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Clarke Law This is Immigration Lawyer's Office. For 30 working years combined, we served clients at other immigration law firms. We believe that people come first.

We assist clients from around the world to achieve their goals of coming to Canada on a temporary basis or a permanent basis. We took the best parts of those firms and we created Clarke Immigration Law. We believe that our fees should be fair. We accept Legal Aid certificates and we help as many people as we can. At the same time, we get results and we strive to win.

10/06/2026

There is a common myth that requesting ATIP/GCMS notes can somehow push IRCC to look at your application faster.

❌ This is a myth

Submitting an ATIP request DOES NOT SPEED UP the processing of your immigration application. It is a separate process used to obtain information and records held by the Government of Canada.

So, if ATIP doesn’t make IRCC process your application faster, why can it still be useful?

🔎 ATIP/GCMS notes may help you:

• Understand what is happening with your application behind the scenes
• See officers’ notes and comments on your file
• Identify concerns or potential issues before a final decision is made
• Better understand the reasons behind a refusal
• Check which stages of processing have been completed
• Review information related to eligibility, criminality, security or medical assessments, where disclosed
• Identify possible errors, missing information or inconsistencies
• Make a more informed decision about your next steps

For example, if your application has been processing for a long time and regular IRCC status updates provide very little information, ATIP notes may give you a clearer picture of where your application actually stands and whether there are any concerns on the file.

⚠️ Keep in mind: ATIP is an information tool, not an application-expediting tool.

Sometimes knowing why your application is delayed can be much more useful than simply knowing that it is still “in process.”

📩 If you would like assistance requesting or reviewing your ATIP/GCMS notes, contact 🇨🇦 WORK | STUDY | PR | REFUGEE | CANADA 🇨🇦 .

‼️This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

10/01/2026

On October 1, 2026, IRCC held a new category-based Express Entry draw targeting candidates with work experience in trade occupations.

🔹 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
🔹 CRS cut-off: 476
🔹 Date: October 1, 2026
🔹 Tie-breaking rule: May 28, 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC

🔧 Which occupations are included?

The current Trades category includes 25 occupations, such as Construction managers, Home building and renovation managers, Welders, Roofers, Painters and
Other technical trades

To qualify for the Trades category, candidates currently need at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in one eligible occupation within the past 3 years. The experience can be gained in Canada or abroad. Candidates must also meet the requirements of Express Entry and the specific round.

📩 Do you work in one of these occupations? Contact 🇨🇦 WORK | STUDY | PR | REFUGEE | CANADA 🇨🇦 to discuss your options for permanent residence in Canada.

📧 [email protected]
📞 204-599-6966
📍 Suite 409, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0E2

09/24/2026

🇨🇦 Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications are currently among the longest immigration processes in Canada.

IRCC has indicated that, based on current inventory and admission levels, most new applicants in the H&C and Other category could face waits of more than 10 years for a final Permanent Residence decision.

❓But what does that actually mean?

A 10+ year estimate does not necessarily mean that nothing will happen with an application for 10 years. H&C applications involve different stages of assessment, and processing times can vary significantly depending on the individual case and IRCC’s inventory.

✅ One important stage is Approval in Principle (AIP).

If IRCC determines that an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for H&C consideration, the applicant may receive AIP before the final PR decision.

After receiving AIP, eligible applicants may be able to apply for a work permit or study permit while waiting for the final decision on their permanent residence application

However, there is currently no guaranteed timeline for receiving AIP. Many applicants report receiving Approval in Principle (AIP) within the first 1–3 years of processing. However, this is not an IRCC service standard

🤔 Who may consider an H&C application?

H&C is not a regular economic immigration program or simply an alternative for someone who does not qualify under another PR pathway.

It is intended for people with compelling humanitarian circumstances. IRCC may consider factors such as:

• Establishment in Canada
• Family ties in Canada
• The best interests of children affected
• The consequences of leaving Canada
• Other relevant humanitarian and compassionate circumstances

Every application is assessed individually, and approval is discretionary.

