IRCC announced two initiatives to protect vulnerable immigrants who are abused by their employer or victims of family violence.
Open Work Permits for Abused Immigrants
Effective Tuesday, June 4, 2019, migrant workers who have an employer-specific work permit and who are in an abusive job situation can apply for an open work permit and will be able to leave their abusive employer immediately while maintaining their status while they find another job. Currently, abused workers are afraid to ask for help from authorities because they could lose their immigration status. This results in perpetuating the abusive conditions, IRCC Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen told the Canadian Bar Association,
“No worker should fear losing their job when they are being mistreated in their place of work. No partner should be more fearful of losing their immigration status instead of escaping abuse. Today, we say, fear no more.”
Waive TRV Application Fee for Victims of Family Violence
Effective July 26, IRCC will waive the Temporary Resident Permit (TRV) application fee for newcomers who are victims of family violence so they can obtain legal immigration status in Canada so they can get a work permit and health care. This measure helps immigrants who are being sponsored by a Canadian and in an abusive situation.
IRCC also committed to accelerating the application screening process for Permanent Residents who have filed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
