Client Interview

As an immigration professional, you will conduct client interviews on a regular basis. At the interview stage, you need to collect as much information as possible to give clients the best advice. It may be harder than you think to get this information from clients. It is important to learn to ask the questions that will get you the information you need.

In this assignment, you will review correspondence from a potential client, and in an "email" format, ask effective questions to extract additional information (MLO 7.3), analyze the client's eligibility for a residence program (MLO 7.4), and communicate your findings to the client using written language that is appropriate for a non-legal audience (MLO 7.2) in that format. This assignment also provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills in legal reasoning, critical analysis, and effective communication (SVOs 2, 4, and 5).

CASE STUDY.

Hello,

I was referred to you by my friend Carolina, who spoke very highly of your expertise. I hope you can assist me with my immigration options, as I want to apply for permanent residence as soon as possible.

A little about my background: My name is Valeria, and I am 30 years old. I came to Canada in September 2023 with my husband, Andres, who is an international student. He is currently enrolled in a three-year Advanced Diploma program, which he will complete in April 2026, having been admitted based on his high school education. Andres's older sister is a Canadian citizen, and she has been living in Canada for several years. We live in Ottawa with our young daughter, Sofia, who recently started nursery. I have an open work permit as a spouse of an international student, which is valid until July 2026.

Before coming to Canada, I studied for a master's degree in Pedagogy at Universidad Nacional de Crdoba in Argentina and worked as a daycare supervisor in Colombia from July 2020 to August 2023. However, when we arrived in Canada, I did not start working right away because Sofia was still very young. Now that she is in nursery, I decided to try something new. I've always enjoyed cooking, so when I saw a job posting at La Terraza Bistro, I applied. I have now been working there as a line cook for two months, and I really enjoy it.

Regarding my language proficiency, my IELTS scores are:

Speaking: 7 Listening: 8.5 Reading: 8 Writing: 7

I also decided to assess my French skills by taking the TCF exam, as I studied French in school and later took additional courses while pursuing my master's degree in Argentina. I have heard that French speakers have a higher chance of obtaining permanent residence, so I wanted to see where I stand. The exam was not easy, and I don't think I can score higher if I take it again.

My results were:

Listening: 380 Reading: 350 Writing: 5 Speaking: 6

Sofia is doing very well at school, and I truly love my job, while Andres is focused on his studies but has been facing some challenges due to health issues. With everything he is managing, I don't want to add any extra burden on him, so I would like to take the lead in preparing our permanent residence application. I want to ensure that I have a secure future in Canada, so I would like to apply as soon as possible and need your advice on the best pathway for me.

Please let me know if you need any additional information. I appreciate your time and guidance, and I look forward to hearing your advice.

Best regards, Valeria

Instructions

For the purpose of this assignment, the time is the present day.

Valeria has signed an initial consultation agreement with you and has paid your consultation fee. She would like to communicate by email as she is balancing work and family responsibilities.

Based only on the information provided by Valeria, answer the following questions.

You must answer each question in the format of a new email to Valeria.

Email 1

Valeria is interested in applying for permanent residence as soon as possible. Based ONLY on the information provided in her email, describe how she could be found eligible for permanent residence. Do not assume any details not already provided by Valeria or make suggestions based on information not already provided by her. In your email to Valeria, use easy-to-understand terminology (NO reference to IRPA or IRPR) that Valeria would understand. With as much detail as possible, you must identify and explain how Valeria is potentially eligible, including the best program based on her needs, her correct NOC, and any other eligibility factor that applies to her situation. Remember: You may believe Valeria could be eligible for multiple programs, but you must only base your answer on information she has already given you and decide which may potentially be her best option.

The target word count for email 1 is 450 words.

A "grace" range of up to +/-50 words is permitted. Anything above or below that range will impact your mark for "Communication." 51 - 100 words over or under will be considered an "error" and 101+ over or under will be considered a "significant error."

You must include your word count at the bottom of the email.

Email 2

Based on her email, you believe you may have found the best program that corresponds to Valeria's potential eligibility. As you are writing your response to Valeria, you realize that you need more details before you can fully confirm her eligibility for permanent residence. What additional questions do you need to ask Valeria before you can confirm her eligibility?

Provide your answer using a bulleted or numbered list. Address all the eligibility criteria with 5 to 9 questions.

Email 3

Valeria has responded to your email and answered your questions. You confirm Valeria's eligibility for permanent residence and that all of her assessments and tests have been completed as per program requirements. Create a table to show Valeria what her score would be if she created an Express Entry profile. On the left, identify the specific factor, and on the right, indicate the points that she would be assigned for each factor.

Email 4

Valeria later sends you another email, saying she has heard that French speakers have an advantage in obtaining permanent residence and that some applications are processed in less than six months. She would like to know if she could also receive permanent resident status in less than six months. In one paragraph, provide Valeria with your opinion on whether she will likely be approved for permanent residence within the next six months, and your reasoning.

The target word count for Email 4 is 250 words.

A "grace" range of up to +/-50 words is permitted. Anything above or below that range will impact your mark for "Communication." 51 - 100 words over or under will be considered an "error" and 101+ over or under will be considered a "significant error."

You must include your word count the bottom of the email.