Not sure whether an H&C application could be an option for you?

Book a consultation with our 🇨🇦 WORK | STUDY | PR | REFUGEE | CANADA 🇨🇦 team. We can review your individual circumstances, discuss the strengths and potential challenges of your case, and help you understand the immigration options available to you

09/21/2026

⚠️ IRCC Ends Public Policy for Certain Undeclared Family Members

As of September 10, 2026, IRCC’s temporary public policy that allowed certain previously undeclared or unexamined family members to be sponsored for permanent residence is no longer in effect🛑

What does this mean? 👇

Under Canadian immigration rules, applicants for permanent residence are generally required to declare all family members, even if they are not planning to come to Canada with them.

This may include:
• a spouse or common-law partner;
• dependent children;
• in some cases, dependent children of dependent children.

The temporary public policy created an exception for certain families and, if specific requirements were met, allowed some previously undeclared family members to be sponsored.

📅 That public policy has now ended

However, applications received by IRCC between May 31, 2019 and September 10, 2026 may still be assessed under the public policy if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements

Importantly, the policy did not apply to every situation. For example, the exception generally did not apply if declaring the family member at the time would have made the sponsor ineligible to immigrate to Canada.

❗ If you became a permanent resident without declaring or having a family member examined, sponsoring that person may now be significantly more complicated.

Each case depends on the sponsor’s immigration history, how permanent residence was obtained, which family member was not declared or examined, and the circumstances surrounding the omission.

Not sure how this change affects your situation?

Book a consultation with 🇨🇦 WORK | STUDY | PR | REFUGEE | CANADA 🇨🇦 to discuss your immigration history, eligibility and possible next steps based on your individual circumstances

09/10/2026

If you are Work Permit holder in Canada, you may have received an unusual email from IRCC recently — and no, it’s not a mistake!

Under a new temporary public policy, eligible Work Permit holders may study in Canada for up to 6 months without obtaining a separate Study Permit.

📚 Why was this introduced?

The measure is designed to give temporary foreign workers more opportunities to upgrade their skills, complete short-term training, and pursue professional licensing or certification while continuing to work in Canada. It can also help address labour shortages by making it easier for workers already in Canada to gain skills needed for higher-skilled or in-demand occupations.

✅ To benefit from this measure, you must have a valid Work Permit.

Eligible courses or programs can be completed without a Study Permit if they are 6 months or less, and your Work Permit must remain valid during your studies.

The temporary public policy is currently in effect until December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier.

⚠️ Important: This measure is intended for short-term studies. If you plan to pursue full-time studies or a longer program, you will still need to apply for a Study Permit☝️

🇨🇦 Considering Canada for your long-term future?

Contact 🇨🇦 WORK | STUDY | PR | REFUGEE | CANADA 🇨🇦 to book a consultation and have your immigration options and chances assessed based on your individual circumstances.

📞 204-599-6966
📧 [email protected]
📍 Suite 409, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0E2

09/04/2026

Starting September 1, 2026, international students applying for a Canadian Study Permit must meet updated proof of financial support requirements

💰 How much do you need now?

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), the minimum funds required for living expenses are:

• 1 person (applicant): $23,448 CAD
• 2 people: $29,192 CAD
• 3 people: $35,888 CAD
• 4 people: $43,572 CAD
• 5 people: $49,419 CAD
• 6 people: $55,736 CAD
• 7 people: $62,054 CAD
• Each additional family member: add $6,318 CAD per year

⚠️ Important: These amounts are for living expenses ONLY. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and transportation costs for themselves and accompanying family members.

Proof of funds remains a critical part of a Study Permit application. IRCC may assess not only the amount available, but also the source and availability of the funds.

🎓 Planning to study in Canada?

Make sure your application meets the latest IRCC requirements.

