Case Study: From Work Permit Rejection to Approval — A Success After Federal Court Settlement
At Arnika Visa, we understand how devastating a work permit rejection can be — especially for skilled workers who have invested their time, hopes, and resources into pursuing a better future in Canada.
This is the true story of Ms. Jonalyn, a dedicated professional from the Philippines, whose work permit application was initially refused by IRCC, but later approved after Arnika Visa and our trusted legal partner, Me.Eiman Sadegh, successfully fought for fairness through the Federal Court.
Background of the Case
Ms. Jonalyn, a resident of Batangas, Philippines, dreamed of coming to Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Her employer in Canada had obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and she was excited to begin her new career and support her family. Confident in her qualifications, she submitted her work permit application to IRCC Manila.
IRCC’s Work Permit Rejection Letter : March 2025
On March 12, 2025, she received the Canada work permit refusal letter that completely shattered her plans. The work permit rejection letter stated that:
“The purpose of your visit to Canada is not consistent with a temporary stay given the details you have provided in your application. Your current employment situation does not show that you are financially established in your country of residence.”
The IRCC visa officer further noted that, despite her short training in her intended occupation, her career background was “inconsistent” with her declared employment history. As a result, IRCC concluded that she was not likely to leave Canada at the end of her authorized stay under section 200(1)(b) of the IRPR.
IRCC’s Refusal Letter
Seeking Professional Help After Refusal
Feeling defeated but still determined, Ms. Jonalyn sought professional help and contacted our RCIC, Reza Eslami at Arnika Visa. After a thorough review of her case, Mr. Eslami determined that the work permit rejection lacked procedural fairness and that IRCC failed to assess her professional trajectory and intent properly. He immediately recommended that the client pursue a Judicial Review (JR) at the Federal Court of Canada with the assistance of our legal partner Me. Eiman Sadegh, a seasoned immigration lawyer.
Judicial Review and Rule 9 Response
The case was formally filed before the Federal Court (File No. IMM-9381-25).
As part of the court proceedings, IRCC submitted a Rule 9 restating the refusal grounds, emphasizing concerns about the applicant’s temporary intent, financial situation, and occupational consistency.
However, Mr. Eslami and Me. Sadegh meticulously demonstrated that:
- Jonalyn ’s career path and training were directly relevant to her intended position in Canada.
- She had strong family and financial ties to her home country.
- The officer’s refusal was based on assumptions rather than facts.
After reviewing the submissions, IRCC’s legal counsel acknowledged procedural deficiencies in the initial decision and agreed to an out-of-court resolution.
Federal Court Settlement Offer
On behalf of IRCC, the Department of Justice issued a Settlement Offer, proposing that:
- The March 12, 2025, work permit rejection be set aside;
- The case be re-determined by a new visa officer;
- Jonalyn be given the opportunity to submit updated documents and explanations; and
- The settlement be reached without costs to either party.
This was a major turning point — the Judicial Review achieved its purpose. Once the Notice of Discontinuance was filed by Me. Sadegh, IRCC officially reopened the case for re-evaluation.
Re-Opening and Updated Document Request
On September 29, 2025, IRCC issued a document request letter, giving Ms. Jonalyn 30 days to submit new information.
The letter requested the following updated documents:
- New work permit application forms (IMM 1295 and IMM 5645);
- Updated signed job offer and employment contract from the Canadian employer.
- Proof of current employment and income in the Philippines;
- Updated bank statements and financial evidence; and
- Travel history since the previous refusal.
Under the close supervision of RCIC, Reza Eslami, Ms. Jonalyn, and her employer carefully gathered and submitted all the required materials, providing a stronger, clearer, and more detailed application package that addressed every concern previously raised by IRCC.
Visa Approval and a New Beginning
On October 24, 2025, the long wait finally ended — Ms. Jonalyn received her passport request letter from IRCC, officially approving her work permit.
After months of uncertainty and stress, she was overjoyed to learn that she could finally begin her new chapter in Canada—a dream made possible by her persistence, proper guidance, and legal expertise.
IRCC’s Visa Approval Letter
Conclusion: Turning a Refusal into a Success
Ms. Jonalyn ’s story is a powerful reminder that a work permit rejection does not mean the end of your Canadian dream. With professional guidance, strong advocacy, and a strategic legal pathway, applicants can overcome unfair decisions and achieve success.
At Arnika Visa, led by RCIC, Reza Eslami, and in collaboration with Federal Court Lawyer, Me. Eiman Sadegh, we specialize in helping clients resolve complex immigration refusals through Judicial Review and professional re-submission strategies.a
If your work permit or temporary visa has been refused, don’t give up — let our experience guide you to success.
📍 Arnika Visa — Turning Immigration Challenges into Success Stories.
🖋️ RCIC: Reza Eslami, R710241
