Category: Uncategorized

Migrant Students

Add your name: Open Letter to Renew PGWP and Fix Express Entry

In 2021 and 2022, collective organizing by Migrant Student Workers (current and former international students) resulted in the federal government allowing Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders to extend permits. But arbitrary timelines mean too many of us are left out, even as points needed for Canadian Experience Class are too high and Express Entry draws are not consistent. We deserve change.

Read the open letter to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser below and add your information to sign.

Open Letter from Migrant Students

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, we are calling on you to ensure permanent resident status for migrant student workers like me. Many of us have expired or expiring permits for reasons beyond our control. We live here, we work here, we have formed homes and communities here, and we deserve to stay.

Too many have been left out from the 2022 post graduate work permit (PGWP) extension policy, even though we faced some of the worst moments of the pandemic, including the highest unemployment rate in Canadian history. We call on you to enact immediate solutions such as:
* Renew PGWP for all whose permits were valid on March 15, 2020 or have been issued a permit since regardless of previous renewals;
* Ensure Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specific draws to address the aftermath of the 9 month suspension of draws;
* Fix Express Entry by valuing work in all NOC/TEER levels, including TEER 4 and 5, ensuring fair CRS calculations and predictable, transparent draws;
* No exclusions: PR status for all regardless of age, immigration status, work, language and education requirements.

We deserve equal rights and dignity, and that means permanent resident status for all of us.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Work With Us

We are building a movement, and we need motivated and committed people in our team. Here are the current job opportunities.

Job Posting: Finance & Operations Organizer

Are you extremely well-organized? Do you have experience with financial management for a non-profit? Do you have excellent people skills and can support and inspire mission-driven staff in Are you a go-getter that can make things happen? Can you be the anchor in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment? Are you committed to migrant justice? Then, we are looking for you! 

Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) is looking for a Finance and Operations Organizer that is committed to building and supporting worker power to win. The individual should be self-directed, and passionately committed to migrant and worker justice. 

For more information about us, check out our website at www.migrantworkersalliance.org 

SALARY: $58,920-61,905 (Depending on experience. Salaries are set on a grid, with staff moving up a step each year)

BENEFITS: In lieu of benefits, an additional 10% of the salary will be paid until MWAC transitions to a benefits plan under the direction of the new Finance and Operations Organizer. 

HOURS: The position is full time and entails a 35-hour work week. Some travel and evening/ weekend hours will be required. 

JOB SUMMARY

As our work and campaigns have grown, we are in need of a meticulous Finance & Operations Organizer to work closely with the Executive Director who can keep us on track, make sure things don’t fall through the cracks, and support our membership-led work and campaigns. This is a new position for an experienced administrator to develop and implement systems for a growing organization. 

Click here for the full job description.

DUTIES

  • Financial administration: i.e. develop and implement budgets, work with the bookkeeper to do expense tracking and billing systems, audits, etc 
  • Personnel support: ie support with staff evaluation, training and administration, policy, coordinate employee benefits;  etc
  • Grant support and fundraising: Support with grant applications and report writing; support with fundraising activities, oversee systems for donations and contributions.
  • Board support: Assist with board minutes, circulate agendas, set up meetings, support board policy work.
  • Campaign support: Order supplies, assist with production of campaign materials (getting quotes, printing, coordination and delivery), logistical support for meetings and events (online and in person). 
  • Liaise with supporters and volunteers: Respond to email inquiries and requests, provide logistical support for organizations that are members of Migrant Rights Network and Migrant Rights Network – Ontario. 

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience in overseeing financial and administrative tasks
  • Demonstrated experience supporting employees
  • Familiarity with legal and regulatory obligations for non-profit organizations  
  • Strong ability to maintain internal relationships 
  • Excellent organizational, problem solving and coordination skills, and attention to detail
  • Highly efficient in meeting strict deadlines and able to work in a fast-paced setting 
  • Demonstrated ability to ensure highly confidential information is kept safely and securely
  • Experience working with migrant and racialized communities and/or low-income workers is an asset.

APPLICANTS

We encourage applications from migrants, Black people, Indigenous people, people of colour, women, people who identify with disability, LGBTQ+ people and people from other equity-seeking groups that face systemic discrimination. We will prioritize qualified candidates with migrant experience. If you believe you can do this role and you do not have all the qualifications, please still apply or reach out to Syed Hussan, Executive Director, hussan@migrantworkersalliance.org to discuss.

TO APPLY

Please send an email to info@migrantworkersalliance.org with the subject line “Finance and Operations Organizer” with a resume. 

In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the following questions [max 200 words per answer]:

  1. Why are you interested in working at MWAC as a Finance and Operations Coordinator?
  2. Please tell us about your experience working in finance.
  3. Please tell us about your experience with supporting employees.
  4. Have you supported work (paid or unpaid) that centers racialized communities, women, migrants, low-wage workers or other marginalized communities? If so, how?
  5. Are there ways we can meet your accessibility needs in this recruiting process?
  6. Would you like us to use specific pronouns when we refer to you? If you do not specify here, we will assume they/them/theirs until you tell us otherwise.

Another major victory to win renewable PGWPs!

Now, over 50,000 former international students have a second chance for permanent residency. Watch the video to learn what was announced today, how we did it and where we go from here.

