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Monthly Archives: August 2025

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Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship Explained
August 27, 2025
August 27, 2025

Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship Explained

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship: Who Can Apply?

Not everyone born abroad to Canadian parents automatically gets citizenship. Canada’s first-generation limit (FGL) has long stood in the way for many families. But thanks to new interim measures, there’s finally a pathway for some through a discretionary grant of citizenship. At Sayal Immigration, a trusted Immigration Consultant in Canada, we’ve seen how complicated this gets for parents overseas. Let’s break it down in plain language.

What Exactly Is the First-Generation Limit?

Here’s the short version:
  • If you’re born outside Canada, and
  • Your Canadian parent was also born abroad to a Canadian,
…you don’t automatically qualify as Canadian. Citizenship by descent ends after the first generation born outside Canada (Government of Canada). Courts ruled parts of this law unconstitutional in 2023. Still, the government is keeping it in place until November 20, 2025.

What Changed in March 2025?

Starting March 13, 2025, Canada rolled out temporary fixes:
  • You can now apply directly to the Minister of Immigration for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
  • Children born or adopted after December 19, 2023 may be prioritized, but only if their Canadian parent had a “substantial connection”—basically, at least three years (1,095 days) of living in Canada before the birth or adoption (Government of Canada).

Who Might Qualify?

The rules sound complex, but in practice, these groups may be eligible:
  1. Born/adopted before Dec 19, 2023 and blocked by the FGL.
  2. Born/adopted after Dec 19, 2023, with a Canadian parent who spent 3+ years in Canada.
  3. Born before April 1, 1949 and impacted by the FGL.
  4. Anyone who lost citizenship under old retention rules (former Section 8 of the Citizenship Act).
One of our clients in Mississauga was in this exact situation: their child was born overseas, and they assumed citizenship was out of reach. After reviewing the new rules, we found a way to apply through a discretionary grant. It gave them a huge sense of relief.

Why This Matters

For families, this isn’t just legal paperwork. It’s about children having the right to call Canada home. But—here’s the catch—you’ll need strong proof that the Canadian parent met residency requirements. Applications without clear documentation often face delays. Working with a trusted Immigration Consultant in Toronto, Immigration Consultant in Brampton, or Immigration Consultant in Mississauga can make the process smoother.

How You Can Apply

  1. Check eligibility – Start with the government tool “Am I a Canadian?”.
  2. Verify parent’s residency – Was your Canadian parent physically in Canada for 1,095+ days before your birth?
  3. Apply for proof – If you’re unsure, you can request a citizenship certificate (Government of Canada).
  4. Request a discretionary grant – If you’re excluded under the FGL, this is your chance to apply.
  5. Seek expert help – Sayal Immigration has licensed consultants in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Kitchener, Scarborough, and London. Whether you’re looking for the Best Immigration Consultant in London Ontario or need a reliable Immigration Consultant in Kitchener or Immigration Consultant in Scarborough, we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaway

The discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship is a rare opportunity for families who’ve felt stuck by outdated rules. And while the door is open, it comes with fine print and paperwork. That’s where Sayal Immigration can step in—offering tailored advice, whether you’re in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Kitchener, Scarborough, or London. We’ll help you navigate eligibility, prepare your case, and improve your chances of approval.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship?

It’s a special pathway where the Minister of Immigration can grant citizenship to people who don’t automatically qualify under the first-generation limit (FGL). Learn more from the Government of Canada.

2. Who qualifies for a discretionary grant?

You may qualify if you were:
  • Born or adopted outside Canada and blocked by the FGL,
  • Born before April 1, 1949, and impacted by the rules, or
  • Someone who lost citizenship under old retention requirements.
Children born after December 19, 2023 may also qualify if their Canadian parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days.

3. How do I apply?

Steps include:
  1. Check eligibility via the “Am I a Canadian?” tool.
  2. Confirm your parent’s Canadian residency.
  3. Apply for a citizenship certificate.
  4. Submit a discretionary grant request if excluded.
If you want guidance, consult with an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, Immigration Consultant in Brampton, or Immigration Consultant in Scarborough.

4. What does “substantial connection” mean?

It means the Canadian parent lived in Canada for three years or more (1,095 days) before their child’s birth or adoption.

5. Do I need an immigration consultant?

You can apply on your own. But because of the legal complexity and documentation requirements, many choose professional help. Whether you’re searching for the Best Immigration Consultant in London Ontario or an Immigration Consultant in Kitchener, Sayal Immigration is here to help.
Medical Exam for Express Entry
August 22, 2025
August 22, 2025

Must-Know Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry PR

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration
 

Ready, Set, Go! Your Express Entry PR Starts with a Medical Exam

Dreaming of permanent residency in Canada? Great news—your journey just got streamlined. As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must now complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their permanent residence (PR) application. This update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ensures applications are complete at the time of submission, reducing delays and helping applicants present a more polished profile. For many, this will feel like a game-changer in the immigration process.

