Mother, Daughter Allowed to Stay in Canada After Visa Error
In heartwarming news from Halifax, a mother and daughter have found relief after facing the distressing possibility of deportation due to a clerical error. Diana Calderón, who emigrated from Peru to Canada in 2022, was thrust into uncertainty when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unexpectedly rejected her work permit application.
The rejection came as a shock. Diana learned her employer, Nova Scotia Health, hadn’t provided the necessary documents or the $230 compliance fee for her work permit—critical steps in the application process. “I almost fainted,” she recalled. “I wasn’t expecting that. This is not a very complicated permit once you have your job in place.”
Suddenly, Diana had to stop working as a sourcing manager in the health authority’s supply chain department. This not only affected her job but also her daughter’s education; her daughter’s study permit depended on Diana’s work permit, and the 14-year-old was unable to start Grade 9 alongside her friends.
The situation was dire. The IRCC’s letter informed Diana she could either pay thousands to restart the work permit process or face leaving Canada by November. This was a devastating choice for a family hoping to build a new life in a safer environment.
Feeling the weight of the situation, Nova Scotia Health stepped in. In an effort to support Diana, the health authority publicly confirmed it had submitted the necessary paperwork and payment to the IRCC on December 12, 2024.
Finally, after several weeks of anxious waiting, the IRCC responded. They acknowledged receiving a reconsideration request on September 15, 2025, and informed Diana that her application was now approved. “This news was a relief,” she said. “I just wanted to keep contributing to the community I call my dream city.”
Diana’s journey serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in securing work permits in Canada, particularly for international job seekers. If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, know that there are pathways available to help you build a life here. Many employers in Canada are committed to hiring international talent and provide visa sponsorship as part of their recruitment process.
For those looking into similar situations, it’s essential to ensure that all paperwork and fees are submitted correctly to avoid hiccups as faced by Diana. Resources are available to help international applicants understand the requirements. At our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, we specifically focus on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants, helping you find opportunities that will support your move to Canada.
As for Diana, her experience highlighted the importance of community support during challenging times. She moved to Canada hoping to provide a safer future for her daughter, saying, “It’s a bit dangerous for women back home. I didn’t want her to grow up in that environment.”
Ultimately, Diana’s work permit was renewed for two years, allowing her to continue contributing her skills and passion to the health authority. The ordeal took a toll on her family, with stress spreading from work to their home. But they persevered, and Diana was able to emphasize her commitment to her community and her work, highlighting that she is a valuable member of the team.
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