Mississauga · Serving Ottawa and the GTA
Immigration Consultants and Lawyers in Ottawa, Ontario
We are a team of licensed immigration consultants and experienced lawyers serving Ottawa, Canada's capital, where nearly 1 in 4 residents was born outside Canada. For over 20 years, we have been helping families and individuals turn their Canadian dreams into reality, one application, one story, one life at a time.
Trusted Immigration Consultants with Over 20 Years of Experience in Ottawa, Ontario
The Arab families of Overbrook’s Queen Mary Street, the Somali community long established in Vanier, the South Asian and Chinese residents near Sandy Hill and Gloucester, Ottawa’s immigration story is one of the most layered in Ontario. Workers arriving for federal roles downtown, engineers entering the Kanata tech corridor, and refugees navigating complex processes all need more than a form filler. Over 20 years, we have worked with thousands of Ottawa families across every stage of their immigration journey.
"We get it because we have lived it. As immigrants ourselves, we remember the paperwork, the waiting, the worry. That is exactly why we do this work, to make your path smoother than ours was."
Whether you are applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit after finishing at the University of Ottawa or Carleton, need spousal sponsorship in the National Capital Region, or want to bring a parent here, we provide clear guidance and honest answers.
20+ Years Serving Ontario Residents
Established, proven track record
RCIC and Lawyer Expertise Under One Roof
Dual-licensed team on every file
Solutions Tailored to Your Exact Situation
No generic advice
Meticulous Document Preparation
No detail missed
Regular Updates Throughout
You are never left wondering
Immigration Services We Handle in Ottawa, Ontario
If you are building your life near Sandy Hill, Vanier, or Kanata, our immigration lawyer and RCIC team can help you put together the strongest possible application for your situation.
Permanent Residence
Build your future in Canada:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Family Sponsorship (Spousal, Parent/Grandparent, Dependent Children)
- Economic Pilot Programs
Temporary Residence
Visit, study, or work in Canada:
- Visitor Visas (TRV, Super Visa, Visitor Record Extensions)
- Study Permits (with expert SOP guidance)
- Work Permits (LMIA-based, LMIA-exempt, Open Work Permits)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Family Sponsorship
Reunite with your loved ones:
- Spousal & Partner Sponsorship (Inland/Outland)
- Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
- Dependent Children
- Other Family Members
Study Permits
Pursue Canadian education:
- Study Permit Applications with SOP guidance
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Study Permit Extensions
Work Permits
Join Canada’s workforce:
- LMIA-Based Work Permits
- LMIA-Exempt (ICT, CUSMA, International Mobility)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
Express Entry
Fast-track permanent residence:
- Express Entry Profile Creation & Strategy
- CRS Score Optimization
- Post-ITA Application Support
- Provincial Nominee Program Integration
Inadmissibility & Complex Cases
Overcome barriers:
- Criminal Rehabilitation
- Temporary Resident Permits
- Medical Inadmissibility Responses
- Misrepresentation Issues
- Procedural Fairness Letters
- Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications
PR Status Maintenance
Protect your permanent residence:
- PR Card Renewal
- Residency Obligation Calculations
- Permanent Resident Travel Documents
Citizenship Applications
Complete your Canadian journey:
- Citizenship by Grant (for Permanent Residents)
- Citizenship Test Preparation
- Proof of Citizenship
- Citizenship Certificates
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
Every situation is unique. We’ll assess your eligibility, explain your options, and guide you toward the temporary residence pathway that best fits your goals.
Why Ottawa Is Different
Why Immigration in Ottawa, Ontario Comes with Unique Challenges
Ottawa receives the highest percentage of refugee and family-class immigration of any major Canadian centre. That creates unique situations we handle every day.
1
Work Permits in Ottawa's Tech and Government Sectors
Kanata North houses 540+ tech companies with over 33,000 employees, roles that move fast and often require LMIA exemptions or employer-specific permits. A delayed permit means a lost offer or lapsed status. We review your NOC code, employer type, and correct pathway before a single form is filed.
2
Refused Once With No Clear Explanation
Ottawa applicants often receive refusals with only a generic reason, leaving them unsure whether to reapply, appeal, or change strategy. Reapplying without understanding what went wrong usually produces the same result. We pull GCMS notes, identify the real issue, and rebuild from that foundation.
