Individual Immigration
Visitor Visas (Tourists, Business Visitors, and Parents)
Canada offers several pathways for individuals who wish to enter the country temporarily as visitors. Whether you are planning a vacation, attending a business meeting, or visiting family members, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa, commonly known as a visitor visa, unless you are from a visa exempt country. At Golden Maple Law, we assist with preparing visitor visa applications that clearly demonstrate the purpose of travel, ties to the applicant’s home country, and the financial means to support the visit. These are among the key factors considered by immigration officers.
Many applications are refused due to unclear travel plans, insufficient documentation, or weak evidence of return to the home country. Our approach draws on experience in litigation to help avoid common refusal points. Whether you are a tourist, a parent wishing to visit your children in Canada, or a business visitor with time sensitive goals, we ensure that your application is strategic, persuasive, and prepared with the seriousness the process requires.
A Visitor Record is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that allows a visitor to remain in Canada beyond the initial period authorized at entry. It does not function as a visa and cannot be used for re entry. Rather, it serves to extend or modify the conditions of an existing stay. If you are already in Canada and wish to stay longer, you must apply for a Visitor Record before your current status expires.
We assist individuals who need to remain in Canada for valid reasons such as caring for family, attending to personal matters, or waiting for the outcome of a permanent residence application. Our team ensures that your extension request is supported by clear evidence and legal reasoning, with an emphasis on timeliness, credibility, and compliance with immigration law.
Study Permits
Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students, offering exceptional educational opportunities, post graduation work options, and potential pathways to permanent residence. However, the study permit process is becoming more demanding. As of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has increased the minimum cost of living requirement for study permit applicants. For a single applicant, the required funds in addition to the first year of tuition and travel expenses have increased to $22,895.00 , up from $20,635.00. This change reflects the rising cost of living and aims to ensure students are financially prepared for life in Canada.
A strong study permit application must include a clear academic plan, proof of financial capacity, and a convincing explanation of how the chosen program supports long term career goals. Officers also evaluate the applicant’s ties to their home country and their intent to comply with Canadian immigration law. In June 2025, the Canadian government announced major changes to the list of programs eligible for the post graduation work permit. Not all programs offered by Canadian institutions now qualify. Students must be strategic in selecting a program that meets both their academic goals and the current immigration criteria.
At Golden Maple Law, we guide students through this complex and evolving process. Whether you are applying for the first time, seeking to restore your status, or responding to a refusal, we prepare applications that are well reasoned, well documented, and aligned with current policy. We also assist students impacted by international visa challenges, such as those transferring from the United States to Canadian institutions like the University of Toronto. Every file is handled with the attention and strategic planning required to maximize your chance of success. We also assist with re-submission after a refusal, restoration of status, and cases where dual intent is a factor. Whether you are applying for the first time or seeking to strengthen a previous application, we are here to help present your case in the strongest possible terms.
Work Permit Applications (PGWP, Spousal, Bridging, & Extensions)
If you are looking to apply for a work permit in Canada, it is important to understand which program fits your situation and whether you are eligible to apply from inside the country. Canada offers several types of work permits, including the post-graduation work permit, spousal open work permit, bridging open work permit, and employer specific permits. These are essential tools for individuals who wish to gain Canadian work experience, support their families, or transition to permanent residence. At Golden Maple Law, we help clients prepare strong and compliant applications that meet current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies.
Many foreign nationals can apply for a work permit from within Canada. This includes international students who are graduating from an eligible program, spouses or common law partners of Canadian citizens or temporary foreign workers, and individuals with a pending permanent residence application under programs such as Express Entry or provincial nominee streams. Visitors in Canada may also be eligible to apply for a work permit through specific public policies, provided they meet the necessary criteria. Knowing whether you qualify to apply for a work permit from inside Canada can save time, prevent status issues, and reduce risk of refusal.
