Weaponization of Immigration Procedures

Last year, my ex-partner, our children and I immigrated to Quebec. He has a closed work permit. Our status is dependent on his.

Shortly after we arrived, things between us took a bad turn: violence, threats, humiliation. I made the decision to leave him. A few weeks later, I contacted an immigration officer to get information about our status. When he told me that my ex had already applied for permanent residency without including me or the children, I felt my heart sink.

The officer explained that if nothing changes, we’ll need to leave the country within a year, because our permits are linked to his. I’m so confused, and so angry.