Immigration & Citizenship Services

Regulated immigration consulting in Vancouver, servicing cases that require careful judgment.

Our work includes;

• business and entrepreneur immigration,

• cross-border options such as USMCA and other U.S. treaty-based work authorizations,

• temporary and permanent residence pathways,

• study permits, work permits,

• PNP applications,

• sponsorships,

• humanitarian applications,

• refugee or protected person matters.

• TRPs and status issues

• Refusals and reconsiderations

See how we work

This practice is for cases that need care, clarity, and judgment.

We work with individuals, families, professionals, and business applicants who want to understand their situation clearly before anything is filed.

That includes temporary residence, permanent residence, sponsorship, status issues, business immigration, and applications that need more than routine processing.

If you are looking for quick answers, generic advice, or promises about the outcome, this is probably not the right fit.

If you want clear advice, careful review, and representation built on judgment rather than guesswork, this is where to start.

MORE ABOUT CASES WE HANDLE

• Visitor Visas and Temporary Residence
  Visitor visas, extensions, restoration, and temporary residence matters where purpose, documentation, and timing matter.

• Study Permits
  Initial study permits, extensions, DLI transfers, co-op work permit issues, and student status problems.

• Work Permits
  Employer-specific work permits, open work permits, LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt applications, and compliance-sensitive filings.

• Business and Entrepreneur Immigration
  Applications involving business activity, expansion, owner-operator structures, and entrepreneur pathways requiring proper planning.

• USMCA and Cross-Border Work
  Cross-border work options under USMCA and other treaty-based work authorizations involving Canada and the United States.

• Spousal Sponsorship
  Inland and outland sponsorship, refusal recovery, genuineness concerns, and relationship evidence issues.

• Permanent Residence Pathways
  Express Entry, PNP pathways, family class, humanitarian applications, and other permanent residence strategies.

• Status and Restoration
  Maintained status, restoration, overstay situations, and applications where procedural timing is critical.

• Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications
  Applications based on hardship, establishment in Canada, best interests of a child, and circumstances that do not fit standard pathways.

• Refugee and Protected Person Matters*
  Refugee claims, protected person matters, eligibility and procedural issues, hearings, evidence preparation, and cases requiring careful handling under a changing legal framework.
  *Current update: Recent legal changes, including Bill C-12, may affect eligibility and procedure.

Immigration work should be approached with a clear standard. Over years of practice, I have developed a structured process for reviewing, assessing, and preparing matters carefully and properly.

Every case starts with:

• The facts, the documents, the history, and the available options.

Some people need advice only. Others need full representation. In both cases, the work follows a clear process designed to reduce guesswork, protect the record, and support better decision-making.

Read more about how we work.

How We Work

Mehdi Nafisi, RCIC-IRB

Mehdi Nafisi is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and Immigration and Refugee Board representative based in Vancouver. He represents clients across temporary residence, permanent residence, sponsorship, business immigration, status issues, and humanitarian matters.

His approach is built on careful review, clear advice, and representation that does not cut corners. As an immigrant himself, he understands that immigration decisions are not abstract. They affect families, work, stability, and long-term plans.

I had an incredible experience with Mehdi Nafisi. I had a previous refusal before he represented me with my application. He guided me through the entire process of applying for a study permit. When my application was refused again, he helped me challenge the decision and escalate the case to a judicial review with a prominent lawyer. Through his expertise and persistence, the matter was settled outside of court. We were able to overturn the refusal and get my Study Permit application approved.
During this time, Mehdi ensured that everything went smoothly. He helped me stay in touch with my college, secure a new letter of admission, and made sure all the necessary steps were taken seamlessly. His attention to detail, dedication, and clear communication made all the difference. I would highly recommend him for his exceptional support and expertise.

Nastaran K

Montreal

Simply put Mehdi is the reason that I still in Canada. Although my case should have been a pretty straightforward application, Passport delays and the Pandemic definitely made things a bit more complicated.
Thankfully Mehdi knew what to do and was able to expertly bring me through the Permanent Resident application. He is able to navigate the complicated immigration process with ease and know all the ins and out of it.
With the delays that have come with the pandemic we have also had to renew my work permit with very short notice. He was able to do this too.
Mehdi has been able to answer any questions that I have had along the way and has made my immigration process much easier and more straightforward than if I had tried to do it myself!
I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone needing an immigration lawyer!

Andrew J

Vancouver

★★★★★

★★★★★

Augustin R

★★★★★

Vancouver

Mehdi was always very professional and explaining with full detail all process we went through when applying for a student permit, his help and support was very useful. Thank you!!

FAQs

How do I sponsor my spouse for Canadian permanent residency?

Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada?

Spousal sponsorship requires proof of relationship, financial support, and strong documentation. We guide you through the spousal sponsorship process, ensuring your case meets IRCC’s expectations from the start.

GCMS notes are the detailed internal records IRCC officers use when making decisions on your application. If you’ve faced a visa refusal, GCMS notes give insight into what went wrong—and how to fix it.
Get the clarity you need. Let us help you interpret your notes.

What are GCMS notes, and why should I request them?

Unsure if you qualify?

Didn't find your answer?

Can my spouse get an open work permit while I study or work in Canada?

In many cases, yes. Spouses of skilled workers and spouses of master’s and PhD students may qualify for an open work permit.

My visitor visa was refused—what can I do now?

Yes,under certain conditions. If you’re already in Canada on a valid status, you may qualify to apply from within. We’ll assess your eligibility and help you submit a strong study permit application with all supporting documents.

Officers look for real-life evidence such as photos, communication, shared responsibilities, and supporting letters. A clear, well-organized package is important.

How do I prove my relationship is genuine for spousal sponsorship?

What is “dual intent”?

Dual intent means you want to visit Canada temporarily while also planning to apply for permanent residence. It is allowed, but you must still show you will leave Canada if required.

You can reapply, but repeating the same application usually leads to another refusal. It is better to address the officer’s specific concerns with new evidence and a stronger explanation.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

What is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

Most study permits allow up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks. Always check the conditions printed on your permit.

A PAL is required for most undergraduate study permit applicants. It confirms you fall within the province’s allocation cap. Master’s and PhD students are usually exempt.

I have not lived in Canada for 730 days. Will I lose my PR?

Not automatically. You may still keep PR status if there are valid humanitarian or compassionate reasons for your absences.

What are category-based Express Entry draws?

What is a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)?

A PFL means the officer has serious concerns about your application. You have one chance to respond. A detailed, evidence-based submission is essential.

Yes, under programs like Intra-Company Transfer or C11 Entrepreneur. You must show your business will bring significant benefit to Canada.

Can I start my own business and get a work permit?

IRCC holds special draws for certain fields, like French speakers, healthcare, STEM, trades, and transport. These draws may have lower score cutoffs.

If you’re facing challenges with your case or just want to get it right the first time, reach out today. We’re here to help.

Every story is unique