A person can have permanent immigrant intent (wanting to stay in Canada permanently) while applying for temporary status (visitor, student, worker). This is known as "dual intent" and is permitted under the IRPA, an officer cannot refuse entry solely because an applicant also intends to apply for permanent residence.
(1)The regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of sections 18 to 25.2, and may include provisions respecting (a)entering, remaining in and re-entering Canada; (b)permanent resident status or temporary resident status, including acquisition of that status; (b.01)the circumstances in which an officer may cancel, suspend or vary a visa or other document; (b.1)declarations referred to in subsection 22.1(1); (c)the circumstances in which all or part of the considerations referred to in section 24 may be taken into account; (d)conditions that may or must be imposed, varied or cancelled, individually or by class, on permanent residents and foreign nationals; (d.1)undertakings that may or must be given in respect of requests made under subsection 25(1) or undertakings referred to in subsection 25.2(4), and penalties for failure to comply with undertakings; (d.2)the determination of eligibility referred to in subsection 25.2(4); and (e)deposits or guarantees of the performance of obligations under this Act that are to be given to the Minister.
(2)The regulations may exempt persons or categories of persons from the application of section 18 and prescribe the conditions under which the exemption applies.