Second chance for UK police couple turned down for Canadian visas

October 13 2009 by Liam Clifford

A couple who were turned down for a Canadian visa because their 'skills score' was too low have been allowed to re-apply.

A new hearing has been granted by the Canadian federal court, to allow a British couple to re-apply for a Canadian visa in order to live and work in Canada.

Lindsey Hill McLachlan and his wife, who are both police officers, applied for their Canadian skilled work visas in 2006. However, they were refused the visas as they failed to meet the requirements by just two points.

McLachlan then decided to appeal the decision at the Federal Court of Canada, which concluded that an error was made by a Canadian immigration officer working at the High Commission of Canada in London. He had found that the couple held a combined 65 points, when they needed 67.

Points needed to move to Canada are awarded on the basis of several factors including language, age, education, employment arrangements, adaptability and experience.

In the McLachlans' case the points shortfall was said to have occurred in the education and adaptability categories. A second hearing will now take place but the couple have been told that it may be as long as a year before they have the opportunity to take a second test, which is necessary for a Canadian visa application.

See the latest Immigration News