date Posted:October 25, 2026
Last Updated:October 20, 2026
This case study introduces Client C, who met her Canadian husband while studying in Canada through a co-op program and, after a period of long-distance marriage between Japan and Canada, obtained permanent residence through the Family Class. Although booking the immigration medical exam at a designated clinic in Japan proved difficult during processing, Shiraishi VisaJP Canada supported her at each step, and the application was approved in about 8.5 months, compared with an average processing time of about 18 months.
When something unexpected happened, it was very reassuring to have someone I could consult.
Permanent Residence: Family Class
N/A
None (Japan)
Japan
About 8.5 months
Client Comments
Why did you decide to immigrate to Canada?
The company I worked for in Japan was not particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, but seeing so many people and businesses that were affected made me want to become someone with practical skills that could be used in many different ways. So I went to Canada for a co-op program to study digital marketing, which I thought would be useful in many situations.
I often traveled to various countries for work, but Canada happened to be the only one I had never visited. I chose Canada because I heard about its beautiful nature and that many people there are kind.
After that, I returned to Japan for about a year, and after a long-distance relationship, my Canadian partner and I decided to get married. Considering his job and the language, I decided to immigrate to Canada.
What made you choose Shiraishi VisaJP Canada?
Their website was easy to read, and they run various businesses, which gave me a sense of reassurance.
My application was a Family Class permanent residence application, and I knew it was not something to take lightly, since even a small mistake in the submitted documents could have unknown consequences. They also regularly share information on YouTube, where I could see introductions of their immigration consultants. Being able to learn about the people I would be entrusting my application to beforehand was a big reason for my decision.
What was the most memorable part of the process?
The medical exam required for the application must be done at a hospital designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and there are very few in Japan, so booking an appointment was a real competition.
The earliest date I could get was after the deadline, so I was quite worried about how this might affect my application and whether an extension was possible. I consulted Ms. Gould, and thanks to her support, I was able to complete the process without any problems. When something unexpected happened, it was very reassuring to have someone I could consult.
How was your experience using Shiraishi VisaJP Canada’s services?
They were a great source of support, and I am really glad I asked them for help.
Submitting complete, easy-to-read documents while checking for any legal changes is very important for an application, so I think it would have been very hard to do everything on my own while working.
Also, when it comes to visas, the solution can differ from person to person, and you cannot always trust information online, which makes you anxious. If something unexpected happens and you try to solve it on your own, it is hard to judge whether your approach is even correct. Receiving advice based on their experience and knowledge gave me great peace of mind.
Future outlook and a message for those planning to travel to Canada
Living in Canada, I see many people of all ages going back to school to advance their careers or taking on new challenges. Even if I take a detour, I want to eventually find what I really want to do and live a fulfilling life.
I think Canada has an atmosphere where, in a good way, people do not worry much about how others see them. So if you are unsure whether to try something new, I hope you will give it a try.
Key Points from the Consultant
C met her husband while studying in Canada. After getting married, the couple lived apart, with C in Japan and her husband in Canada, while proceeding with a Family Class permanent residence application.
During the application process, C encountered some difficulties securing an appointment for her immigration medical examination at an IRCC-designated clinic in Japan. Fortunately, the issue was resolved, and the application process continued.
As permanent residence processing times were relatively long at the time, C decided to travel to Canada and begin living with her husband while waiting for a decision on her application.
When an applicant moves to Canada from abroad during the permanent residence process, there are cases where IRCC may still issue finalization instructions intended for applicants residing outside Canada, even after an address change has been reported. Fortunately, C received the appropriate instructions for applicants residing in Canada, allowing the final steps of the process to proceed smoothly.
We are delighted that C successfully obtained permanent residence and can now enjoy her life in Canada with her husband without the uncertainty of having to renew her temporary resident status. We wish them both a wonderful future together.
Immigration Consultant
Born in Japan. Worked as a registered dietitian in hospitals and other facilities. Moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2001 on a Working Holiday. Later utilized her professional background to obtain a work visa, then Canadian permanent residency as a skilled worker. Studied Oil and Gas Administration at a college in Alberta, then worked at a U.S.-based oil company. Later studied accounting and transitioned into an accounting role.
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