📩 Book a consultation with Clarke Immigration Law to discuss your Study Permit application, financial documentation, and immigration strategy.

📞 204-599-6966
📧 [email protected]
📍 Suite 409, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0E2

A strong application starts with the right preparation!

08/21/2026

🔥 WE RECEIVED H&C APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE IN JUST 8 MONTHS DESPITE CURRENT H&C WAIT TIMES OF MORE THAN 10 YEARS!

How did it happen?

Our client originally submitted her Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application together with her husband and children through another immigration consultant. But while the application was being processed, everything changed.

Our client experienced abuse in the relationship and separated from her husband. She came to Clarke Immigration Law worried that her immigration future was now tied to an application she had submitted together with him.

Could she continue on her own?

We stepped in and asked IRCC to separate her case from the original family H&C application and process it independently based on her own circumstances and humanitarian factors.

📅 October 2025: We submitted the request.

Within the same month, IRCC created a separate application, issued a new application number and requested the biometrics fee.

Then, only 8 months after we became involved:

🎉 June 2026 — APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE!

This was an incredible milestone, especially at a time when H&C applicants may face extraordinarily long processing times - 10 years and more!

AIP means IRCC has determined that the application meets the eligibility requirements in principle. The client must still complete the remaining requirements before Permanent Residence can be finalized.

But most importantly, her story shows something we tell our clients often:

A major change in your circumstances does not necessarily mean the end of your immigration journey. Sometimes, it means your strategy needs to change.

Today, our client is one major step closer to building an independent and stable future for herself in Canada🇨🇦

If you are facing a similar situation or your circumstances have changed while your immigration application is being processed, you do not have to navigate the process alone.

Our team at Clarke Immigration Law would be happy to review your situation, discuss your options, and help you determine the best path forward.

📞 Call us: (204) 599-6966
📧 Email: [email protected]

🇨🇦 We are here to help you move forward!

08/05/2026

🎉 Another successful PGWP approval!

We are thrilled to share another great result — our client received a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit in just one month.

One of the most common reasons for PGWP refusals is part-time studies during a program. Our client studied in Montreal and, due to serious health challenges, was unable to maintain full-time status throughout the entire period of study.

While this situation often leads to a refusal, every case is unique. With strong supporting evidence, well-prepared medical documentation, and a detailed Letter of Explanation, we were able to present a compelling case.

The result? A 3-year PGWP approval! 🎉

If you have studied part-time because of medical or other exceptional circumstances, don't assume your case has no chance. The right legal strategy and proper documentation can make all the difference.

If you are in a similar situation, book a consultation with Clarke Immigration Law.
📍 409–428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
📞 (204) 599-6966
📧 [email protected]

Let us help you find the best immigration solution for your unique situation!

06/01/2026

One of the key topics discussed among lawyers around Canada: the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) in 🇨🇦 immigration law

Many lawyers shared that they are already incorporating AI tools into their daily practice.

Why?

Because AI can help with research, document review, drafting, and other routine tasks, making legal work faster and more efficient etc.

But there is also a downside.

Immigration cases are deeply personal. Every client has a unique story, background, and circumstances that require careful analysis and professional judgment.

While AI can be a valuable tool, it cannot replace the experience, strategy, and human understanding that immigration professionals bring to a case.

At .immigration.law we believe technology should support legal professionals, not replace them.

And what do you think:

👇 Are you FOR or AGAINST the use of AI in immigration practice?

05/28/2026

On Friday, May 22, .immigration.law office hosted the CARL Spring Conference 2026 🇨🇦✨

It was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss current immigration updates, exchange experiences, and gain new perspectives on different cases

Events like this are not only about learning, but also about staying informed about the latest trends and changes in Canadian immigration

Thank you to the organizers and everyone who participated for the great atmosphere, insightful discussions, and inspiration 🙌

Let us know if you would like us to share more topics and insights from the conference👌

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Suite 409, 428 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3C0E2

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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