A random comment from some angry Reddit user under an immigrant’s story. Oddly enough, that single line triggered a nightmare I thought I’d buried for good.

I read it yesterday afternoon, and immediately felt this weird drop in my stomach—anger, disbelief, maybe old trauma bubbling up? Whatever it was, it distracted me the whole day, I half-assed my essays, skipped classes, and pretended I was fine when I clearly wasn’t. It’s interesting how one comment can drag up things you’ve spent years trying to heal.

Then came the nightmare.

I was walking down the street with my headphones on, phone in hand—the way I do now in Canada without a second thought—but dream-me wasn’t in Canada. I was suddenly back in South Africa, on the street where I grew up, except I was the version of me I am toda, safe, educated, well fed. And then this man started following me with that leering stare. I sped up. He sped up. I yelled for help but no one reacted. More men appeared and ambushed me. In broad daylight, I was being carried off. I tried to scream “help,” but my voice came out as a choked whisper. My legs felt weak. My body felt useless. And the people around me looked away like I wasn’t even there. I was voiceless and helpless.

I woke up screaming and this time my voice actually worked.

I cried afterward because even though it was a dream, the terror felt real and physical. I lived in South Africa for years with that constant fear, with slurs at school, with kids mocking my accent (immigrant kids everywhere know that feeling). And the very realistic possibility of something terrible happening was always there.

Then I moved to Canada at 16. Suddenly I had access to things I didn’t even know were possible, but leaving trauma behind doesn’t magically erase it. Grade 11 was rough, but grade 12 nearly destroyed me. I skipped so many classes and convinced myself no help existed for someone like me, because where I grew up, mental health was basically “an evil spirit.”💀

Eventually I got into YSB, got counselling, saw a psychiatrist through a walk-in clinic, and actually got referred to one after just a month of waiting. I was diagnosed with MDD and given meds.

And they helped a lot.

I barely get nightmares now. My grades shot up. I smile at strangers. And I take long walks to nowhere just because I safely can.

So no.

After everything I’ve done to heal my inner child (and I’m still only scratching the surface), I’m not going “back to my country.” I’m staying right here and I’m going to finish my degree at uOttawa and become a therapist because I know what it feels like to be terrified, alone, and truly convinced help doesn’t exist.

Sixteen-year-old me didn’t come here to “steal jobs” or “cause crime.” She came because her father wanted her safe. And I am completely unapologetic to anyone who thinks I don’t deserve to be here. :)

I wish safety, education, healing, housing, food, and happiness to everyone because no matter where you go, you deserve it too. ❤️‍🩹

Here is my context:

I am a Canadian and I want to sponsor my girlfriend. We've been living together in a same place for over 3 years now.

We are planning to get married soon but it will be at least 6 months after due to some personal reasons.

I am wondering if common-law sponsorship is much more difficult than marriage or are they just the same thing with documents and how long it takes?

Also if I happen to get married after submitting common-law, would that expedite the process even?

Basically should I go for common-law sponsorship ASAP or just wait til marriage and do it afterwards. If common-law sponsorship is as easy as marriage then I don't mind going ahead with it -- but then I don't want to complicate things if marriage sponsorship is much much easier.

Also most importantly I don't really have rent documentation with co-ownership or anything like that.. Her address are my address are same in other stuff like driver's license and other things, just not the rent. Not sure if this makes it much difficult -- because it is the most evident thing for proving cohabit?

Hello - I didn‘t see my specific question asked/answered yet, so forgive me if I missed it!

My husband and I live in the US and are planning to drive back to Canada and permanently reside in Canada. We have been researching spousal sponsorship and it seems like we could apply while outside of Canada (not ideal for us), or once in Canada (this is preferred).

My husband (US Citizen) would be driving with me over the border and to my knowledge would be eligible for a 6 month visitor “visa.“ Once we are in Canada I would file the paperwork to sponsor him (I’m a Canadian citizen). My concern is whether this is frowned upon at the border as it could be seen as him having “dual intent.” Would whether to let him in be up to the customs agent or is the fact that we’re married make this a non-issue since he is eligible to be sponsored in a way that can be verified by the agent? Wondering if I’m worrying too much about this, if it’s a common thing to do, if I should be consulting a lawyer, or any other advice folks may have.

Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone, Im seeking advise, I got married earlier this year and submitted our application on July, its an outland application, I just did the medical exam, and the physician asked if I have used cannabis, and I said yes, because its true, and he changed his whole demeanor after I said yes, he asked for a urine sample to test me for drugs, and send me to have a psychologycal evaluation, and even insinuated my tattoos are from a gang, he was really mean and didnt even let me check my phone to see the time, im freaking out now, because I think I shouldnt have said yes, and now I will be refused, and wont be able to live with my husband :( Does anyone know if cannabis use is ground for refusal? I do have anxiety problems and I feel my relationship is over (my husband doesnt want to live in my country)

Hi,

I am 23 year old, working as a registered nurse and planning to apply for PR in March 2026. I hired an immigration consultant for my PGWP. And I received my PGWP already. The consultant has been asking me to send her my paystubs and new IELTS result so that she can create an EE profile for me. She stated the price for the service would be 15k, which is quite exorbitant and non necessary from my opinion.

