Mississauga Office · Serving Markham and the Greater Toronto Area
Immigration Consultants and Lawyers in Markham, Ontario
We are a team of licensed immigration consultants and experienced lawyers serving Markham, Canada's High-Tech Capital, where over 58% of residents were 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 Markham, Ontario
From the IBM towers along Warden Avenue to Unionville’s Main Street, from Cornell and Milliken Mills to the emerging Downtown Markham district, our clients come from across this city. Markham has the highest proportion of visible minorities of any city in Canada, and over 58% of its residents were born outside this country. It is how this city was built. Over 20 years, we have worked with thousands of families across every stage of their Canadian 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 need an LMIA-exempt work permit for one of Markham’s global tech employers, a spousal sponsorship, or a clear path to PR after studying at York University’s new Markham Campus, 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 Markham, Ontario
From Unionville and Downtown Markham to Cornell and Milliken Mills, we help you navigate every stage of your Canadian immigration journey.
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 Markham Is Different
Why Immigration in Markham, Ontario Comes with Unique Challenges
Markham has the highest proportion of visible minorities of any city in Canada, and over 58% of its residents were born outside this country. That creates unique situations we handle every day.
1
Work Permits in Markham's Fast-Moving Tech Sector
Markham holds Canadian headquarters for IBM, AMD, Huawei, Honda, and over 1,500 high-tech and life science companies. A job offer in this sector can expire before a delayed or incorrectly filed work permit clears IRCC. We build LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt applications with precision, so your permit keeps pace with Markham's hiring timelines.
2
A Previous Refusal With No Clear Explanation
Cantonese and Mandarin are the most widely spoken non-English languages in Markham, yet IRCC's portal, deadlines, and correspondence run entirely in English and French. A misread notice or misunderstood refusal letter can compound an already difficult situation. We identify exactly what went wrong and rebuild your case before resubmission.
3
Inadmissibility Issues That Need Legal Strategy
Markham's globally connected workforce includes applicants who carry inadmissibility concerns originating in countries with different legal systems. Offences that seem minor elsewhere can render someone inadmissible to Canada under IRCC's rules. We assess every admissibility situation carefully before a single form is filed.
4
Navigating Spousal and Family Sponsorship
Chinese-origin residents represent approximately 47.9% of Markham's population, making spousal and parent sponsorships among the most common case types we handle here. These files require thorough proof of genuine relationship, and the inland vs. outland decision affects both timeline and strategy. We build files that hold together under scrutiny.
5
Moving From Study Permit to Permanent Residence
York University's Markham Campus opened in September 2024 in Downtown Markham, and Seneca College has operated on Highway 7 since 2005, drawing students from across the region. PGWP eligibility depends on permit conditions set years earlier. We guide students through this transition before problems appear, not after.
6
Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents From Abroad
Multigenerational family bonds are central to Markham's Chinese, South Asian, and Sri Lankan Tamil communities. Parent and Grandparent sponsorship spaces are limited by annual lottery, and incomplete applications are set aside without further review. We ensure your application is complete and competitive from day one.
Two Ways to Work With IPJ on Your Markham Application
Not every Markham file is the same. Some clients are ready to manage their own application and just need a licensed expert to audit it before submission. Others are dealing with a complex spousal file, a refused LMIA, or an out-of-status situation 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 Markham Immigration Application
Book a consultation directly or start with the guided questionnaire and hear back within 24 hours. Whether your next step involves a work permit in Markham’s tech sector, a family sponsorship, or building your path to PR after studying here, our team is ready. 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
All professional fees are fixed for Guided Application Review and quoted after consultation for Full Care. Government filing fees, biometrics, medical exams, translations, and notarizations are separate costs paid directly by you. All amounts are in Canadian dollars and subject to 13% HST.
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 |
Government filing fees, biometrics, medical exams, police certificates, translations, notarizations, and courier costs are not included in the above. These are paid directly by you (Guided Review) or coordinated by IPJ with your approval (Full Care).
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 Markham File Move Faster
IRCC processing times shift with application volume and staffing, and no timeline is guaranteed for any file. Always verify current processing times using IRCC's official tool before planning around them. What you can control is how well your Markham application is prepared before it leaves your hands.
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
IBM and Huawei hiring moves fast , a missing support document can send a work permit file back to square one. We audit every page against the official checklist before anything leaves our office.
Consistency Across Forms
Dates and names must match across every form, letter, and supporting document. A discrepancy between your Seneca College transcripts and your IRCC application can trigger unnecessary delays. We cross-check every detail before submission.
Quick Responses to IRCC
IRCC may request documents or clarifications at any stage, a missed window can stall a file for months. In Full Care, we monitor your file and respond within required timeframes. You never miss a deadline you did not know existed.
Organised Evidence
A disorganised file slows assessment, IRCC officers process thousands of applications and an unlabelled file works against you. We label and index every application from the cover letter to the final tab. Organisation directly affects how quickly your file moves.
Why Markham Residents Choose IPJ Immigration Solutions
Markham is Canada’s High-Tech Capital and one of the most immigrant-shaped cities in the country. Over 58% of its population was born somewhere else. The people who come to us here are not abstractions. They are the reason this city runs the way it does.
Two Decades of Ontario Experience
When our firm began, Express Entry did not exist. IRCC was still processing paper files. Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program streams looked nothing like they do today. Twenty-plus years of Canadian immigration policy shifts are in our institutional memory, the introduction of Express Entry, the transformation of LMIA rules, the evolution of LMIA-exempt pathways that now matter so much to Markham's tech sector. We are not learning the system alongside you. We have watched it change from the inside.