3
Criminal Inadmissibility and Clearance
Federal government and security sector employers in Ottawa run thorough background checks, and inadmissibility issues discovered mid-application can permanently close a PR pathway. Our immigration lawyer and RCIC team handles Criminal Rehabilitation and Temporary Resident Permit applications directly.
4
Spousal and Family Sponsorship Complexity
Ottawa leads all major Canadian cities for family-class immigration. Spousal sponsorship files with gaps in cohabitation history, prior refusals, or complex relationship timelines demand careful documentation from the very start. We build relationship evidence systematically, not as an afterthought.
5
International Students Transitioning to PR
Graduates of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University must now meet CLB language thresholds, and college graduates need a field of study tied to labour market shortages to qualify for a PGWP. A wrong program choice or missed deadline can close the Express Entry pathway entirely. We review eligibility before you apply.
6
Bringing Parents and Grandparents to Ottawa
Ottawa's Lebanese, Somali, and South Asian communities frequently apply to sponsor parents and grandparents through the PGP lottery. With processing times of 24–36 months and immediate return of incomplete files, there is no room for gaps. We prepare every supporting document before submission.
Two Ways to Work With IPJ on Your Ottawa Application
Not every Ottawa file needs the same level of involvement. Some people know exactly what they are applying for and just want a licensed expert to check their work before they submit. Others are dealing with a refusal, a complex spousal file, or a Kanata work permit that needs full management. We offer both.
Option 1
Guided Application Review
You stay in control of your application. We support you and review every detail.
This option is perfect if you want to prepare your own application but don’t want to risk mistakes or refusals. You stay hands‑on, and we stay beside you, guiding you, checking your documents, and making sure your final submission is strong, accurate, and complete.
Why Choose This Option
- You want to stay in control of your application, but you don't want to risk missing something important.
- You feel comfortable preparing and submitting your documents, yet you want a legal team to double-check your work.
- You want to avoid delays, refusals, or stressful surprises in the application process.
- You want clear guidance, a plan, templates, and corrections that show you exactly what to do next.
What's Included
- A focused strategy call to confirm your eligibility and plan your documents.
- A custom checklist and professionally written templates to guide your application preparation.
- A full legal audit with clear corrections and explanations.
- A final call to verify your application before you submit it.
This path gives you the perfect balance: you prepare your application with confidence, knowing a legal team is reviewing every important detail.
Option 2
Full Care Representation
We take care of everything for you.
If you’re busy, overwhelmed, or dealing with a complex case, this option gives you complete peace of mind. You share your story and your documents, and our team handles the entire application with care, precision, and ongoing communication. You never have to worry about what to do next or whether something was done correctly.
Why Choose This Option
- You want a stress‑free, fully managed experience from start to finish.
- You have a complex situation (refusals, inadmissibility, multi‑step cases) and want strong legal guidance.
- You prefer a team to prepare, upload, organize, and monitor your application for you.
- You want consistent updates and a steady legal partner who stays with you throughout your journey.
What's Included
- Complete drafting and preparation of your entire application package.
- Full management of your IRCC portal.
- Communication with IRCC on your behalf.
- Regular updates, guidance, and support until you receive a final decision from IRCC.
How to Get Started with Your Ottawa Immigration Application
Book a consultation directly or start with the guided questionnaire and hear back within 24 hours. Whether your file involves a study permit transition, a family sponsorship from the Ottawa area, or a complex refusal, we will give you an honest assessment of your options. Reach us in whatever way feels comfortable.
Book a Consultation
Free 15‑Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45‑Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions.
Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive clear, honest guidance from a team that cares about your future.
Professional Fee Schedule
Our fees are fixed for Guided Application Review and quoted after consultation for Full Care Representation.