The Latest Game-Changer in Express Entry

Before this update, candidates submitted their PR application and then waited for IRCC to request their medical exam. Now, the rules are clear: you must do the exam first, and then upload the proof when filing your application. 👉 This applies only to Express Entry candidates submitting applications on or after August 21, 2025. Other PR programs remain unaffected. If you’re unsure where to begin, reaching out to an Immigration Consultant in Canada can help you navigate this change with clarity.

Who’s Exempt from the Medical Requirement?

IRCC has provided some flexibility. You may be exempt from taking a new exam if:
  1. You live in Canada, and
  2. You had an IME within the last 5 years, and
  3. Your results showed you posed no public health or safety risk.
If you meet all these conditions, you can reuse your old medical results for your Express Entry application. IRCC has confirmed this policy will remain valid until at least October 5, 2029. 🔗 For full exemption details, check IRCC’s official page: Medical exams for permanent residence.

Who Needs to Take It?

The medical exam isn’t just for the primary applicant—it covers the whole family:
  • The principal applicant
  • The spouse or common-law partner
  • All dependent children (even if not accompanying you to Canada)
Families often get stuck here, so working with an Immigration Consultant in Toronto can save time and prevent errors.

How to Find the Right Doctor

The IME must be completed by a panel physician approved by IRCC—not your family doctor. Here’s the process:
  1. Go to IRCC’s official Panel Physicians list and select a doctor near you.
  2. Book an appointment directly.
  3. Complete your exam.
  4. The doctor will submit your results electronically and provide you with an IMM 1017B form or eMedical sheet to upload with your PR application.
If you’re filing from Ontario, many of our clients work with panel physicians near Mississauga or Brampton—locations where we, as experienced immigration consultants, frequently assist applicants.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To avoid any hiccups, bring:
  • A valid passport or photo ID
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses if used
  • Medical history reports and prescriptions
  • A list of current medications
The exam includes:
  • Medical history questions
  • Physical exam (height, weight, vision, hearing, heart, lungs, skin)
  • Lab tests & chest X-ray (depending on age)
  • Optional vaccinations (voluntary, with consent recorded)
🔗 Learn more at: Government of Canada – What to Expect in a Medical Exam. Applicants in southwestern Ontario often choose a trusted Immigration Consultant in Kitchener or Immigration Consultant in London Ontario to help them prepare the correct medical documents.

Timing & Costs

  • After receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you generally have 60 days to submit your PR application.
  • That means you must book your exam immediately to avoid delays.
  • Costs range from CAD $140–280 per person, depending on the location and required tests.
In busy regions like Scarborough, working with a skilled Immigration Consultant in Scarborough can ensure you’re scheduled quickly and your results are uploaded correctly.

What Happens After the Exam?

Your doctor will give you a proof document (IMM 1017B or eMedical sheet). Attach this to your application as evidence.
  • Your results are valid for 12 months.
  • If you don’t land in Canada before they expire, you may need another IME.

What If You Have a Medical Condition?

Don’t panic. IRCC assesses three factors:
  1. Whether your condition poses a public health risk
  2. Whether it poses a public safety risk
  3. Whether treatment could cause an excessive demand on Canadian health or social services
Currently, the cost threshold is CAD $27,162/year. If your condition is stable, treated, and well-documented, approval is still possible.

FAQs – Upfront Medical Exam for Express Entry

1. Do I need to wait for ITA before booking my exam? No—you can book your IME as soon as you’re ready, but remember the 12-month validity. Time it around your ITA to avoid repeating it. 2. Can my family doctor do the exam? No. Only an IRCC-approved panel physician can conduct your IME. 3. What if I already had an IME for my work permit? You may be able to reuse it, provided it’s less than 5 years old and you’re low-risk. 4. What happens if I don’t submit my IME? Your application will be considered incomplete and returned. 5. Do dependent children need the IME even if they’re not coming? Yes. All dependents listed in your application must undergo a medical exam.