In June 2025, the Government of Canada introduced a significant policy reform that affects the eligibility of academic programs for post-graduation work permits. The new list, developed in consultation with provincial governments and education stakeholders, focuses on aligning study to work pathways with actual labour market needs. As a result, many programs that were previously eligible no longer qualify. This change impacts both future applicants and students currently enrolled in non-qualifying programs, as they may no longer be eligible for a work permit after graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to review the updated list of eligible programs before committing to studies in Canada. At Golden Maple Law, we help prospective students and current residents understand how these changes affect their options and ensure that any work permit application is based on up to date policy and long term immigration planning.
Spouse/common-law partner sponsorships, and other Family Class applications
Canada prioritizes family reunification through its immigration system. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor certain close family members to become permanent residents under the Family Class. This includes your spouse, common law partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
If you want to sponsor your spouse or common law partner to Canada, you must first determine whether inland or outland sponsorship applies to your case. Inland sponsorship allows couples living together in Canada to apply while also requesting an open work permit, offering some stability during processing. Outland sponsorship is typically used when the sponsored partner resides outside Canada or when the sponsor and applicant cannot live together during processing. As of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has reinforced the importance of strong documentation and honest disclosure, particularly for couples with limited shared history or prior immigration refusals. Submitting a complete and well explained application from the start is critical to avoid unnecessary delays or procedural fairness letters.
Other Family Class programs also continue to expand. In March 2025, Canada announced a significant increase in the intake cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to family reunification. This change means more Canadian families will have the opportunity to bring their loved ones to join them permanently. However, the process remains competitive and requires proof of financial eligibility, intent to support, and compliance with multi year income requirements. Our firm prepares PGP applications with a focus on long term planning, income verification, and accurate representation of family relationships. We also support clients with sponsorship appeals, humanitarian requests, and complex family reunification matters where additional legal advocacy is needed.
Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, applying to bring a dependent child, or inviting parents or grandparents under the expanded program, Golden Maple Law provides strategic, litigation informed guidance every step of the way. We ensure that your Family Class application meets the highest standards and reflects your genuine commitment to reunite with your loved ones in Canada.
Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST)
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing permanent residence applications under three key economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It is a points based system that ranks candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System, commonly known as the CRS, which awards points based on factors such as age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience, and arranged employment. A high CRS score is critical for receiving an Invitation to Apply from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals with recent skilled work experience in Canada. It is often the most accessible stream for international graduates and temporary foreign workers who have built careers in Canada and now seek permanent residence. The Federal Skilled Worker Program targets applicants with foreign work experience and strong human capital, even if they have not yet lived or worked in Canada. Applicants must meet a minimum eligibility threshold and be competitive under the CRS. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is tailored to individuals with trade certification and experience in eligible occupations such as construction, manufacturing, or industrial services.
At Golden Maple Law, we help clients maximize their CRS scores through language testing, educational credential assessments, and eligible job offers. We also represent clients throughout the permanent residence process, from profile creation to responding to Invitations to Apply, and ensure that every application is complete, persuasive, and compliant with immigration law.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most effective ways to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. Every province and territory outside Quebec manages its own PNP, with specific immigration streams aligned to local labour market and demographic needs. These include employer job offer streams, occupation in demand streams, and Express Entry linked nominations. Whether you are seeking to apply through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the British Columbia PNP, or the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, a provincial nomination can significantly improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident.
A PNP nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making it one of the fastest routes to an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. However, the nomination process is highly competitive and subject to frequent policy changes. As of July 2025, Ontario introduced major changes to the intake process for its Employer Job Offer streams, including the foreign worker, international student, and in demand skills categories. All previous Expressions of Interest were withdrawn. Employers must now register through the new OINP Employer Portal to generate a Job Offer ID before candidates can submit a new Expression of Interest under these streams.
Understanding how to apply for a PNP in Canada in 2025 requires legal strategy and procedural precision. At Golden Maple Law, we assist individuals and employers with selecting the most suitable provincial stream, completing employer registrations, and submitting strong nomination applications. We ensure that job offers meet all OINP or provincial requirements, and we prepare documentation that demonstrates your qualifications, intent to reside, and long term settlement potential. Whether you are applying under an Express Entry aligned stream or a direct nomination program, we help you navigate Canada’s complex PNP system with clarity, speed, and legal accuracy.
