Want to start over in Canada? Now what?

Want to start over in Canada? Now what?

This situation is more common than it seems. Many people come to us with the same goal: to start a new life in Canada in a legal, safe, and permanent way. Sometimes, they’re currently without status in another country or have a more complex immigration history.

If that’s your case, know that you’re not alone. And yes, it is possible to start over in Canada, even with a history of irregular immigration in other countries. But it’s important to understand that the process requires strategy, patience, and well-informed decisions.

To achieve your goal of immigrating to Canada, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence the process.

When it comes to immigrating as a skilled worker, the main points are: age, educational background, skilled work experience, and language proficiency in English and/or French.

In addition to qualifying for Express Entry and scoring well in these areas, your chances of arriving in Canada as a permanent resident increase if you have qualifications in priority areas, such as:

French language proficiency
or
At least six months of work experience in one of the 50 in-demand occupations in Canada — including healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, education, construction, and more

Healthcare occupations, for example, include doctors, nurses, psychologists, among others.

There are also other possible pathways through study programs or job offers, which can support your immigration strategy and help you qualify for permanent residency.

However, if you have a history of being without legal status in another country, this can make it more difficult to access temporary residence programs — especially if you are still currently in an irregular situation.

Why is it so hard to get a temporary visa when you’ve been out of status or worked without authorization in another country?

When it comes to applying for a study or work visa, one of the most important aspects analyzed by Canadian officers is your intention to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

That means even if you have a job offer or a letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution, the officer must believe you truly intend to return to your home country once your visa expires.

If you’ve previously stayed in another country without status — or are still in that situation — it may raise concerns about your intentions and weaken your application. This is one of the most common reasons for temporary visa refusals in these situations.

So, what’s the best approach?

For people with a more delicate immigration history, focusing on qualifying for permanent residence is often the most secure and recommended strategy.

Why?

Because you don’t need to prove that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your stay.
Because the risk of overstaying is no longer a concern if you’re already applying to live in Canada permanently.

Because it’s a more solid path to building a stable and legal life in the country.

But keep in mind: some immigration programs don’t accept work experience that was gained without legal status. That’s why it’s essential to regularize your situation and plan every step carefully.

Is there a way to move faster?

If you’re in a hurry or want to be in Canada in the short term, you can consider a dual intent strategy. That means creating a well-structured plan for permanent residence while also applying for a temporary visa, such as for studies or work.

This combined approach can increase your chances of approval — as long as your plan for permanent residence is consistent, honest, well-documented, and appropriate for your profile.

Here are a few tips to strengthen your strategy:

Focus on immigration programs that are currently active and have a high number of invitations, like the Express Entry category-based draws.

Invest in your French skills, especially if you’re open to living outside of Quebec — this can expand your opportunities.

Seek training and experience in high-demand fields in Canada — this can be a decisive factor for your eligibility.

If you’re currently in an irregular situation in another country, prepare to leave and regularize your status before submitting your application, especially if you want to include a temporary residence strategy.

Depending on your profile, you may not be able to apply immediately — and that’s okay. What matters most is creating a plan, preparing properly, and applying at the right time, even if it takes one, two, or three years. The most important thing is to start.

Starting over in Canada is possible, even with a complicated immigration history. But it takes more than hope — it requires planning, realism, and professional guidance.

At e-Visa, we take your case seriously, show you what’s truly possible, and build the safest strategy with transparency and responsibility.

Want to know if there’s a viable path for your case?

Talk to our team and book a consultation.