After months of living under a cloud of uncertainty, a nurse at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and his family have been granted a crucial one-year reprieve in their quest to build a permanent life in Canada.
A Sigh of Relief for a CHEO Family
Sa'id Altawalbeh has received a one-year extension to his work permit, a decision that allows him to continue working and keeps his family in Ottawa while their application for permanent residency is processed by immigration authorities. "I can breathe now," Altawalbeh expressed with palpable relief. "My family is so happy right now. There's a lot of pressure that is off my shoulders."
Without this extension, his original work permit would have expired on December 21, forcing him onto unpaid leave and putting his family's future in Canada in immediate jeopardy. His employers at CHEO accepted the extension letter last week and have officially reinstated him on the work schedule.
A Lifeline for a Healthcare Family
The extension is more than just a bureaucratic win; it is a lifeline for Altawalbeh's entire family, all of whom are contributors to Canada's healthcare system. His wife is also a nurse at CHEO, and his eldest daughter recently began a career in cardiovascular technology. As the main applicant for the family's immigration file, if Altawalbeh had lost his status and been required to return to his native Jordan, his wife and three children would have had to leave with him.
This development buys them precious time as they await a decision from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which nominates individuals with skills in high-demand fields, like nursing, for permanent residency at the federal level.
Community Support and Federal Attention
In recent weeks, Altawalbeh's situation has garnered significant support from his community and colleagues. He received a formal letter of support from his employer to bolster his permanent residency application, and dozens of coworkers sent emails to federal officials to highlight his case.
This grassroots advocacy appears to have made a difference. Altawalbeh confirmed that his file has now captured the attention of the federal immigration minister's office. Officials have responded to his inquiries, confirming they are following his case. "The good thing is that they already know about my application, which is a significant step. They are actually following the situation, which is perfect for me," he said.
Altawalbeh's journey to Canada began when he moved from Jordan with his family as an international student, after over a decade of nursing in Saudi Arabia. After completing a social service program at Collège Universel Gatineau and having his nursing credentials recognized in Canada, he began his vital work at CHEO under a three-year postgraduate work permit.
While acknowledging the extension is a temporary solution, Altawalbeh views it with optimism as the first concrete step toward securing a permanent future for his family in the country they now call home.