Final Words: Take Charge of Your PR Journey

The new upfront medical exam rule gives applicants greater control and helps IRCC streamline approvals. By completing your exam early, you’ll ensure your application is clean, strong, and ready for success. If you’re feeling uncertain about the steps, Sayal Immigration’s team of licensed professionals can guide you. Whether you’re looking for an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Kitchener, London Ontario, or Scarborough, our team is here to maximize your success rate. 👉 The path to permanent residency in Canada is exciting. Take the medical exam requirement seriously—and your PR dream is just around the corner.  
Express Entry for Couples
August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025

Express Entry for Couples: Accompanying vs Non-Accompanying

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Express Entry for Couples: Should You List Your Partner?

For many couples, applying for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry is both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to list your spouse or partner as “accompanying” or “non-accompanying.” This choice can influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, your proof of funds requirement, and even your timeline to reunite in Canada. At Sayal Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this very question—and each case can look a little different. Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

What Does “Accompanying” vs “Non-Accompanying” Mean?

When you create your Express Entry profile, you’ll be asked if your spouse or common-law partner is coming with you to Canada right away. 👉 Official definition: IRCC – Express Entry overview.

How Your Decision Impacts CRS Points

Here’s the catch: your CRS score can change depending on whether your partner is listed as accompanying.
  • If your spouse has strong English or French skills, higher education, or Canadian work experience, you may score more points by listing them as accompanying.
  • If your spouse has lower scores, you may benefit by listing them as non-accompanying—since your own profile is assessed as the “principal applicant.”
At Sayal Immigration, we often see couples in Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton debate this. Our role as an Immigration Consultant in Canada is to calculate both scenarios and see which gives you the best chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Settlement Funds: A Key Consideration

When applying for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs, you must show proof of settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under Canadian Experience Class.
  • If your partner is accompanying, you’ll need to show funds for both of you.
  • If they’re non-accompanying, you only need to show funds for yourself.
👉 Check the official table here: IRCC – Settlement Funds Requirements. One of our clients in Kitchener saved months of delay by listing her spouse as non-accompanying. This lowered her required funds, helped her application move forward, and she later sponsored her spouse to join her in Canada.

Can You Sponsor Your Spouse Later?

Yes. Even if you list your spouse as non-accompanying, you can still sponsor them once you land in Canada as a permanent resident.
  • You’ll apply through the Family Class Sponsorship Program.
  • Processing typically takes 12 months (though timelines vary).
  • Your spouse will need to undergo medical exams and background checks just like any other applicant.
👉 Official guide: IRCC – Spouse/Common-law Sponsorship Guide. At Sayal Immigration, our Immigration Consultant in Scarborough often advises couples on this pathway, especially when maximizing CRS points is the first priority.

Risks of Misrepresentation

A word of caution: never try to hide your marriage or relationship status. If you fail to declare your spouse—even if they’re not immigrating with you—it can be considered misrepresentation. 👉 See: IRCC – Misrepresentation in Immigration Applications. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban from applying for immigration programs. The safest option is to declare your spouse truthfully, then strategically decide whether to include them as accompanying or not.

Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some scenarios:
  • Spouse has high CRS factors (education, language, Canadian work): List as accompanying.
  • Spouse has weaker CRS factors, but you need higher score to qualify: List as non-accompanying.
  • Couple facing financial pressure to meet proof of funds: Non-accompanying may lower settlement fund requirements.
We’ve worked with families in London Ontario and Mississauga who faced this very decision. Some chose to immigrate together, while others delayed a spouse’s move by a year but ultimately reunited in Canada. Both paths can work—with the right strategy.

FAQs on Express Entry Couples

1. Can I switch my spouse from non-accompanying to accompanying after receiving PR? No, but you can sponsor them later through spousal sponsorship. 2. Do I need to show extra funds if my spouse is not immigrating? No, settlement funds are based only on the number of accompanying family members. 3. Will listing my spouse as non-accompanying affect our relationship status? Not at all. You’ll still declare them as your spouse; the difference is only in their initial move. 4. What if my spouse is medically inadmissible? Sometimes applicants list their spouse as non-accompanying to avoid refusal. Each case should be reviewed carefully. 5. Should I get professional advice before deciding? Yes. Because the CRS score and proof of funds requirements change every year, an experienced Immigration Consultant in Toronto or Immigration Consultant in Brampton can guide you.

Final Thoughts

Immigrating as a couple through Express Entry is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Whether you decide on an accompanying or non-accompanying partner depends on your CRS profile, settlement funds, and family goals. At Sayal Immigration, we provide personalized guidance for couples across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, London Ontario, and Scarborough. With years of experience as trusted Immigration Consultants in Canada, we help you choose the right path, avoid mistakes, and reunite your family in Canada successfully.  
Express Entry Canada - 2026
August 13, 2025
August 13, 2025

Unlock 2026 Express Entry: Fast-Track for Leaders & Innovators

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration
 

Dream Big: Canada’s Game-Changing Express Entry Overhaul in 2026

Picture this — you’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through the news, and there it is: Canada’s opening up a whole new set of doors for skilled professionals in 2026. Not just minor tweaks to the rules, but bold, clear pathways for certain occupations to get fast-tracked into permanent residency. If you’re a senior manager, a scientist, or even a highly trained military professional, you might be looking at your golden ticket. And as an Immigration Consultant in Canada, we can tell you… changes like these don’t come often, and when they do, they can completely shift the game.

