Canada is introducing new measures to help protect vulnerable workers, newcomers who face family abuse and help newcomers sponsor family members they didn’t initially declare.
Starting June 4, 2019, migrant workers who have an employer-specific work permit and are in an abusive job situation in Canada will be able to apply for an open work permit. This will allow migrant workers to leave that employer immediately, maintain their status and find a new job.
Starting July 26, 2019, newcomers who are experiencing family violence will be able to apply for a fee exempt temporary resident permit that will give them legal immigration status in Canada and includes a work permit and health care coverage. Those in urgent situations of family violence who applied for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds will be expedited.
Starting September 9, 2019, a 2-year pilot project will be launched where those who came to Canada as a resettled refugee, was conferred refugee protection in Canada or were themselves sponsored as a spouse, partner or dependent child, will be able to sponsor undeclared immediate family members.
For more information, please visit IRCC’s website.
