An Ottawa family is now confronting the terrifying prospect of deportation after the licensed immigration consultant they hired and trusted vanished, abandoning their crucial application process. The Pereira family, who have built a life in Canada over several years, find their future hanging by a thread due to this professional betrayal.
A Dream Deferred by Disappearance
The family, consisting of parents Paulo, 58, and Leila, 49, along with their children Ester, 21, Hadassa, 15, and Hannah, 8, followed the proper channels by hiring a licensed professional to guide their immigration journey. They relied on this consultant to manage the complex paperwork and legal requirements necessary to secure their status in Canada. However, their consultant ceased all communication, a practice known as "ghosting," leaving the family in the dark and their application in limbo at a critical juncture.
The consultant's disappearance meant missed deadlines, unsubmitted documents, and a complete breakdown in their legal pathway. By the time the Pereiras realized the severity of the situation, valuable time had been lost. They were left without representation and without a clear understanding of the status of their case with immigration authorities.
The Harsh Reality of Deportation Proceedings
As a direct consequence of the botched application process, the Pereira family has now been notified by immigration officials that they are out of status. This legal technicality has triggered the initiation of deportation proceedings, which could force the entire family to leave Canada. Their lives in Ottawa, including the children's schooling and community ties, are now under severe threat.
This case highlights a significant vulnerability within Canada's immigration system, where applicants place immense trust—and their futures—in the hands of licensed consultants. While the profession is regulated, instances of abandonment or malpractice can have devastating human consequences. The family is now scrambling to find legal aid and explore any remaining options to appeal their case and remain in the country they call home.
A Systemic Issue with Human Costs
The ordeal of the Pereira family is not just a singular tragedy but a stark warning about potential gaps in oversight for immigration consultants. It raises urgent questions about the recourse available to clients when a licensed professional fails in their duty of care. The emotional and psychological toll on the family, particularly the school-aged children, has been profound.
Their story underscores the precarious position many immigrants face, where a single point of failure can unravel years of effort and hope. Advocates point to this case as a call for stronger safeguards, more robust client protection mechanisms, and clearer pathways for redress when consultants breach their ethical and professional obligations. As the family awaits a final decision, their experience serves as a cautionary tale for others navigating the complex landscape of Canadian immigration.
