A Halifax mother and daughter faced with deportation due to an administrative mistake have been granted relief after a period of uncertainty. Diana Calderón, a Peruvian immigrant who relocated to Canada in 2022, was taken aback last month upon learning that her work permit application had been declined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This rejection not only resulted in Calderón losing her job as a sourcing manager at Nova Scotia Health but also prevented her 14-year-old daughter from starting Grade 9 as her study permit was linked to Calderón’s work permit.
The rejection letter from IRCC cited that Calderón’s employer had failed to submit the necessary documentation and pay the required $230 compliance fee for the permit approval. Calderón expressed her shock at the situation, mentioning that the permit process should have been straightforward once she had secured her job. With her employment abruptly halted, Calderón had to rely on her savings to cover expenses.
Facing the ultimatum of either paying a substantial sum to restart the permit process or leaving Canada by November, Calderón and her daughter were in a state of limbo. Nova Scotia Health intervened by confirming that they had submitted the proper paperwork and payment to IRCC in December 2024. Despite various attempts by Calderón, her lawyer, and the health authority to communicate with IRCC, there was no immediate resolution.
However, following an inquiry from CBC News on Monday evening, IRCC announced that they had reconsidered Calderón’s case and approved her work permit application. This came after weeks of appeals from Nova Scotia Health to both IRCC and federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab. Calderón, who had moved to Canada to provide a safer environment for her daughter, expressed relief at the positive outcome and her ability to continue contributing to her community.
IRCC confirmed the renewal of Calderón’s work permit for two years, alleviating the stress that the family had endured during this challenging period. Nova Scotia Health spokesperson Jennifer Lewandowski emphasized Calderón’s dedication and the impact the ordeal had on her and her daughter. The situation, which had caused significant strain, has now been resolved with the reinstatement of Calderón’s work permit.