You must have heard many but listen to mine, I stayed in the US for 4 years (3 years illegally) before I crossed the border to Canada (between check points as suggested by Vermont Refugee Assistance). I have on arrival to Montreal seeked refuge, claim has been accepted and all was good, also got married after my claim got accepted (she is Canadian) and have a 3 year old now with one more due on May. I have been arrested in the US and charged (will not reveal what for here), released on my own recognizance, placed on probation for 18 months but couldn't hold it together after my American drivers license was suspended and I couldn't work under the table anymore and I eventually made the move to Canada. Now I never concealed what took place in US and actually discussed what transpired in my hearing with the IRB, I was still granted status in 2006 June. I was invited over to CIC after I received my work permit but have informed them of my move to Calgary with my wife (she is from Alberta). Fast forward to now, I always received my work permit renewal each year till now, Vegreville transferred my file over to the Calgary office on April 2009 and I have still not received my work permit for this year (expired in February.) I assume soon enough there will be a hearing of some sort about my past arrest in the US but in the meantime, I can't go on EI (got laid off last month), can't renew my drivers license or SIN, nor can I get another job as my pregnant wife will be getting ready to take her mat leave by april. Tried going to Harry Hays and calling CIC 4-6 times since March, the agents are of no help to me and telling me I have to wait. I still don't have PR status and have read Calgary office looks at files in 18-24 months. Is there anything I can do to resolve my situation, do you think now is the time to get a lawyer? (My lawyer in Montreal firmly believed that I could beat this case here in Canada when I talked to him from Calgary) Thanks for your help in advance.
A different story
- Thread starter longstory
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I actually agree with u and would have left had they rejected my claim because of the conviction. However I have been here for over 5 years, bought a house and started a family. What I did in the USA would be Mickey mouse here in Canada, the American judicial system is ass-backwards and trigger happy, so maybe Canada knows this fact and dependant on the weight and type of the conviction, they let people like me in, or refuse them. Apart from this discussion...anyone can give me any advice?
Thank you very much for your reply, I simply didn't get a lawyer yet for I didn't believe they could do anything in delays like man as I know in the States, I witnessed people desperately seek help to expedite their immigration process simply ended in more frustration and lost time and money. I know I will need a lawyer for the hearing when I am eventually sent a summons, I should probably also open a new post for this but do you have any reccomendations for a lawyer? Secondly, and hopefully not too stupid a question; do I need an immigration lawyer for the situation I am in or a criminal one? Thanks again for your reply.
OK, I am not really sure about all the details from your post but I am guessing that after being in Canada as a refugee, CIC are now finally processing your case. Hence why you are now classed as 'visitor status' and unable to work etc. and why your file has now been transferred to your local office. I believe you are probably inline for an interview, what the time line for your office I have no idea, others may well have better knowledge than me.
You need to specifically post to other refugee applicants, I have no knowledge on this subject and therefore can offer little advice at this stage. Sorry.
My only advise is to get a decent immigration lawyer, probably one that specializes in refugee cases.
You need to specifically post to other refugee applicants, I have no knowledge on this subject and therefore can offer little advice at this stage. Sorry.
My only advise is to get a decent immigration lawyer, probably one that specializes in refugee cases.