On May 31, 2019, Canada announced that it is taking action to protect vulnerable workers, newcomers facing family abuse, and to assist newcomers in sponsoring family members that they did not initially declare when they first applied.
Migrant Workers
Beginning June 4, 2019, migrant workers who have an employer-specific work permit and find themselves in an abusive job situation in Canada can apply for an open work permit. This means that such workers can leave their abusive employer immediately while maintaining their status in Canada.
Newcomers facing family violence
Beginning July 26, 2019, newcomers experiencing family violence can apply for a fee-exempt temporary resident permit that gives them legal immigration status in Canada, including a work permit and health care coverage.
Canada has also committed to expedite the process for individuals in urgent situations of family violence who are apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds.
Sponsoring previously-undeclared family members
Beginning September 9, 2019, Canada is launching a 2-year pilot project where a person (whether resettled refugee, was conferred refugee protection in Canada or were themselves sponsored as a spouse/partner/dependent child) who came to Canada can now sponsor undeclared immediate family members. Applications already in process will also benefit from this pilot project.
To learn more, feel free to contact our office. The government’s news release can also be found here.
