The Journey of a Toronto Nurse: A Tale of Hope and Heartbreak
Two large pieces of luggage serve as a poignant testament to the challenges faced by a Toronto nurse named John, whose journey in Canada has come to a premature halt. This marks not just the end of a chapter in his life but also the fading dream of a future that once seemed bright and full of possibilities.
The Stolen Canadian Dream
John, whose real name is omitted for the sake of his immigration status, is packing his life in Canada after working tirelessly within its struggling healthcare system. His once-cozy one-bedroom apartment is nearly vacant, with signs of a life being uprooted—his television sold, and a dining set waiting to be picked up by a buyer. In conversations with OMNI News, John shares the emotional weight of packing up his belongings as he reflects on the nearly two years he spent caring for those in need.
Having arrived in Canada as an international student in 2021, John obtained his license as a registered nurse in Ontario just two years later. Intending to contribute to alleviating the nursing shortage in the province, he immersed himself in patient care, only to find himself on the brink of needing care himself—specifically, the support afforded by a stable immigration status.
The Reality of Emergency Care
John vividly recounts the distressing scenes he witnessed while working in a Toronto hospital’s emergency department. “I’ve seen a lot, especially patients waiting for a minimum of six to eight hours,” he explains. Often, by the time they were finally admitted, their conditions had worsened, a reality that weighed heavily on his conscience. His commitment to helping patients left him devastated when he received a refusal letter regarding his permanent residency application, a moment he describes as "traumatizing."
The Immigration Struggle
In the eyes of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), John’s application for permanent residency under the Express Entry system was denied because the officer did not believe he met the required one year of skilled Canadian work experience. Frustrated and anxious, John initially struggled to come to terms with the implications of this decision. Only after time did he come to accept that navigating the immigration waters would be fraught with challenges.
His worries didn’t end there. The refusal of his permanent residency application was compounded by a denial for an extension of his work permit, effectively leaving John as a non-status immigrant who could no longer work or sustain himself in Canada. John’s situation, while tragic, is one part of a broader conversation about the systemic failures that many internationally educated nurses (IENs) face.
The Need for Support
John’s story is not unique. According to the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), many foreign-trained nurses face similar hardships after obtaining their nursing licenses but must return to their home countries or relocate to different provinces following loss of immigration status. Jeremy Pantig, an Ottawa-Ontario co-ordinator for the IFCNA, highlights the need for greater support from employers, particularly in the transition from post-graduation work permits to open work permits, which many nurses rely on to maintain their employment status while pursuing permanent residency.
This sentiment is echoed by immigration lawyer Lou Janssen Dangzalan, who describes the transition among immigration statuses in Canada as “one of the deadliest traps”. The new two-step migration system leaves many internationally educated nurses vulnerable. For those lacking employer support, the path to permanent residency can quickly become insurmountable.
Advocacy for Change
Recognizing the critical role that internationally educated nurses play in Canada’s healthcare system, advocates are calling on hospitals and other healthcare employers to take proactive measures. They urge employers to support nurses throughout the immigration process, ensuring that the transition from temporary to permanent resident status is as seamless as possible. Mark Gravoso, president of the IFCNA, points out that the challenges do not stop at registration; ongoing support is necessary until nurses achieve permanent residency, which provides them the peace of mind needed to thrive.
In a statement from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the government expressed its commitment to growing the healthcare workforce by backing internationally educated nurses. They are removing barriers and investing in programs aimed at recognizing the credentials of newcomers in nursing.
Looking to the Future
Sitting in his sparsely furnished dining area, holding his iPad and reviewing refusal letters, John contemplates his next steps. His immigration lawyer has advised that his best option might be to return to the Philippines while awaiting results on his pending application through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This program, which can take up to 21 months for processing, offers a glimmer of hope.
John finds solace in the prospect of reconnecting with family and friends back home, and he has expressed his desire to return to Canada should the opportunity arise. “Of course,” he affirms, reflecting on his aspirations. “If you want to establish your family… come back to Canada.”
A Message of Awareness
John aims to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles that IENs like himself face. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication with potential employers regarding the support available during the immigration process. He reflects on his experience, expressing hope to one day inspire others with similar journeys upon securing his permanent residency.
For now, as he awaits news on his immigration status, John embodies resilience, holding onto the hope that one day he will return to the patients he longed to serve and the country that kindled his dreams.