What’s New in 2026?

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is running a public consultation — open until September 3, 2025 — to shape three brand-new occupational categories for Express Entry:
  1. Leadership – Senior managers and executives.
  2. Research & Innovation – Scientists and researchers.
  3. National Security & Defence – Military professionals.
They’re not picking these at random. Canada wants people who can lead, innovate, and protect — people who can make a difference from day one.

Why These Categories?

  • Leadership (Senior Managers): The big-picture thinkers. The people who can guide a company through growth or even transformation. As an Immigration Consultant in Mississauga, we’ve seen executives from abroad completely turn around struggling Canadian companies. One client, an operations head from Singapore, came in on a work permit and within 18 months was leading a 200-person team in Ontario.
  • Research & Innovation: Canada’s making it clear — innovation is the currency of the future. Scientists and researchers will get a front-row seat in the immigration process, helping push breakthroughs in areas like clean energy, health sciences, and AI. We worked with a PhD bioengineer who thought she’d need years to qualify; with the right pathway, she received her PR in under a year.
  • National Security & Defence: Skilled military personnel — especially from allied countries — could soon be in demand. It’s not just about defence; it’s about strategic skills, leadership under pressure, and the ability to manage complex operations.

How This Could Benefit You

Let’s talk about the real perks:
  • Lower CRS scores for targeted draws. In some category-specific rounds, we’ve seen cut-offs well below general draws. This means someone who might just miss the general pool could make the cut here.
  • Priority selection. As an Immigration Consultant in Toronto, we’ve had clients with borderline scores who got through thanks to category-based draws.
  • Standing out in a crowd. By August 2025, there were more than 24,000 candidates in the 501–600 CRS range. These new categories give you a chance to move out of the general competition and into a priority lane.

What’s Not Changing

Canada still values other high-demand skill sets:

How to Prepare Now

Here’s the thing — when the doors open in 2026, there’s going to be a rush. You don’t want to be the one still filling out forms while others are already getting Invitations to Apply.
  • Stay in the loop until the consultation ends on September 3, 2025.
  • Fine-tune your profile so your experience is crystal clear — especially if it’s in management, research, or the military.
  • Work on your language test scores and education credentials.
  • Consider Provincial Nominee Programs — some provinces move quickly to adapt to category changes.
From our experience as an Immigration consultant in Kitchener, preparing supporting documents early — job references, proof of duties, academic records — can shave weeks or months off your process.

Why Being Ready Matters

This isn’t the time to “wait and see.” Once the categories launch, those who are ready will have the upper hand. If you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or want to upgrade your language test results, do it now. From what we’ve seen as an Immigration consultant in London Ontario, last-minute scrambles often mean missing the window.

Special Note for Military Professionals

This one’s big. If you’ve served in a military capacity and are looking to build a civilian life in Canada, you could be in a priority lane. Beyond defence, your skills in leadership, logistics, and operations are exactly what Canada values. In fact, even in areas like Scarborough, we’ve helped veterans transition into secure, well-paying roles. That’s where working with an Immigration Consultant in Scarborough can really pay off — making sure your unique skills are highlighted in the right way.

Quick Facts – 2026 Express Entry Changes

Launch:
  • Proposed for 2026, public consultation open until Sept 3, 2025.
New Categories:
  1. Leadership (Senior Managers)
  2. Research & Innovation (Scientists, Researchers)
  3. National Security & Defence (Military Personnel)
Benefits:
  • Lower CRS score requirements in targeted draws.
  • Priority selection for high-demand skills.
  • Clearer, faster PR pathways.
What to Do Now:

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Watch — Act

The 2026 Express Entry changes aren’t just policy updates; they’re an opportunity. For leaders, innovators, and protectors, this could be the smoothest, fastest route to Canadian PR you’ll see in years. At Sayal Immigration, we help professionals plan for these moments so they can move quickly when the time comes. The key? Start now. The people who prepare early are the ones telling success stories later.
Lost Job on Closed Permit
August 4, 2025
August 4, 2025

Lost Closed‑Permit Job? Bold Canadian Work Permit Fixes!