The fight isn’t over! We still need immediate opening of applications, fair study and work permit rules, and PR #StatusforAll to ensure no-one is left behind. Join us!

A #FairnessAgendaforMigrantStudents means:

+ PR Status for All: Speed up CEC, lower CRS scores, value all work, including NOC C&D, in-school, part-time and gig work, without unfair age, language and immigration status requirements

+ Fair Study and Work Permit Rules: End to the 20 hour work limit, permanently renewable Post Graduate Work Permits

+ Equal Rights and Dignity: Lower tuition fees, access to scholarships and school support, decent work, fair housing, equal access to healthcare, and family unity

Trabajador@s Agrícolas

¡Vuélvase miembro/a!

La Alianza de Trabajadores Migrantes para un Cambio (MWAC) es una organización para migrantes y formada por migrantes. Nos estamos uniendo para ganar derechos en el trabajo y justicia migratoria. Al convertirse en miembro/a, aprenderá más sobre sus derechos como trabajador/a, tendrá acceso a apoyo, desarrollará sus habilidades de liderazgo y será parte de nuestro movimiento para garantizar los derechos y la justicia para todos/as. Los miembros/as participan en reuniones mensuales, así como en actividades en línea y en persona, y se vuelven parte de una comunidad de apoyo de trabajadores y amigos/as.
Los/as miembros/as de la Alianza creen en construir nuestro poder colectivo y en ser solidarios/as con los/as trabajadores/as que defienden la justicia en cualquier parte del mundo.

¿Es usted un/a migrante (sin estatus de residente permanente) y está listo para luchar por un cambio? Únase a más migrantes llenando este formulario (todo lo que comparta es privado y confidencial).

Migrant Students

International Student Campaign Update: What’s Going On?

Read updates below about what’s going on in our campaign to win changes to permit and immigration rules.

Current & former international students! Register to join the monthly organizing meeting to hear about what we’re up to and make plans for what’s next: Wednesday June 1, 7pm EST / 4pm PST

If you haven’t already, sign and share this petition to demand fairness for all of us: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

Here’s why: 

The announcement

On April 22nd, the federal government announced that they would create open work permits for migrant students whose post-graduate work permits were expiring or expired. 

Problems with the PGWP open work permits

But there were two major problems. First, the program is only open to those whose permits have expired or will be expiring between January 31, 2022 to December 31, 2022. And second, while the promise was made, applications have still not opened. In the meantime, permits continue to expire, which means we are losing jobs, status, and our access to healthcare, income and wages. 

Why this change happened? 

This change, as you know, happened because current and former international students like you are organizing together across the country, signing petitions, joining press conferences, making phone calls, and organizing rallies and protests. We win access to our rights, when we take action collectively. 

What about the CEC draws?

The government also announced that the CEC draws would be opening in July. As you know, there have been no draws since September, so it would be 10 months by the time the draws re-open. As we wait, many of us are losing points and are worried that we will not get invited for PR because the CRS scores will be so high and there are limited spots. 

What about valuing all work?

Many of us work in school, we work part-time, and in essential, low-waged (NOC C & D jobs) and sometimes for cash. Yet none of this work counts towards PR in current immigration programs. We are essential yet excluded. The federal government’s announcement does not make PR rules better for any of us. 

What about study permit holders?

We continue to pay high tuition fees and rent, can’t get scholarships or income supports, and everyday prices rise at the grocery store and the gas pump. At the same time, when we work more than 20 hours, we face exploitation. Minister Fraser did not announce any changes for current study permit holders.

So, what do we do next?

The changes to the PGWP program are supposed to come into effect in June, so we have just a few days to make sure that no one is excluded. Last week, Migrant Students United sent another letter to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, and on Friday, we met with staff from his office. Clearly, when we are loud together, the government will pay attention. So we must get even louder. Here’s how you can do that and raise your voice:

++ Register to join the monthly organizing meeting to hear about what we’re up to and make plans for what’s next: Wednesday June 1, 7pm EST / 4pm PST: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUGMM

++ Sign up to join or organize a postering or petitioning action near you: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSU2022Action

Any day now, we will get the government to do the right thing, and change the start date of the open work permit program to include those whose PGWPs expired last year. But that won’t be enough. Together, we will continue to speak up for our rights at work, at school, and for permanent resident status for each and every person in the country without it. 

If you haven’t yet, sign and share this petition: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness

United, we are stronger!

Migrant Students

May 28, Toronto Action: Renew PGWP without Exclusion, Ensure Equal Rights, Fairness and PR Status for All Current & Former International Students

Current & former international students like you are gathering in downtown Toronto to take our message and demands for change to the public. Sign up now and join us!

WHEN: Saturday May 28, 3pm
WHERE: In front of Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W)

Come through, and share widely with your friends!

Migrant Students United is an organization of current and former international students who are uniting and coming together for equal rights, dignity, and permanent resident status for all. This year, we are continuing our campaign to win:

  • Renewable Post Graduate Work Permits without Exclusion, including Nov 27-Jan 31 expiry
  • End to the 20 Hour Work Rule on Study Permits
  • Real Access to PR for All: Lower CRS Scores, Speed Up CEC and Value All Work, including NOC C&D jobs, in-school and part-time work, without unfair age, language and status requirements

    Add your voice to the petition: MigrantWorkersAlliance.org/MSUFairness