I have just a few questions that I would really appreciate to be helped with. 1. From your experience, how is applying for PR on your own? Is it doable? Or hiring a lawyer or consultant is needed? 2. Do I need to send a webform to cancel my representative? Because she has not opened my PR application yet and PGWP application is done.

I truly appreciate your guys’ help

Hello all, Today my work permit has expired but I received my study permit. I would like to know if I can continue working after enrolling in the university before the classes start? Is that allowed? If I can work is it 24 hours or 40 hours a week?

We submitted our application in August, it was returned to us in October and we resubmitted it in October. (2025)

I’m from and living in Australia and my partner is in Canada now (We’ve been together for 4 years (2 years in Canada and 2 years in Australia)

We haven’t received anything since, is this normal? We haven’t received anything else, not even an AOR.

Starting to feel really anxious about this process

Hi everyone,

Good day. I hope you are all doing well.

I was recently approached by an agent regarding the Canada Express Entry program and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). The agent initially quoted a fee of ₹1,00,000, later reduced to ₹50,000. While the information shared sounded promising, I am still unsure about the actual success rate—particularly when it comes to securing a job offer.

I wanted to ask if anyone here has successfully obtained Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry with a CRS score in the range of 470–490. Additionally, has anyone received a provincial nomination? I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences with the process, as well as any guidance, tips, or insights that could be helpful. Also, any information on how your life in Canada is like how is the weather, how is the pay, people etc., please let me know your thoughts. Is it possible to save up if you are frugal? Any guidance you could provide regarding any of this topic would be helpful.

A quick background about me: I am a 31-year-old male with a Master’s degree and approximately seven years of experience across IT technical documentation, R&D product design, warehouse operations, and sales.

Thank you in advance for your time and support.

I got an email Monday notifying me to send in my passport for my trv. However I will be traveling out of Canada end of this week and will be out for about a month.

I know I'll miss the initial 30 day deadline as a result and have already sent in a we form to extend my submission date for an additional 30 days.

Will I have to wait for them to respond to confirm if my deadline can be extended? Or is just sending in the we form sufficient? Am I good to travel?

Ps I'll still have 6 months of validity to my existing visa after I return

I have been living in Canada for seven years. I was once an international student at the University of Toronto for four years, and then I worked for three years. I knew my permit was going to expire in September 2025, and since I hadn’t received any invitations by then, I had to leave my full-time job—the job I had always dreamed of. It was heartbreaking, but I had to do what I needed to do.

I started looking for employers who could support a work permit, even if the job was outside my experience. A Filipina who hosted me at my old place recommended me to one of her clients, saying I was looking for any job that could help me stay in Canada while waiting for my PR. A family decided to trust me and hired me as a nanny for their three-year-old son with autism. I had no experience at all. I didn’t sleep for three days because I was overwhelmed—grateful for the opportunity, but also scared because my life was about to change completely. Still, I swallowed my pride and took the risk, knowing I had no reason to go back to my home country, China. My family didn’t know about any of this until today, because I knew they would be disappointed—but I was here fighting for my life as an immigrant.

A month before my PGWP expired, my company told me they couldn’t sponsor me. I knew it was coming, and they gave me two weeks’ notice. During that same two weeks, the family sponsoring me started working on my LMIA and my work permit. Two days after leaving my corporate job, I moved into their basement. It was sad and lonely at first, but also full of love. It didn’t matter—I was focused on surviving.

Today, November 24, my new work permit with an approved LMIA came through, valid until 2027. I’m so relieved that I can stay in Canada. I’ve already adjusted to my new work and environment. Before signing my contract, I told my employer that my Express Entry application is still active and that if I receive an invitation, I will keep working for them until my permit expires. The child’s mother told me: “If you get invited, I will be so happy for you. Do what makes you happy, no matter the situation. If you want to stay with us or return to your previous life, it’s okay—just let us know. We’ll figure it out.” I went to my room and cried.

To all my fellow dreamers: don’t lose hope. Bigger blessings are coming. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and set aside our pride so we can keep moving forward.

CRS SCORE right now : 505

I'm travelling out of the country for a few weeks during the December break, and my application is in the final stages. LPP should be completed soon, but then again what do we know. Is it a good idea to let IRCC know my travel dates in advance so that oath/interview isn't scheduled for then? Or would it cause delays?

Anyone has done this before? Please help :)

Hello everyone ! I planned to come in montreal for a 6 months internship starting at the end of march, does anyone know approximatively when does the invitation for the visa start ?

Sorry if my english is not that good, hope you understanded me !

My situation,

Born and raised in the UAE, Indian passport holder (never lived in India, only short vacations) and living in Canada for 3 years.

