Montreal elementary school teacher who was facing deportation reunited with her students

Montreal elementary school teacher Julie Caplier's visa was finally approved, meaning she could stay in the country and teach French to her adoring students.

Julie Caplier is back where she belongs: in her kindergarten classroom at Roslyn Elementary School.

Her return comes after weeks of uncertainty and stress when she was suddenly told to leave Canada immediately.

“I was devastated and afraid I would have to leave forever,” Caplier said.

Caplier moved to Montreal from France three years ago as part of a recruitment program aimed at addressing Quebec’s shortage of French teachers.

“This was my first professional step,” she explained, reflecting on her career journey. “I love this city, and I want to build my life here.”

On Jan. 3, Caplier was shocked to learn her work visa had been denied, leaving her future in Canada hanging by a thread. But last week, she received the news she had been desperately hoping for: her visa was finally approved, much to the relief of the school’s community.

Joanna Genovezos, principal at Roslyn, described the emotional impact of the situation.

“Parents were calling, asking what they could do to help,” she said. “Staff were devastated ... Julie has a stellar reputation, so there was no reason she shouldn’t be allowed to come back.”

Caplier’s case wasn’t isolated. The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) confirmed that two more teachers faced similar visa issues, including a French teacher at Edinburgh Elementary School in Montreal West.

Fortunately, the case has since been resolved, and the teacher is returning to their classroom Thursday.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not respond to CTV News' request for comment before publication time.

Meanwhile, Caplier has her visa secured for the next three years. Back in her classroom, the joy was palpable as her students welcomed her back with open arms.

For Caplier, the opportunity to continue teaching is deeply fulfilling.

“This job is so enriching,” she said. “While I teach them French, they’re teaching me English.”

Becoming bilingual would be a significant advantage, she said, as she hopes to eventually become a permanent resident in Canada.

For now, both her students and the school community are simply grateful to have Miss Julie back where she belongs.