Residency document keeps resident from class

At first, he thought his social insurance number and other documents would be enough. But the college still needed official proof of his permanent residency before he could start.

Sunley says he first applied for the document in May. In August, he sent another request and asked for urgent processing because his course started in September.

He says the document didn’t arrive in time, so the college told him he couldn’t join the fall program.

Sunley says he has tried three times to get the paperwork. Officials also rejected the photos he sent, so he had to submit new digital ones.

“I check my phone every day. Just hoping,” he said.

The wait has put his plans on hold. He’s already changed careers before, working in pulp mills, welding, and construction.

Sunley says his family moved from Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Toronto. About two years later, they moved to Prince George. He remembers arriving around 1978 and has lived here ever since.

He went to Seymour Elementary and Duchess Park before starting work.

Sunley says he worked at PG Pulp for 17 years. Later, he went back to school, got his welding qualifications, and moved into construction.

He says he’s worked in construction for about 20 years. Over the last decade, he’s demolished sawmills in Vancouver, Mackenzie, and elsewhere.

Now, he’s hoping to train for something new.

“I’d really like to go to school, get a new career and go on from there,” he said.

In a statement, Todd Doherty, MP for Cariboo—Prince George—Omineca, encouraged residents with immigration problems to contact his constituency office.

Doherty said his staff can check on outstanding applications, provide updates, and help residents understand next steps. They can also bring concerns to the right department.

Doherty said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada makes immigration decisions, but his office can ask questions on residents’ behalf.

Doherty recognized that people get frustrated when they can’t get answers from the federal government. He said his office tries to help residents with federal services and share their concerns.

Residents who need help with a federal immigration issue can book an appointment at the constituency office by calling 250-564-7771.

Doherty said if residents don’t get a quick response, they can email todd.doherty@parl.gc.ca. Then, an Ottawa staff member will contact the constituency office to follow up.

Sunley’s advice is to be prepared. He urges anyone who needs immigration documents to start the process before they really need them.

He hopes sharing his story helps others avoid the delays he faced.

“Maybe get on it now, because you never know when you’re going to need it,” he said.

For Sunley, waiting for that document is now the only thing standing between his construction job and the training he wants to start.

by Dave Branco

Residency document keeps resident from class

What's Trending