Case Study: From Work Permit Refusal to Success — Restoring Hope and Status Through Expertise
At Arnika Visa, we specialize in helping international professionals navigate complex immigration challenges — especially when their Canadian dreams seem to be slipping away.
This is the inspiring story of Mr. Yogesh, an AI and Cloud Engineer who faced a work permit refusal and loss of status in Canada, but ultimately succeeded in obtaining his employer-specific work permit with our help. His journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic guidance, and the power of doing things the right way.
Background of the Case : From Student to Skilled Professional
Mr. Yogesh came to Canada in 2018 as an international student to pursue a Master’s in Information Systems Security at Concordia University.
Throughout his studies, he excelled academically and professionally — working as a Research Consultant, Teaching Assistant, and Data Science Intern. He completed his MASc in 2020, contributed to multiple international research publications, and obtained a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid until January 2024.
During his post-graduation years, Mr. Yogesh gained significant experience as a Cloud Developer and worked on innovative projects at the University of Montréal. His expertise in AI, data science, and cloud computing positioned him as a valuable contributor to Canada’s tech ecosystem.
IRCC’s Refusal Letter : A Simple Misstep with Big Consequences
In December 2023, Mr. Yogesh’s company, RCIC, submitted a closed work permit (Employer-specific) extension application while awaiting his Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) approvals.
Unfortunately, due to a payment issue with the employer’s CAQ application, both documents were delayed. As a result, IRCC refused his work permit on February 29, 2024, citing the absence of a valid LMIA and CAQ at the time of submission.
This work permit refusal caused his legal status to expire, and he was advised to apply for restoration of status within 90 days.
Acting in good faith, he applied to restore his visitor status while waiting for the LMIA and CAQ to be approved. By May 2024, both documents were issued. However, IRCC refused his restoration application on August 14, 2024, explaining that, under section R182(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, one can only restore the status they held immediately before; since he was a worker, not a visitor, restoration to visitor status was not possible.
Mr. Yogesh found himself out of status in Canada — a stressful and uncertain situation for any foreign national.
IRCC’s Refusal Letter
Seeking Expert Help: A Strategic New Approach
At this stage, Mr. Yogesh reached out to Arnika Visa and booked a consultation with RCIC, Reza Eslami.
After carefully analyzing his immigration history and documentation, Mr. Eslami concluded that the best course of action was for the client to depart Canada voluntarily and reapply for a work permit from outside Canada.
This strategy would allow the application to be processed cleanly and avoid the restoration limitation that had caused the previous refusal.
Mr. Eslami and his team meticulously rebuilt the entire application — addressing every detail that could raise officer concerns.
The Re-Submission: A Strong and Transparent Application
The new Employer-Specific Work Permit application was filed from India under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) stream with a solid supporting package that included:
- A detailed submission letter outlining the applicant’s background, education, and professional achievements;
- The LMIA and CAQ approvals from the employer;
- Updated proof of language proficiency, employment reference letters, and T4 tax slips;
- Notice of Assessments, pay stubs, and a clear proof of funds analysis showing strong financial stability;
- A comprehensive career goals section, demonstrating the applicant’s commitment to advancing his AI and cloud computing career in Canada.
Mr. Eslami also included a financial breakdown and proof of his total funds, enough to demonstrate that Mr. Yogesh could easily support himself during his stay in Canada.
Approval and a New Beginning
After a thorough reassessment, IRCC made its decision: Mr. Yogesh’s work permit was approved. He received his passport request letter shortly afterward, confirming the positive outcome of his new application.
This work permit approval marked the end of a long and challenging journey — from student to skilled worker, through refusal, restoration, and ultimately success.
IRCC’s Approval Letter
Client Feedback
In appreciation of Arnika Visa’s expertise and professionalism, Mr. Yogesh left a heartfelt Google Review, praising RCIC Reza Eslami for his guidance, clarity, and dedication. His gratitude reflected the relief and happiness of finally securing his future in Canada.
Conclusion: Turning a Complex Case into a Success
Mr. Yogesh’s story highlights the importance of expert immigration advice and strategic planning — especially in complex cases involving work permit refusal or restoration issues.
Thanks to the step-by-step guidance and transparent approach from Arnika Visa, he was able to regain his legal pathway, continue his professional journey in Canada, and contribute to the country’s growing tech industry.
At Arnika Visa, we help international professionals turn setbacks into success stories.
If your work permit or restoration of status has been refused, don’t lose hope — the right strategy can make all the difference.
📍 Arnika Visa — Expertise. Integrity. Results.
🖋️Reza Eslami – RCIC, R710241
