Administrative mistakes may look minor, but in Canadian immigration, they can alter lives in an instant. Recently, 3 Filipino construction workers in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, experienced this devastating reality. After living in Canada since 2022 and applying for permanent residency, their work permit renewals were rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) due to missing employer fees and incomplete documentation. Forced to stop working immediately, they now face possible deportation. This case illustrates not only the growing risks in Canada’s immigration process but also why having a licensed immigration consultant can make all the difference.

Work Permit Errors That Changed Everything

Brycon Construction, the workers’ employer, admitted responsibility for the mistakes. In 2 cases, the company failed to pay the $230 employer fee, while in the third, it neglected to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Though these errors were administrative oversights, IRCC has a strict rule: incomplete applications are automatically rejected.

Instead of being given a chance to correct the files, the workers must either appeal or reapply from scratch. Starting over means a 180-day waiting period, during which they cannot legally work or use provincial health care. For individuals supporting families back in the Philippines, such delays are financially and emotionally crushing.

The Growing Risks in Immigration Applications

Immigration experts point out that years ago, officers often flagged missing details so applicants could fix them quickly. Today, rejections come without warning, no matter how small the mistake. An immigration lawyer in Halifax described the process as “a minefield” where even one missed fee or document can derail an entire future.

This trend is not isolated to the Dartmouth case. Across Canada, workers and employers are discovering that even minor missteps can result in months of lost income and uncertainty. It highlights the importance of careful preparation and professional guidance.

Why Immigration Consultants in Canada Are Essential

This is where hiring an immigration consultant in Canada becomes invaluable. Consultants are trained to review every requirement, every form, and every supporting document to ensure applications meet IRCC’s exact standards. From employer fees to LMIA paperwork, nothing is overlooked.

For companies like Brycon Construction, relying on consultants can also prevent costly disruptions to projects and staffing. Employers retain valuable workers, while employees avoid the nightmare of losing their legal status due to preventable mistakes.

How ImmigCanada Can Help

At ImmigCanada, we specialize in protecting individuals and employers from the risks seen in cases like this. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) ensure applications are accurate, complete, and ready for approval before submission. Whether you’re renewing a work permit, applying for permanent residency, or managing employer compliance, our team provides the expertise needed to safeguard your future in Canada.

We understand how much is at stake. Families depend on timely approvals. Employers depend on skilled workers. And individuals depend on a smooth process to achieve their Canadian dream. That’s why professional guidance is not just helpful, it’s critical.

The case of the 3 Filipino workers in Dartmouth is a sobering reminder of how fragile immigration status can be. Minor errors can lead to lost jobs, lost health coverage, and even deportation. With rules becoming stricter and rejections more common, working with an immigration consultant in Canada is the smartest way to secure your path forward. Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact ImmigCanada today and take control of your immigration journey.