Recent social media reports claimed that IRCC sent the work permit extension emails to the wrong people. The emails were enclosed with confidential information about the candidates, such as their names, unique customer identification numbers, and application numbers. All this information was sent to the wrong addresses that didn’t belong to the principal applicants.
These emails were supposed to be sent to the TR2PR applicants whose work permits had already expired or were about to expire. IRCC stated that they became aware of this mishappening on August 3, the day after the department announced the new measure.
The emails comprised instructions for those clients who wished for a work permit extension or those who didn’t want to opt for the extension. The email was to tell them about the longer validity of the work permit.
IRCC has claimed that an investigating officer will be looking into the privacy breach soon. He even stated that they are looking forward to more appropriate precautions to ensure security in the future. Their next step will be to recognize all the affected clients and send them an email with accurate information.
IRCC recommends that its clients not disclose or share the wrong emails sent to them with anyone else. They have further told people to delete the email from their inboxes. As soon as the issue gets resolved, he will receive notifications for further correction. They will soon receive an accurate email.
Reportedly, it is being said that IRCC will take all necessary steps to correct the wrong action.
A media spokesperson recently released his statement on the issue saying that IRCC is very serious about the privacy of its clients and the department incorporates several policies and procedures for the privacy protection of its clients and those people who wish to settle in the country. The department is also looking deeply into the matter to prevent such mistakes in the future.
However, the department is uncertain about the timeframe or speed of the entire process of correction and about when the applicants will be able to get their work permits.
The significance of emails
Usually, foreign nationals will need legal status to work in Canada if they wish to work there. A work permit is needed on their behalf to work for a specific fixed timeframe in Canada.
PGWP is an Open Work Permit allowing candidates to work for any Canadian employer. Any PGWP holders must have completed their education at a Designated Learning Institute in Canada. Generally, these candidates tend to apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class Stream under the Express Entry system.
Before the all-program draws long haul in September 2021, the PGWP holders could prolong their stay in Canada through a BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit). However, the pause in the draws compelled people to leave the country and even their jobs. They had to ask the employers to get an LMIA.
TR2PR applicants could not apply for BOWP while waiting for the final decision on their work permit application. They will be able to use their work period to continue working during the period of work permit soon expiring and acquiring their permanent residency status.
IRCC launched a new measure for PGWP holders in April and even addressed people, telling them about the application process in August.
The instruction letters are intended to allow the holders to apply for fresh work permits to continue working in Canada. If people don’t extend their work permits within time, they will have to exit the country and leave Canada’s labor market.
On the whole, the country is already undergoing a labor shortage, and the PGWP holders are facing challenges as there might be a possibility of leaving the country or job, making them dependent on their savings.
