The Brazilian family living in Ottawa is facing possible deportation after their licensed immigration consultant allegedly failed to manage their permanent residency application.
Their lives here now hang in the balance after the consultant they trusted reportedly disappeared without completing critical steps to maintain their legal status.
Trust Turns Into Silence
The Meira family hired a licensed immigration consultant, identified as Perdomo, to apply for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Paulo paid her $3,000 upfront, believing the consultant would guide the family through the process.
However, when their temporary permits approached expiration, Perdomo allegedly stopped responding. Although she had promised to cover the family’s biometric fees in March 2025, she became unreachable despite dozens of calls and emails.
When Paulo visited her Ottawa office in June, he discovered she had moved without leaving a forwarding address. Photos later surfaced showing her in Italy during that period.
A Devastating Discovery
In August, the family finally received news directly from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They learned that:
- Their work permits had been rejected
- Required documentation was missing
- The $170 biometric fee had not been paid
- Their temporary resident status had lapsed
IRCC had sent notices to Perdomo in May, but she allegedly failed to inform the family. As a result, their legal status expired without their knowledge.
Nine Years in Canada at Risk
After nearly a decade living, studying, and working in Ottawa, the Meira family now faces the frightening possibility of removal from Canada. Their story highlights ongoing concerns about consultant accountability and the vulnerability of newcomers who rely on licensed professionals to navigate complex immigration procedures.
The family is now seeking options to restore their status and remain in the place they have called home since 2016.