We Have Been Where You Are
Our team immigrated to Canada too. We understand the paperwork, the waiting, and the worry, because we lived it. In a city where over 58% of residents were born outside this country, and where a single work permit delay can cost someone a role at IBM or AMD, we know what is actually at stake when a file stalls. That shapes how seriously we take every question, and how personally we care about the outcome of your case.
RCIC and Lawyer Combination
Our immigration consultants are RCIC-licensed through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and members of CAPIC. Our immigration lawyer holds a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and is licensed with the Law Society of Ontario, and is a member of CILA. This combination means your file can be handled at any level, from LMIA-exempt work permit strategy for Markham's tech employers to complex inadmissibility cases to Federal Court judicial reviews without referring you elsewhere at the moment it matters most.
Meticulous Attention to Detail
A single unsigned declaration can delay a file. A date discrepancy across two documents can trigger a Procedural Fairness Letter. A form left blank on one field is grounds for return. These are not hypothetical risks. They are patterns we see in files that arrive at our desk after a refusal. We conduct a full legal audit of every application before it reaches IRCC. Nothing leaves our office unchecked.
You Are Not Just a File Number
You are not a file number here. The person who opens your file is the same person who reviews it at every stage and speaks with you before it is submitted. When a question comes in from IRCC, someone who knows your entire application handles it. That is not a policy we advertise. It is how we operate.
Success With Difficult Cases
We have handled Procedural Fairness Letter responses where the window to reply was days away. We have helped clients restore status within the 90-day window. We have guided clients through criminal inadmissibility files involving international legal systems and Federal Court proceedings, and through spousal sponsorship cases with significant complicating factors. If your situation is complicated, start with our free 15-minute discovery call and tell us what you are facing. We will give you an honest assessment of where things stand.
The People Behind Your Application
Serving Markham and the wider Greater Toronto Area from our Mississauga office, our team combines RCIC licensing and legal expertise with over two decades of hands-on experience in Canadian immigration.
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
Our clients come to us from across Markham and the wider Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and Scarborough. Their words reflect what we work to deliver on every file: clarity, honest guidance, and real results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. IPJ Immigration Solutions serves Markham and the wider Greater Toronto Area from our office at 601-165 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON L5B 2N6. We are not a virtual call centre, we are a licensed immigration practice with over 20 years of experience serving clients across the GTA, including Markham's tech professionals, Chinese and South Asian families, and international students. Consultations are available in person and virtually. You can directly Book Your Consultation Here
It depends on the service and path you choose. For an LMIA-exempt work permit, Guided Application Review is $1,600 and Full Care starts at $3,500, the right tier for Markham's tech employers sponsoring international hires. For Express Entry post-ITA, Guided is $2,100 and Full Care starts at $4,500. LMIA employer-side support is $5,500 under Full Care. Government filing fees and biometrics are separate. All fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to 13% HST. A clear fixed quote is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Both paths deliver the same professional standard. Guided Review is the right fit if you are organised, hands-on, and want expert oversight without surrendering control. You manage your own application while we provide a strategy call, a custom checklist, a full legal audit, and a final review before submission. Full Care is the better choice if your case is complex, if you have had a previous refusal, if your employer needs complete LMIA management, or if you want IPJ to handle every step with IRCC. Start with our free 15-minute discovery call and we will tell you honestly which path fits your situation. If you begin with Guided Review and decide to upgrade before submission, the full fee is credited toward Full Care.
A refusal is not the end of your options, but the right next step depends entirely on why it happened. The refusal letter tells you part of the story, and the IRCC officer notes tell you more. We review both in full, identify exactly what went wrong, and assess whether the right move is a stronger reapplication, a Procedural Fairness Letter response, an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division, or a judicial review in Federal Court. Our immigration lawyer and RCIC team have handled complex refusal files at all of these levels. Book a paid 45-minute consultation for a clear, specific picture of your options before making any decisions.
Spousal sponsorship timelines depend on whether your application is outland, where your spouse remains outside Canada during processing, or inland, where both of you are in Canada. Outland applications currently process in approximately 15 months. Inland applications generally take closer to 21 months. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship runs 24 to 36 months, subject to annual program intake. Always verify current timelines using IRCC's official processing times tool. A complete, well-organised application is the single biggest factor in reducing avoidable delays, and that is something we help you control from the start.
An LMIA requires the employer to demonstrate that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident was available for the position, through documented recruitment efforts meeting ESDC's requirements. A poorly prepared LMIA file, missing advertising records, incomplete job descriptions, or procedural gaps, will be refused, and a refused LMIA can cost your employee their job offer. Our immigration lawyer and RCIC team prepare employer-side LMIA packages with the rigour these filings demand. We also assess whether an LMIA-exempt pathway under the International Mobility Program or CUSMA is available, which can be faster and less burdensome for both employer and employee. Start with our free 15-minute discovery call to clarify which pathway fits your situation.
Your Markham Immigration Journey Starts Here
We have seen the relief on a parent’s face when a spousal sponsorship is approved. We have celebrated with engineers and developers who earned their PR after years of building careers in Markham. We have watched families reunite after being apart too long. That is why we do this. Not for the paperwork. For the people. Whether you are in Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Scarborough, or anywhere across the GTA, we are here when you are ready.
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.