Humanitarian & Compassionate
Humanitarian and Compassionate applications offer a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who do not otherwise qualify under standard immigration programs but have compelling reasons to remain in Canada. These applications are assessed under section 25 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and are considered only in exceptional circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate that they would face significant hardship if required to leave Canada, and that their removal would be unjust, inhumane, or contrary to the best interests of any children affected by the decision.
H&C grounds may include strong establishment in Canada, medical hardship, family separation, or adverse conditions in the country of origin. Officers are required to consider the best interests of any child directly impacted by the outcome of the application, including Canadian citizen children. Successful H&C applicants often present a compelling personal narrative supported by consistent documentation, community ties, and a demonstrated pattern of good conduct. However, these applications face a high threshold and are frequently refused when the evidence is incomplete, outdated, or legally unfocused.
At Golden Maple Law, we prepare H&C applications with the level of rigour expected in litigation. We gather detailed evidence of establishment, hardship, and family impact, and frame the legal arguments to anticipate and respond to potential refusal grounds. Whether you are a long term resident of Canada without status, a failed refugee claimant, or a parent seeking to remain with your Canadian children, we ensure your application is rooted in law, supported by facts, and presented with clarity and purpose. We also assist with reconsideration requests and judicial review of refused H&C applications.
Permanent Resident (PR) Card Renewal
Permanent residents of Canada must have a valid PR card to re-enter the country after international travel. A PR card is proof of your status in Canada and is typically valid for 5 years. If your card is expired or will expire soon, you must apply to renew it through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. At Golden Maple Law, we assist clients with permanent resident card renewal applications that are accurate, well documented, and compliant with current legal requirements.
To renew your PR card, you must demonstrate that you have met the residency obligation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This means showing that you have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the past 5 years. Exceptions exist for certain accompanying family members and employment abroad with a Canadian company, but these must be properly documented. If you do not meet the residency obligation, your renewal may be refused, and you could face loss of permanent resident status. In such cases, you may need to file an appeal or apply for a PR travel document from outside Canada.
We regularly help clients with routine PR card renewals as well as complex cases involving travel history gaps, residency shortfalls, or time spent outside Canada due to family or medical reasons. We also assist with urgent processing requests for clients who need to travel soon and cannot afford delays. Whether you are renewing a PR card, applying for a PR travel document, or responding to a procedural fairness letter, Golden Maple Law prepares every submission to withstand legal scrutiny and protect your permanent resident status.
Citizenship Applications
Applying for Canadian citizenship is a significant step in your immigration journey. As a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply if you meet the physical presence requirement, have filed taxes as required, and can demonstrate adequate knowledge of Canada’s history, institutions, and responsibilities. Most applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must also meet language requirements and pass the citizenship test. At Golden Maple Law, we guide clients through every stage of the process to ensure that your citizenship application is accurate, complete, and prepared for scrutiny by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
To qualify, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years preceding your application. You must also have filed income taxes in at least 3 of the past 5 years, where applicable under the Income Tax Act. However, even seemingly minor issues can lead to complications. These include gaps in your travel history, discrepancies in tax filings, name mismatches across documents, or prior findings of misrepresentation. According to IRCC, an increasing number of applicants are now flagged for secondary review due to undeclared absences or inconsistent declarations, which can delay processing or result in refusal.
At Golden Maple Law, we identify and address potential red flags before they become problems. We assist clients in reconciling travel history with entry and exit records, confirming tax compliance, and responding to procedural fairness letters if questions arise. If your citizenship application has been refused, we can pursue reconsideration or judicial review at the Federal Court where appropriate. Whether you are applying for the first time or seeking to correct a past refusal, we approach your case with the care, clarity, and legal precision required to help you become a Canadian citizen with confidence.
