Michael Sigurdson

06/19/2025

Just a thought...

Diversification. As Canada’s relationship with the United States continues to deteriorate, we must look beyond our continental borders to secure our nation’s future prosperity.

06/11/2025

Canadian entrepreneur and business investor streams are an excellent avenue for those with experience and/or capital resources.

Canada’s business immigration programs offer experienced entrepreneurs and investors a unique opportunity to achieve permanent residence (PR) while contributing to Canada’s economic growth. Although you cannot simply "buy" PR in Canada, federal and provincial programs provide structured pathways...

09/27/2024

Today's Question: What happens if someone visits Canada and their visa expires while they are still waiting for the outcome of their application for permanent residency?

If someone visits Canada and their visa expires while they are waiting for the outcome of their permanent residency (PR) application, several important points need to be considered:

1. Status During Application Processing

Visitor Status: If a person is in Canada on a temporary residence visa, they must maintain their legal status. Once the visa expires, they no longer have legal status unless they have applied for an extension, visitor record, or change of status.

2. Application for Permanent Residency

Maintaining Status: While waiting for a PR application decision, it is crucial to maintain legal status. If the visitor visa expires, they may be considered out of status, which can affect their PR application.

Restoration of Status: If their visitor status expires, they can apply for restoration within 90 days of losing their status. This application must include a valid reason for the restoration request.

3. Consequences of Overstaying

Illegal Status: Remaining in Canada after a visa expires without having applied for an extension or restoration may render the individual inadmissible, which can lead to complications, including:

Ineligibility for PR: Being out of status may affect the ability to obtain PR.

Future Travel Issues: It can lead to future inadmissibility or complications when applying for visas or re-entering Canada.

4. Awaiting PR Decision

No Automatic Extension: The pending PR application does not automatically extend the visitor status. Applicants must be proactive in maintaining their legal status while waiting.

It is essential for individuals in Canada on a visitor visa to keep track of their visa expiration and take appropriate actions to maintain their legal status while awaiting a PR application decision. If the visa expires, they should seek restoration of their status promptly to avoid negative implications for their immigration status and future applications.

09/13/2024

Canada's Express Entry is not an immigration program but rather a system for managing immigration applications for skilled workers.

There is often confusion about what Canada's Express Entry system is and how it works for skilled works seeking Canadian permanent residence. Comprehensive Overview of Canada’s Express Entry SystemCanada's Express Entry system is a streamlined immigration process designed for skilled workers who w...

07/06/2024

From visitor to student...

Is it possible to obtain a study permit in Canada after entering with an eTA? Applying for Study Permit After Entering Canada as a Visitor with an eTAA question that often comes up is: Can a visitor to Canada on an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) apply to become a student? The short

12/10/2023

The IRCC has announced significant changes for those seeking a Canadian study permit. The previous $10,000 requirement is moving to 75% of LICO which will be north of $20,000 in 2024.

Michael Brookes2023-12-09T19:18:05+00:00Canada Raises Cost of Living Requirement for International Students The increase in the cost of living requirements from a flat $10,000.00 to 75% [...]

10/09/2023

I am often asked what steps can someone take to increase their Express Entry CRS score -- so here are some tips to maximize your CRS score in the Express Entry system:

1. Improve your English and/or French language test scores. Higher scores directly increase points.

2. Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential. This maximizes education points.

3. Gain additional work experience in your field to boost points in this factor, up to a maximum.

4. Take short-term courses or training to top up your education. Canadian certificates or diplomas can help.

5. Have your spouse or common-law partner take language tests and credential assessments to claim spouse points.

6. Pursue opportunities to get a valid Canadian job offer, which adds 200 points minimum.

7. Explore eligibility for Provincial Nominee Programs that can add 600 points if nominated.

8. Complete further education in Canada like a degree, diploma or post-graduate program to obtain Canadian education points.

9. Submit your profile into the Express Entry pool as soon as you're eligible for the system to maximize age points.

10. Always balance the time it takes to gain additional points against the loss off points with increased age.

11. Use the CRS our ranking tool to test different scenarios and find the optimal profile to maximize points.

Although it won't increase your points, ensure your answers to the background questions are completely accurate to avoid falsely claiming points and potentially becoming inadmissible.

The key is identifying where you can realistically improve your points profile based on the CRS criteria and your personal situation. Gaining extra points in even a single factor could make the difference in receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) -- or not.

06/29/2022

It's Whatsapp Wednesday! Send me a message on Whatsapp and I'll provide a free consultation on Canadian immigration matters.

04/19/2022

I will provide a free consultation and answer basic immigration questions for the next 25 people who contact me on Whatsapp!

Update 20/04: No more messages, please. It's nice to help so many people and I'll do this again sometime soon.

03/13/2022

The Canadian government has special authorization for emergency travel for those seeking safety from the Ukraine. If you need help, contact me.