Temporary Residence
| Application Category | Professional Verified | Full Representation |
|---|---|---|
|
Visitor Visa (TRV) |
$850 |
$1,850 |
|
Visitor Record (visitor status extension) |
$350 |
$750 |
|
Super Visa (per parent/couple) |
$1,200 |
$2,500 |
|
Study Permit (incl. SOP guidance) |
$1,400 |
$3,000 |
|
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
$550 |
$1,200 |
|
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) |
$1,100 |
$2,400 |
|
LMIA (Employer Side – Application & Ads) |
N/A |
$5,500 |
|
LMIA-based Work Permit (Applicant) |
$1,100 |
$2,200 |
|
LMIA-exempt (IMP/CUSMA/ICT) |
$1,600 |
$3,500 |
|
LMIA-exempt (Significant Benefit) |
$3,200 |
$7,000 |
|
International Experience Canada |
$1,000 |
$2,200 |
Permanent Residence
| Application Category | Professional Verified | Full Representation |
|---|---|---|
|
Express Entry Profile + Strategy |
$750 |
$1,500 |
|
Express Entry (Post-ITA full file) |
$2,100 |
$4,500 |
|
PNP: Provincial Nomination Only |
$1,800 |
$4,000 |
|
PNP: Full PR Stage (Post-Nomination) |
$1,650 |
$3,800 |
|
Economic Pilots (Agri-Food/Caregiver) |
$2,200 |
$5,000 |
|
Spousal Sponsorship (Inland/Outland) |
$2,500 |
$5,500 |
|
Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship |
2,550 |
$5,000 |
|
Dependent Child |
$1,600 |
$3,500 |
Inadmissibility
| Application Category | Professional Verified | Full Representation |
|---|---|---|
|
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) |
N/A |
$7,000 |
|
Response to PFL (Procedural Fairness) |
N/A |
$2,500 |
|
Criminal Rehab (Non-Serious) |
N/A |
$4,000 |
|
Criminal Rehab (Serious) |
N/A |
$6,500 |
|
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) |
N/A |
$4,500 |
|
Status Restoration |
$600 |
$1,200 |
Residency and Citizenship
| Application Category | Professional Verified | Full Representation |
|---|---|---|
|
PR Card Renewal |
$550 |
$1,200 |
|
Proof/Grant of Citizenship |
$650 |
$1,500 |
All fees are in CAD and exclude 13% HST. Custom quotes are provided for unusually complex cases. No hidden charges, everything is confirmed in writing before we begin.
Additional Costs
Third-Party & Government
- Government processing fees
- Biometrics appointments ($85)
- Medical examinations ($200–$450)
- Certified translations (varies)
- Police certificates ($50–$150)
- Courier and notarisation fees
Government fees are subject to change. We update these prices as soon as we receive official notice from the government.
Third-Party & Government
What the Consultation Covers
Timelines
Timelines and What Helps Your Ottawa File Move Faster
Processing times for Ottawa applications follow IRCC's global queue, they are not set by us and can shift with policy changes or staffing. What we can control is how well-prepared your file is before it enters that queue. A thorough application invites fewer delays.
Study Permit
4–8 weeks
Varies significantly by country of origin
Express Entry (Post-ITA)
~6 months
After receiving Invitation to Apply
Spousal Sponsorship
15–21 months
Outland ~15 months, Inland ~21 months
Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship
24–36 months
Subject to program intake availability
What Prevents Delays
Complete Documentation
Ottawa files often involve bilingual records, overseas police certificates, and Arabic or Somali language documents. We identify every required item before submission so nothing triggers a return.
Consistency Across Forms
A date mismatch between a Carleton transcript and an employment letter is enough to cause a follow-up request. We reconcile every form before anything leaves our hands.
Quick Responses to IRCC
When IRCC requests additional documents, even a few days of delay matters. We track active files and turn around responses quickly so your application keeps moving.
Organised Evidence
For spousal and parent sponsorships, common across Ottawa's Lebanese and South Asian communities, we build evidence packages that tell a clear, consistent story from page one.
Why Ottawa Residents Choose IPJ Immigration Solutions
Ottawa draws immigrants from more than 150 countries, receives the highest share of refugee and family-class files of any major Canadian centre, and hosts one of the fastest-growing tech corridors in North America. Getting these applications right requires experience built over years, not guesswork.
Two Decades of Ontario Experience
Before Express Entry existed, before CRS scores determined who got invited, we were building permanent residence applications for clients across Ontario. Ottawa's immigration landscape has shifted, PGWP rules tightened, PNP streams restructured, refugee processes evolved, and we have adapted at every step. The experience behind each application is real.
We Have Been Where You Are
Our team came to Canada through the immigration system. We know what it feels like to wait for a decision, to wonder whether one piece of missing documentation will end the process. That shapes how we communicate, in plain language, with honesty about what is possible and what is not.
