Introduction

On May 1, 2026, I received a letter from the IRCC. It said that my application for an open work permit was refused, as a result I had to stop working. Having been a Nova Scotia resident for almost 9 years, this news was devastating.

I made this petition for friends, family, and foes to leave a small comment about how I've had a positive effect on them while I've been in the province. Please be aware of scams, I'm not asking for funds and wouldn't contact any of you privately to request money. Thanks for taking the time.

Context

I came to Nova Scotia in 2017 with dreams of building a life, and I'm well on my way to do that. I've made friends, found a fulfilling career, and contributed positively to the community. But now, due changes in immigration policy, I'm facing the risk of having to leave the place that means so much to me.
The Federal Government decided that the previous conditions I met no longer justified me remaining in Canada as a worker. I had come to Nova Scotia on the conditions that I,

• attended a Nova Scotian Designated Learning Institute, full-time
• graduated from Saint Mary's University's Commerce program,
• complied with working regulations for full-time students (less than 25 hours per week)
• found a job in my field, post graduation
• maintained a clear criminal record
• didn't overstay any visas/permits.

These were all underpinned by the assumption that I planned to live and work in the province permanently. More subtly, I was expected to integrate and assimilate, to give back

As it stands, 

• I've spoken to a couple of immigration lawyers, as the messaging IRCC's website can be confusing to the uninitiated. To hire immigrants on open work permits, the employer doesn't need to apply for an LMIA, but for those whose work permits are expiring soon, be very savvy.
   
• I submitted an Access to Information/Privacy request on May 5. Barring exceptional circumstances, the IRCC has a legal obligation to produce the requested documents in 30 days. I sent emails, first to the generic IRCC ATIP email, then to the Manager of Access to Information & Privacy who told me to email the Access to Information & Privacy Coordinator to no avail.

My time in NS

Shortly after arriving in NS, I was inducted into a ragtag friend group that was a combination of locals and other international students. Accepting of my differences and happy to be my guides, my Nova Scotian friends taught me the ins and outs of life here. Everything from ordering my first donair to walking me through my first (second and third) renditions of The Last of Barrett's Privateers. I filed taxes for the first time, swam in my first lake, it felt like I was growing up.

While I've been here, I've been an active member of the community, I regularly donate to a local church as well as a local food pantry. With my best friend being Acadian, she invited me into her community and I've had the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the municipality of Clare, in particular. I cleaned rooms at Atlantica Hotel and pushed carts at Sobeys Spryfield while I studied. I then started at a local credit union, where I was until May 1st.

Throughout my stay, I've only worked at companies local to the province. I haven't relied on any assistance from the country or the province, on the contrary, I believe I've been an economic boon in the form of the funds I spent on tuition and upkeep. I've contributed to Canada's CPP and EI programs, happy to participate in Canada's extensive safety net. I personally knew and served the people who rely on CPP and OAS funds to survive every month; for over 2 years, while working in downtown Dartmouth, I built relationships with them.

I want to say thank you to everyone who made this almost 9 year stay truly magical. I can talk about Nova Scotia's sprawling forests or pristine beaches but what can I say of the people? 

To the people of Nova Scotia from Yarmouth to Seaforth, Whitney Pier to Truro, Kentville to Greenwood, I want to say thank you! There's a lot of growing to do between the ages of 18 and 27, and I wouldn't be here without the down-to-earth Nova Scotians who were quick to accept my differences and see me for who I am. It's possible to be in a society and yet apart from it, I'm very glad to have felt like I truly belonged.

Too Long, Didn't Read: I moved to Nova Scotia in 2017 to study. I complied with work-hour restrictions and worked while completing my degree. I graduated and got a work permit in 2023 after which, I started working at a local credit union that same year. I worked at the credit union for 2 years and 6 months before receiving notice that my application to extend my work permit had been denied on May 1st. The application I put in for permanent residence is now in jeopardy. I've lived, and worked here making friends and lasting connections for over 8 years. I would be at a great loss if I had to leave.

Advocacy 

• Labour Market Impact Assessment exemptions for people who have already been hired and filled a position at an acceptable NOC Teer group. These immigrants would have demonstrated their ability to stick with their employer, live in, and work in the prescribed province.
   
• Streamline extensions for open work permit holders that have demonstrated they're able to: study, graduate, work, maintain a clean record, pay and file their taxes, contribute to EI and CPP, all while consistently meeting all the conditions of their stay, year over year.
   
• Speed up processing for immigration applications. I submitted my work permit application in October 2025 and received the refusal letter in May, about 7 months later.

Gallery

Graduation day, 2023

 Signing our first lease, 2018

Cape Breton trip, 2025

Thanksgiving on Robie, 2018
 

My cousin's graduation, 2024

Me and my avocado tree, 2019

Clare NS trip, 2023

Smugglers Cove, 2023
 
Take care.