Work Permit Refusal Appeal
Was Your Canadian Work Permit Refused? We Can Help!
If you’ve received a refusal for a Canadian work permit, you’re not alone — and your case may not be over. At Globe Immigration, we understand how stressful it is to face a refusal, especially when you were relying on your work permit for your future in Canada. Fortunately, there are legal options available to respond to and challenge the refusal, depending on the circumstances of your case.
With over 15 years of experience, our team can assess your situation and determine the best course of action — whether that means reapplying, requesting reconsideration, or pursuing a judicial review at Federal Court.
Why Was My Work Permit Refused?
Work permit applications can be refused for many reasons, including:
- Lack of convincing proof that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
- Concerns about your employment offer or employer’s compliance.
- Incomplete documentation or errors in your application.
- Doubts about your financial ability to support yourself in Canada.
- Missing documents like a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if required.
Understanding the exact reason for the refusal is critical to deciding your next steps. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly review the refusal letter and, if necessary, request the Officer’s Notes (GCMS notes) for more details.
What Can You Do After a Refusal?
Canada’s immigration law does not offer a direct appeal process for temporary resident applications like work permits. However, there are other legitimate pathways to challenge or resolve the refusal:
- Reapply with a Stronger Application
One of the most common options is to reapply — but it must be done right. If you choose to resubmit your application, you’ll need to address every concern raised in the refusal, provide stronger documentation, and ensure there are no inconsistencies. This is especially effective if your circumstances have changed or if new supporting evidence is available.
- Request Reconsideration
You may submit a request to IRCC to reconsider the decision. This is an informal process and does not guarantee a response, but it can be useful if you believe the refusal was a result of a clear error or oversight. A persuasive legal submission may improve the chances of a positive outcome.
- Apply for a Judicial Review (Federal Court)
If the decision was unreasonable or involved a legal or procedural error, you have the right to seek a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada. This is not a re-evaluation of your case but rather a legal review of whether the officer’s decision was fair and lawful.
Important Deadlines:
- If the refusal occurred inside Canada: You have 15 days to file.
- If the refusal occurred outside Canada: You have 60 days to file.
A judicial review is a formal legal process and requires skilled representation. Globe Immigration can prepare all required materials, including affidavits and legal arguments, and represent you before the Federal Court.
Should I Appeal or Reapply?
Each case is unique. In some situations, reapplying is faster and more effective. In others — especially when your application was refused unfairly — a judicial review may be the right move. At Globe Immigration, we evaluate each client’s specific circumstances and goals before recommending a course of action.
