Weekly Digest | September 14, 2025

Key Highlights:

Recent Case Law

Post-Graduate Work Permit – Kaur v. Canada, 2025 FC 1478: PGWP refused as applicant was part-time in Fall 2023, which officer found not to be a “final semester.” Applicant argued Winter 2024 field placement was not academic, making Fall 2023 her last academic session. Court held work placement was integral to program and credited on transcript; officer’s interpretation reasonable under IRPR s.205(c)(ii) and PGWP policy. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Work Permit – El Helou v. Canada, 2025 FC 1490: Work permit refused for cook position despite positive LMIA, officer not satisfied applicant could “adequately perform” work due to lack of English/French evidence. Record only contained self-declared skills on forms and résumé; no schooling, testing, or work experience in either language. Court held refusal reasonable since language proficiency was required for the job; no breach of fairness. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Permanent Residence – Home Childcare Provider Pilot – Ravat v. Canada, 2025 FC 1518: PR refused as WES ECA found diploma “not comparable to a completed Canadian credential.” Applicant argued breach of procedural fairness and fettering of discretion. Court held program delivery instructions were clear, officers entitled to rely on WES report under IRPR s.75(8), and no unfairness. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Family Class – Dependent Child – Sidhu v. Canada, 2025 FC 1510: Overage dependent removed from PGP sponsorship. Officer gave little weight to a psychological report and found insufficient proof of lifelong financial dependence. Court held there was no breach of procedural fairness despite the “credibility” wording because the substance was insufficiency, not disbelief. Decision reasonable. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Temporary Resident Permit & Work Permit – Singh v. Canada, 2025 FC 1520: Applicant overstayed and worked without authorization; sought TRP and work permit. Officer refused, finding status could be regularized from India and TRP not justified. Court held reasons adequate, TRPs are highly discretionary under IRPA s.24, and the outcome was reasonable. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Spousal Sponsorship – Xiong v. Canada, 2025 FC 1473: Application refused as the officer was not satisfied the couple cohabited or that the relationship was genuine. Court noted shortcomings in parts of the officer’s reasoning (phone logs, bank statements, interview inconsistencies) but held the ultimate findings on cohabitation and genuineness were within the range of reasonableness. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Work Permit – Ziaee v. Canada, 2025 FC 1507: Iranian national applied for work permit as graphic designer with positive LMIA. Officer refused, citing insufficient specialized education in graphic design and lack of clear evidence of ability to perform duties; also not satisfied she would leave Canada at end of stay. Court held officer reasonably relied on NOC requirements and applicant’s vague documentation; low fairness duty in work permit context. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Study permits — Students destined to Quebec — September 12, 2025: Updates clarify Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) requirements, add a new section on provincial attestation letter (PAL), and revise instructions on CAQ exemptions and renewals. Read more

IRCC Minister Transition Binder – September 11, 2025: Binder for Minister Lena Metlege Diab outlines IRCC operations, decision-making, security, and communications. Briefs cover immigration outcomes, levels plan, international relations, and program areas (economic, temporary workers, students, family, refugees, asylum, citizenship, passports, settlement). Includes risk management, modernization, and executive bios. Read more

B.C. Newcomers’ Guide 2025 edition launched — September 10, 2025: The 2025 Guide includes updated information and features: pre- and post-arrival checklists, scannable QR codes, improved navigation with end-of-chapter resources, and a full A–Z resources directory. Read more

CIT 0499: Document Checklist: Application for Grant of Citizenship for Stateless Persons Born to a Canadian Parent (Subsection 5(5)): Read more

September 30, 2025: Public consultation on Northwest Territories Nominee Program closes. Read more

October 27, 2025: Application window closes for the special permanent residence pathway for families of PS752 victims. Read more

October 27, 2025: Temporary public policies for Sudanese nationals and family members fleeing conflict expire, ending fee waivers and special measures. Read more