CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Dear Ms Powell, I was on vacation in the United States (US) and my family decided to visit our relatives in Toronto, Canada. I wasn't driving, but when I got to the border the immigration officer denied me entry. They said they have evidence of me driving under the influence in the US. I have a valid Canadian visitor's visa and a US visitor's visa. I used to go to school in the States and I was charged in the States for driving under the influence (DUI), but that was years ago. I can't believe they refused to allow me into the country when I have a valid visa. I was forced to leave the car and find a hotel to stay until my family returned. Can I appeal this? What can I do? I don't want this to happen to me again. This is totally embarrassing and I don't want this trouble again. The US did not prevent me from entering, so why is Canada penalising me for something that happened in the US years ago? - Distressed Dear Distressed, Once someone has a crim

Dear Ms Powell, I would like an opportunity to visit Canada to work. I just want to get some experience of working in another country. Does Canada have programmes like that? I would just like to get some international work experience and get to know Canada. I could visit some of the universities to see if I would like to do further studies there. - W.P.   Dear W.P., Canada has a programme known as the International Experience Class (IEC), which allows young people from around the world, who qualify, to come to Canada to travel and work under one of three available programmes. The programmes are The International Co-op (internship); Young Professionals; and The Working Holiday programmes. Your eligibility for these programmes is based on your country of citizenship. To qualify for an IEC work permit, your country of citizenship must have an agreement with Canada that allows you to apply for the work permit. If your country is not on the list, you will need to use one of t

Dear Ms Powell, I applied to sponsor my Jamaican husband to come to Canada and the application was refused. How do I appeal? I've been spending too much money going back and forth and this is causing a strain on our marriage. Please help us. - F.Y. Dear F.Y., I understand the strain that the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) refusals of your application would cause on your marriage. However, the IRCC usually outlines the specific reasons for the denial of the application. What was the reason for the denial? Before you can appeal, you need to ensure that you are able to address, with supporting documents, the issues outlined in the refusal letter. Your access to the appeal process will not be allowed if your spouse is deemed inadmissible to Canada by reason of his criminal record. If he has a history of committing a serious criminal offence anywhere in the world and that crime is punishable in Canada by a term of imprisonment of two years or more, y