There’s a glimmer of hope for some temporary foreign workers in Alberta who hope to remain in Canada when their work permits end.
In a letter sent to MPs, federal immigration minister Jason Kenney outlines a deal with Alberta that would grant a one year extension to TFWs whose work permits are about to expire.
“So this is a little tweak to assist people who, in most cases, are probably going to get permanent residency anyway. It just allows them to stay in Canada until that decision is made,” said Jason Kenney, Immigration Minister.
The plan also throws a bone to employers, exempting qualified TFWs from the cap on foreign workers but it has so many conditions that immigration experts say it won't actually help many people at all.
“What I see, it will affect very few individuals. What I see is that this is not even a spoonful of sugar to help the harsh medicine go down for temporary foreign workers,” said Raj Sharma, immigration lawyer.
One key condition imposed is that Alberta must nominate TFWs for permanent residency and they must apply for express entry.
Letter from federal immigration minister Jason Kenney outlining the changes
