Three EMSB teachers from France face deportation after visa denials

Three teachers from France, part of a special recruitment program, are at risk of deportation after their work visas were denied over the winter break.

Three English Montreal School Board (EMSB) teachers from France had their visas denied over the winter break, leaving their students without instructors upon their return from winter break.

The educators were part of a special recruitment program to address the teacher shortage in French immersion programs.

The school board and parents are now working to save the teachers’ jobs.

The EMSB said the program has been a success so they were shocked when all three visa renewals were rejected.

“The kids love them and obviously we did not anticipate this happening,” said EMSB spokesperson Michael Cohen.

“But to the government’s credit, they have been very receptive, and we hope that by early next week all three teachers will be back in the classroom.”

The teachers are now at risk of being deported if the situation is not resolved.