⚖️ Canadian Laws You Must Know.

🚫 1. Immigration "Red Lines" (2025 Updates)

These used to be "hacks." Now they are traps.

🚧 The "Flagpoling" Ban (Dead Strategy)

• What it was: Driving to the US border to get your Work Permit instantly instead of waiting months online.
• The New Law (Dec 2024): You CANNOT flagpole for a PGWP anymore.
• The Risk: If you try, the border officer will turn you back. This "Refusal" goes on your permanent record.
• Action: Apply online from inside Canada.

⏳ "Maintained Status" (The 'Expiry' Trap)

• The Rule: If your Study Permit expires on Dec 31st, you must apply for an extension before Dec 31st (UTC time).
• The Risk: If you apply on Jan 1st, you are "Out of Status." You must stop studying and working immediately.
• The 2025 Crackdown: IRCC now rejects "Dummy Applications" (blank forms submitted just to buy time). This is considered Misrepresentation (5-year ban).

👻 The "Ghost Consultant" Trap

• The Law: Only lawyers and CICC-licensed consultants can charge you for visa help.
• The Scam: "Agents" in Brampton/Surrey who fill your forms for cash but don't sign them.
• The Consequence: If they mess up your application, YOU are blamed for lying. You get the 5-year ban, not them.

🏠 2. Tenant & Noise Laws (Brampton/Surrey Special)

The "Nuisance Party" bylaw is real.

• The "Noise" Fine:
• In Brampton/Surrey, if neighbours complain about your loud music/party, the police can issue a $750 - $2,000 fine per person.
• The "Illegal Basement" Risk:
• If you live in a basement with no windows (fire hazard) and the city inspects it, you will be evicted immediately (same day). The landlord gets fined, but you end up homeless.
• Tenant Rights:
• Security Deposits: Illegal in Ontario. Legal (half-month rent) in BC.
• "No Guests" Clause: Void in Ontario. Your landlord cannot legally ban your boyfriend/girlfriend from visiting (unless they move in).

💻 3. Digital Crimes (Cyberbullying)

What is "funny" in a WhatsApp group can be a crime here.

• Non-Consensual Images:
• Sending/sharing "intimate photos" of someone without their permission is a Federal Crime (up to 5 years in prison).
• Uttering Threats:
• Texting "I will kill you" (even as a joke) during a fight is a criminal offense. If reported, you will have a police record.

🚦 4. The "Small" Crimes (That Ruin PR)

A police record for these stops you from getting Permanent Residency.

• Fare Evasion: Jumping the subway turnstile or not tapping your Presto card ($425 fine). If unpaid, it ruins your Credit Score.
• Shoplifting: Stealing a $10 lipstick from Walmart.
• Myth: "It's small, they will let me go."
• Reality: Walmart security calls the police. You get charged with "Theft Under $5,000." This creates a Criminal Record visible to immigration officers.
• Jaywalking: Crossing the road where there is no zebra crossing. Fines range from $35 to $250 depending on the city.

🤝 5. Consent & The "Age" Law

Cultural norms are different here.

• The Age of Consent: It is 16 years old in Canada.
• The "Consent" Definition:
• Consent must be enthusiastic and ongoing.
• Silence ≠ Yes.
• If the person is drunk/high, they cannot legally give consent.
• Why this matters: International students have been deported for Sexual Assault because they didn't understand that "convincing" someone after they said 'no' is a crime.

TVT’s Final Legal Warning:

"If you are ever arrested, DO NOT talk to the police until you have a lawyer.

• Say: 'I would like to exercise my right to remain silent and speak to a lawyer.'
• Do: Call Legal Aid Ontario (or BC equivalent) immediately.
• Don't: Try to 'explain' your way out of it. You will only make it worse."