Canada work permit refusal was the challenge faced by a client after inconsistent answers about military service appeared in his immigration applications.
Case study
This Canada work permit refusal case study describes a client who received a refusal after an inconsistency in his immigration applications regarding military service. With assistance from Arnika Visa, he submitted an application to restore his status, which IRCC approved on October 10, 2023.
Background
The client arrived in Canada on August 26, 2021, after receiving approval for a study permit to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering at Concordia University in Montreal. After completing his studies, he received his final transcripts and graduation letter in May 2023 and applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Refusal and military service discrepancy
On July 10, 2023, IRCC refused the work permit application. The case summary states that the refusal arose from different answers to a military service question: the client answered “No” in his original study permit application and “Yes” in the work permit application. The discrepancy raised concerns about possible misrepresentation.
The client explained that he misunderstood the question when completing the earlier application and did not intend to provide misleading information. He acknowledged that he could have identified and clarified the inconsistency by reviewing his previous application. The case record should be consulted for the exact wording of the refusal and the client’s explanation.
Restoration application
Following the refusal, the client sought assistance from Arnika Visa with an application to restore his status. The submission included an updated Schedule 1 form setting out the mandatory military service details, together with an official translation. The explanation addressed the misunderstanding, acknowledged the discrepancy, and provided the corrected information.
The submission also explained that the client regretted the error and was committed to providing accurate and complete information. The aim was to clarify the record and explain the circumstances behind the inconsistent answers, not to suggest that an explanation alone guarantees a positive decision.
Outcome
On October 10, 2023, IRCC approved the client’s application to restore his status. This allowed him to remain in Canada with restored temporary resident status. The information supplied for this case study does not establish that IRCC also approved the PGWP; confirm the work permit decision separately before stating that the client was authorized to work.
Key lessons
The case illustrates why applicants should review prior applications for consistency and answer every question accurately. If you discover an error, understand the exact refusal grounds and provide a clear, documented explanation with corrected information. A restoration application and a work permit application are distinct matters, and approval of restoration should not be described as approval of a work permit unless the decision letter confirms it.
General information: restoration of status
The supplied case notes state that an application to restore status generally must be submitted within 90 days of losing status. Eligibility, forms, fees, and available options depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the rules in effect when applying. Restoration is not automatic. Applicants should check current IRCC instructions or obtain advice about their specific situation before relying on a deadline or choosing an application type.
If the 90-day period has passed, restoration may no longer be available through the ordinary process. Depending on the facts, a person may need to consider leaving Canada and applying from outside Canada, or seek advice about other possible options. Family sponsorship or a humanitarian and compassionate application may be relevant in some circumstances, but neither should be presented as an automatic solution to loss of status.
How Arnika Visa can assist
Arnika Visa can help review refusal reasons, identify inconsistencies in application records, and prepare supporting documents for immigration applications. Each case is assessed on its own facts, and no representative can guarantee restoration, a work permit, or another immigration outcome.
Related resources: Canada visa refusal reasons | Reapplying after a Canada visa refusal | Book a consultation
