The Present Process for Ukrainians to Come to Canada
Canada has made it easier for Ukrainians to apply for temporary and permanent residency and has prioritized processing their applications and documents. Here we will discuss the changes.As soon as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started, the Canadian government got to work right away to help the people of Ukraine who were being impacted by it. Because 1.4 million Ukrainians are living in Canada, Canada showed its support for Ukraine’s quest for independence and democracy.
In reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Canada created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel. This pathway allows Ukrainians impacted by the invasion to work, study, and remain in Canada until it’s safe to return home. All Ukrainian nationals and their family members (spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, and grandchildren) may come to Canada.
This program does not limit the number of guest visas, work permits, or study permits that may be issued. This interim solution intends to assist Ukrainians in gaining important Canadian jobs or educational experience in preparation for their future application for permanent immigration.
IRCC eased the application procedure for Ukrainian nationals IRCC continues to process Ukrainian requests. IRCC transferred people, and equipment to Moldova, Romania, Poland, and Austria to boost operational preparedness and supplied mobile biometric kits to capture Ukrainian citizens’ fingerprints to simplify their journey to Canada.
In addition, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recognized the following categories of individuals who are deemed to pose minimal risk and are thus excluded from biometric screening:
17 years of age or under;
61 years of age or older;
Prior approval for a Canadian guest visa within the preceding ten years.
Citizens of Ukraine who have lost or do not have a passport may still get a temporary residency permit, depending on their circumstances. When applicable, IRCC will provide single-journey travel documents to certain applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Special provisions for Ukrainian citizens and temporary residents
Under the new temporary residence pathway, Ukrainians and their immediate family members (of any nationality) may remain in Canada for up to three years. Ukrainian nationals looking for a Canadian visitvisa from Ukraine or abroad must apply online and include biometric information. As the visa application centres (VAC) in Kyivare temporarily closed, Ukrainian residents may provide biometrics at any visa application centre (VAC) outside of Ukraine. To be able to work in Canada, the Canadian government urges all Ukrainians to apply for a 3-year open work permit concurrently with their visiting visa application.
To facilitate the application process for Ukrainians, the Canadian government has eliminated a number of the normal requirements for a regular visa or work permit. Children from Ukraine may enrol in elementary or secondary school and begin attending as soon as they arrive in Canada. Those who want to pursue a postsecondary degree in Canada may apply for a study permit.
Citizens of Ukraine who are presently in Canada on a temporary residence visa may either apply for a three-year extension of their visitor, study, or work permit or submit an application for an open work permit.
By adjusting operations in its worldwide network of offices, the Canadian government wants to facilitate the entry of Ukrainian nationals and their family members into Canada as swiftly and securely as feasible. Ukrainians arriving in Canada are likewise exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine entrance requirements. Nonetheless, they must comply with all other public health regulations for travel, quarantine, and testing, if necessary. Additionally, any Ukrainians entering Canada must use ArriveCAN and give all essential information.
Applicants from Ukraine are excused from having to undergo an immigration medical examination (IME). An open work visa applicant may, however, be asked to pay for and complete an IME within 3 months of arriving in Canada in order to screen the applicant for communicable diseases.
Ukrainian family reunification sponsorship
Some family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may desire to live in Canada. IRCC is establishing a family reunification sponsorship route for Ukrainian-Canadian direct and extended family members. This pathway’s specifics will be disclosed in the future.
Transitions that might lead to permanent residence options
After arriving in Canada, Ukrainian citizens may, under certain circumstances, be eligible to apply for and be granted permanent residence (PR).
Sponsorship programs
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are 18 years or older may sponsor specific relatives to immigrate to Canada.
Special sponsorship program for Ukrainian citizens
Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and up may sponsor members of their close family (spouse, common-law partner, and dependent child) who Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted. This process will most likely be identical to the one for Canadians’ Afghan family members seeking PR.
Economic pathways
Skilled Ukrainian people may come to Canada and seek permanent residency via economic programs after they arrive. Those who satisfy the qualifying criteria may apply for permanent residency right away, while those who lack experience can apply after working in Canada for at least a year.
Humanitarian and compassionate grounds
Ukrainian residents may apply for permanent residence status in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds under specified circumstances. Individuals with extraordinary situations are considered on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and applications presented under this method are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Making a Refugee Claim
Many Ukrainians are considering filing a refugee claim after arriving in Canada. However, the Canadian government claims that this current program is not a refugee stream. As a result, before filing a claim, applicants must consider all available options. Ukrainians in Canada on work or study permits, as well as those living overseas, must accept the fact that they will not be granted refugee status immediately after filing a claim. The average processing period for refugee applications is 24 months, according to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Refugee applications submitted by Ukrainian nationals may be denied since the present situation in Ukraine might significantly alter in that period. We advise against filing a refugee claim for the time being since it will revoke your temporary resident status and prevent you from applying for permanent residency via other channels. Furthermore, the only cases having a reasonable likelihood of success are those in which Ukrainian authorities persecute Ukrainian citizens on political, religious, ethnic, or other grounds. The persecution must be carefully documented, and documentation will be necessary to submit the application.
After Your Arrival in Canada
Beginning in early April 2022, the Canadian Red Cross will offer arrival services at the international airports of Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver, including translation services and information in newcomers’ preferred language to assist them in connecting with government and community services. In addition, the Canadian government continues to cooperate closely with the provinces and territories to assist Ukrainian immigrants. Over 550 organizations around the nation are providing settlement services. Furthermore, the Canadian government will provide language training programs, information about life in Canada, services to help newcomers access the labour market, activities that promote community connections, and services tailored to the needs of women, seniors, youth, and LGBTQ2+ people, as well as other settlement support to Ukrainian newcomers. We’ll keep you informed about the latest developments in this case.
All individuals with a valid work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit or visitor record in Canada under CUAET will be eligible to receive one-time financial support under the Canada-Ukraine Transitional Assistance Initiative (CUTAI) of $3,000 per adult (18 years and older) and $1,500 per child (17 years and under).
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are a Ukrainian citizen who wishes to visit Canada.