RCIC and Lawyer Combination
Our team includes CICC-licensed RCICs, members of CAPIC, and an immigration lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario with a JD from Osgoode Hall. For Ottawa files that involve inadmissibility, criminal rehabilitation, refugee matters, or litigation, having a licensed lawyer is not an optional extra. It is a legal necessity.
Meticulous Attention to Detail
Unsigned declarations, date mismatches between employer letters and IRCC forms, incomplete travel histories, missing police certificates from a previous country of residence, these are the reasons Ottawa files get returned or refused. We audit every document before submission. Not after.
You Are Not Just a File Number
Our team is small by design. The same licensed professional who reviews your documents at the start of the process is still on your file at the end. There is no handoff, no new face trying to catch up on your case.
Success With Difficult Cases
We handle procedural fairness letters, criminal inadmissibility, out-of-status applications, and complex spousal files, including cases other consultants have declined. If your situation feels complicated or you have already been refused once, book a 15-minute call to talk through what is actually possible.
The People Behind Your Application
Our team is based in Mississauga and serves clients across Ontario, including the Ottawa area and the broader National Capital Region. Each file is handled by a licensed professional from the first document to the final submission.
Irena Bartoszewicz Szajna
Irena has extensive experience in immigration law, with a background in physics and entrepreneurship. As the founding RCIC of IPJ Immigration Solutions, she has guided thousands of clients through Canada’s immigration system over more than two decades.
Paulina Harirbafan
Paulina holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall and joined the team in 2015 as an RCIC. She brings in-depth knowledge from her experience as in-house counsel, strengthening the firm’s legal and regulatory perspective on every file.
Justyna Szajna
A graduate of Queen’s University, Justyna offers a holistic approach to immigration with a focus on client care and stress management, ensuring every client feels supported and informed throughout their journey.
What Our Clients Say
Clients reach us from Ottawa, Gatineau, Nepean, Orléans, and across the National Capital Region. Here is what they have said about working with our team, including one review written in the original language it was submitted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Our office is in Mississauga, but we work with clients across Ontario, including Ottawa, Gatineau, Nepean, Orléans, and the surrounding National Capital Region. All consultations are conducted virtually or by phone. You can directly Book Your Consultation Here
Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common files we handle for Ottawa-area clients. For Guided Application Review, where you stay in control and we provide strategy, a custom checklist, and a full legal audit, the fee is $2,500. For Full Care Representation, where we manage everything, the starting fee is $5,500, with a final fixed quote confirmed after your consultation. Government processing fees are separate.
Guided Application Review is for people who want to stay in control of their own application but need a licensed expert to review strategy, build a checklist, and audit everything before submission. It is a fixed fee. Full Care Representation is for people who want us to manage everything, document collection, form preparation, correspondence with IRCC, and ongoing case management. It is the better fit for complex files: criminal inadmissibility, previous refusals, out-of-status situations, or any case where the stakes are too high to risk a mistake.
A refusal is not the end of the road, but applying again without understanding exactly why you were refused usually produces the same result. We start by ordering your GCMS notes to identify the real reason behind the decision. From there, we assess whether a new application, a reconsideration, or a different pathway altogether makes the most sense for your situation. The clearest next step is to book a paid 45-minute consultation so we can review your specific refusal with you directly.
Processing times are set by IRCC, not by us, and they vary based on application type, country of origin, and current IRCC volumes. As a general guide: study permits average 4–8 weeks, Express Entry invitations arrive at roughly 6-month intervals, spousal sponsorship runs 15–21 months, and parent or grandparent sponsorship takes 24–36 months. What we can tell you with certainty is that a complete, well-organised application with no missing documents and no inconsistencies will always move more smoothly than one that isn't.
Federal government employment in Canada is a unique situation. Most federal public service positions fall under specific NOC codes and may involve LMIA-exempt categories, particularly under the International Mobility Program. If you hold a work permit tied to a specific employer and are transitioning to a new federal department or role, your current permit may not automatically cover you. Book a consultation and we will map out the correct pathway for your specific employment category and immigration status.
Your Ottawa Immigration Journey Starts Here
From Ottawa and Gatineau to Nepean, Orléans, Barrhaven, and across Eastern Ontario, we support clients at every stage of the immigration process. Every file starts with a clear-eyed assessment of where you stand and an honest picture of what the path forward looks like.
Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45-Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions. Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.