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In early 2022, I came to Canada on a spouse work permit while my husband was on a student visa. In March, I found a job, applied for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in August, and submitted my federal application in December. I received my File Number (FN) in January 2023. In November 2023, my application was flagged for security screening, and as of now, in June 2024, there has been no progress.

I was the first to submit an application at my workplace, and since then, three colleagues from other countries have all received their permanent residency. We worked the same job, lived in the same community, and yet, only mine was delayed because “I’m Chinese.” There are so many like us, who study, work, pay taxes, and want to settle down here, are stuck in this process.

I work a physically demanding job, and it is very tough. I also face unfair treatment from my superiors because I don’t have permanent residency and feel constantly stressed. However, I have to endure it silently because of my pending PR status. I cannot change jobs, file complaints, or protect my legal rights. This situation has caused me great distress and led to depression. I reached out to the local MP, but it was of no use. I am overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion, knowing that many security screening cases take at least two to three years to resolve.

Why delaying my application? Just because I was born in China?