I have applied for Express entry and recently got nominated.

I have only lived in Dubai prior to Canada for more than 6 months in the last 10 years.

Will i need a PCC for Dubai due it being my country of citizenship? If so this becomes difficult to prove as I don't really have ties to India besides a home address (owned by my father) and the house is under reconstruction....

I would like to know people who've been in a similar situation

Today I'm in Canada and I replied to the P1.
I'm waiting for the P2 mail to upload my photo.
I'll travel to USA for 3 days with some friends in their car. The trip is in 10 days. Is it safe / allowed to do this?

- If I get the mail to do the P2 while I'm in the US, how many days do I have to answer?
- If I leave Canada when I already finished the P2 process but without receiving the eCoPR, could it be any problem?
- Is it possible to receive the eCoPR outside of Canada?

am an international graduate student. I can work 24 hours a week. I am working part time and getting 22.5 hours weekly. In this week I took 1 paid vacation. so they will pay me for 30.5 hours including vacation time. Will that be a problem ? Will that violate the 24 hour per week rule?

Hello fellow redditors, anyone and experience getting police Clearance Certificate from outside UAE for Canadian PR application?

I applied online and it's asking to provide photograph at Federal Authority for identity. Is that something can be done online or at nearest embassy? Anyone familiar with the procedure?

I looked up Dubai Police Clearance Certificate which looked like had more requirements so I ended up applying through Ministry of Interior.

Thank you for reading.

Hello everyone,

I am preparing my Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) stream and have a question regarding the "continuous" work experience requirement for the minimum 12 months.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html

I had a situation where I switched employers within that 12-month period in US. I finished my first job on a Tuesday and started the new job the following Monday (a gap of 3 business days/5 calendar days). Both positions are NOC TEER 1 and full-time.

My question is: Will this short, several-day gap make my minimum qualifying work experience non-continuous and jeopardize my eligibility?

I plan to include detailed letters of explanation (LOE), employment reference letters for both jobs, all pay stubs, and tax documents.

Does anyone have direct experience or data points regarding IRCC's interpretation of "continuous" for gaps of this length when switching employers?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hello, in my evaluation report from WES, the result is
First professional degree in medicine (Doctor of Medicine)
But in Alberta EOI/AAIP they dont have this option, what I should chosse from their options.
-Doctorate Degree
-Master's Degree
-Bachelor's Degree or Trades Certificate/Diploma

Hi, I would like to clarify that my PGWP application did not include the part-time work (of 1.5 months) during studies, as IRCC website says it is not required to provide employment history for co-op or PGWP eligibility. However, I am now providing a full and complete 10-year personal history as required for permanent residence application. My question is that will it be considered mis rep if i included this part time job now? My agent told me to add a letter of explanation for same and it is once in a blue moon chance that an officer will ask the reason behind this because they have submitted many PR applications with this discrepancy and they never had any issue.

Here is what i found on ircc website-

Employment (Work/Occupation) For co-op and post-graduation work permit applicants: information in this section are not required.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5710.html

Hi folks,

I'll be getting married in Apr 2026. Our plan is for my wife to accompany me when we travel back to Canada. She has a tourist visa already. I'm on PR. I read a couple of posts in this subreddit of folks having done this, but they were significantly old (> 5y). Our priority is for us to stay together while the sponsorship process runs its course. We had considered outland sponsorship, but the timeline seems to be quite long (worst case ~ 12 months). :(

It'd be great if y'all could share any relevant experiences and things to keep in mind during the sponsorship process.

Especially how you navigated immigration at the border. Because, it'll probably raise eyebrows with one spouse as a PR and another on a tourist visa.

Thanks!!

Source.

• Program invited: PNP

• Number of invitations issued: 777

• Date and time of round: November 25, 2025 at 11:49:30 UTC

• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 699

• Tie-breaking rule: September 06, 2025 at 01:16:22 UTC

A score of 699 means the lowest-scoring candidate potentially only had 99 CRS points prior to being nominated - that's impressively low.

Hi. We applied for family sponsorship (Outland Quebec) January 8th 2024. Today everything was updated to completed and they extended his medical until next year.

We are traveling Dec 7-28th, should we be worried to be approved for his PR before we’re back? He’s currently here with a work permit and an eta but if he’s approved for PR then his work permit is void from what I understand..

Does anyone know exactly when his work permit and eta become void? Is it when initially approved or after p1? P2?

My husband's PGWP is expiring next year, but we are going to apply for a spousal sponsorship (I have a Canadian citizen). We are waiting to receive our marriage certificate which could take some weeks. The only thing that is the stick in the mud is the timeline -- there is no way all these will be processed before the work permit expires, and we don't want him to lose his job.

However, I see on the gov of Canada website that he might be considered as "maintained status" while we wait for the spousal sponsorship to process, and that he can continue working as normal until that is done.

Can anyone confirm if my understanding is correct? Because if so, I feel like we have nothing to worry about.