Weekly Digest | August 17, 2025

Key Highlights:

Recent Case Law

Humanitarian & Compassionate – Gavrilovic v. Canada, 2025 FC 1380: The applicant sought PR on H&C, relying on a long-term common-law relationship with a Canadian who cannot divorce for familial reasons. The officer gave some weight to establishment but treated the relationship as maintainable from abroad and did not engage with why sponsorship was unavailable or with the couple’s interdependence. The Court found the decision unreasonable, noting the error of equating ability to maintain contact with maintaining the quality of a relationship. Judicial review granted. Read more

Study Permit – Iloh v. Canada, 2025 FC 1374: The applicant planned BioScience Technology studies; parents in Canada (work permits to 2027) fully sponsored her and had about $139,000 income, with first-year tuition paid. The officer refused for insufficient funds and weak ties. The Court held the officer failed to address contradictory evidence (parents’ CRA income and payment), rendering the decision unreasonable. Judicial review granted. Read more

Study Permit – Akindumila v. Canada, 2025 FC 1382: The applicant relied on personal funds and his mother’s support (bank statements, asset evidence, tuition receipts). The officer refused for insufficient assets/financial situation. The Court upheld the refusal as reasonable, reiterating that officers must be satisfied of the source, nature, stability, and availability of funds; a bare “support letter” is rarely probative without corroboration. The bank statements covered a short period, with unclear provenance of deposits, so the officer’s concerns were open to them. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Citizenship – Mandamus – Almasi v. Canada, 2025 FC 1377: The applicant’s May 2021 citizenship file languished for years with “security remains under review” notations despite repeated inquiries and a 2025 interview recording no concerns other than security. Applying the Conille factors, the Court found the delay longer than the process required and unjustified; blanket security-screening statements are insufficient without evidence. Mandamus granted. Read more

Humanitarian & Compassionate – Isaac Johnson v. Canada, 2025 FC 1364: After status revocation for past misrepresentation, the applicant sought an in-Canada H&C exemption. The officer refused, finding she failed to establish identity given multiple names, dates of birth, and nationalities; the identity finding was determinative. The Court held identity is foundational and the officer’s cumulative assessment was reasonable; a sibling letter and DNA did not overcome credibility and document concerns. Judicial review dismissed. Red more

Alberta Warns of Immigration Crisis, Calls for Federal Action: Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration said Canada is on pace for over one million new immigrants in 2025, in addition to nearly three million temporary residents and about 500,000 undocumented migrants. He criticized Ottawa for setting targets without provincial input, warning of added strain on health care, housing, and education. Alberta led population growth at 4.36% in 2023–24, largely from international and interprovincial migration, and urged the federal government to cap immigration, account for undocumented residents, and restore sustainable levels. Read more

September 1, 2025: Study permit financial requirements increase, now necessitating proof of CAD $22,895 for one applicant (excluding tuition) and higher amounts for accompanying family members. Read more