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Lost Your Job While on a Closed Work Permit? Don’t Panic – Here’s What to Do

Losing your job while on a closed work permit in Canada can be nerve-wracking. But it doesn’t mean your immigration journey is over. You still have powerful options to stay, work, and even switch your status—without leaving the country.   This guide will help you understand your rights, choose your next move, and take action quickly. Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or anywhere else—Sayal Immigration is here to support your next step with trusted, local guidance.

🔍 What Is a Closed Work Permit?

A closed work permit (also called an employer-specific work permit) ties you to one job, one employer, and one location. If that job ends—voluntarily or not—you can’t work for anyone else unless you get a new permit. However, your status in Canada remains valid until the permit’s expiry date. That gives you time to plan your next move. To understand the conditions of your permit, you can refer to this official IRCC page.

✅ Step One: Check Your Status

First, check the expiry date on your work permit. As long as your permit is still valid, you can legally remain in Canada. But you must apply for a new permit before it expires to maintain your status. If you’re unsure how to interpret your permit, an Immigration Consultant in Canada can help guide you based on your unique case.

🛠️ Option 1: Find a New Employer & Apply for a New Permit

If you want to continue working under a closed permit, find a new job offer. Your new employer will likely need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once approved, you can apply for a new work permit. Use this LMIA guide from the Government of Canada to understand employer responsibilities. When you apply for the new permit before your current one expires, you’ll stay in legal status. You can also request permission to start working while your new permit is processing by contacting IRCC using the code: PPCHANGEWORK2020. This is especially helpful for workers in cities like Brampton or Kitchener where tech, warehousing, and logistics jobs are on the rise. If you’re in the area, consider contacting a licensed Immigration Consultant in Brampton or Immigration consultant in Kitchener for targeted support.

🌐 Option 2: Apply for an Open Work Permit

Want more flexibility? An open work permit isn’t tied to a specific job or employer. You may qualify if:
  • You’re the spouse of a skilled worker or international student.
  • You’re applying for permanent residence and qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
  • You’ve faced abuse or exploitation in the workplace and qualify for a Vulnerable Worker Open Permit.
For abuse-related work permit pathways, see Canada’s protection for vulnerable workers. Residents in larger cities like Toronto or Mississauga often pursue these options with the help of a certified Immigration Consultant in Toronto or Immigration Consultant in Mississauga—especially when navigating complex personal situations.

💻 Option 3: Work Remotely for a Foreign Company

Another path: if your current permit is still valid, you can legally work remotely for a non-Canadian employer—as long as that company has no operations, clients, or business presence in Canada. This is a popular option for IT professionals, digital marketers, and designers. If you’re planning to switch to a visitor record and freelance remotely, you can apply for one here: Apply for or Extend a Visitor Record – Canada.ca To avoid gaps in status, consult a trusted Immigration Consultant in London Ontario if you’re based in southwestern Ontario.

⌛ Restore Your Status (If Your Permit Expired)

Missed your permit expiry date? You might still have up to 90 days to apply to restore your status. You must not have worked illegally and must meet all requirements of your new application. Learn more on Restoring Status in Canada. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, seek help from an experienced Immigration Consultant in Scarborough, especially if you’re dealing with tight timelines or complex histories.

📝 Temporary Public Policy: Still Active!

Thanks to a temporary IRCC public policy, you may be able to change jobs inside Canada even while your application is being processed. This policy was extended in 2025 to help foreign workers move jobs without having to leave the country. It’s been a game-changer for thousands. You can read the announcement here. This flexibility gives you more time and freedom—just be sure to follow all conditions carefully.

🧭 Summary of Your Options

Scenario Next Step
Permit valid, lost job Stay in Canada and apply for a new work permit before expiry
Found new employer Employer applies for LMIA → you apply for employer-specific work permit
Spouse of skilled worker / PR pathway Apply for an open work permit (PGWP, BOWP, spousal, etc.)
Workplace abuse Apply for Vulnerable Worker Open Permit
Want to freelance for non-Canadian firm Apply for Visitor Record and work remotely for foreign clients
Permit expired Restore status within 90 days via IRCC guidelines

🗣️ Final Thoughts

Losing your job under a closed work permit doesn’t mean losing your future in Canada. You have real, actionable solutions to remain in the country—legally and confidently. Whether it’s switching permits, finding a new job, or applying for permanent residence, the key is acting quickly, staying informed, and seeking the right support. At Sayal Immigration, we assist clients across Canada—whether you’re in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchener, Scarborough, or London Ontario. Let a trusted Immigration Consultant in Canada help guide your journey with clarity and compassion.