Canada is introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to move to Canada permanently or temporarily.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
A new pathway will be open in the next two weeks which will allow for fast processing and will eliminate many of the normal visa requirements. There will be no limit on the number of Ukrainians who wish to apply. Pending background check and security screenings, they will be able to have their stay in Canada extended by at least two years.
Canada is also aiming to implement a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence. The details will be announced in the coming weeks.
All Ukrainians who come to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits. This is in addition to the open work permit available for those Ukrainians already in Canada, holding a temporary resident status.
The minister of Immigration has issued a class-based national interest exemption to allow unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals who hold a temporary resident visa or permit to enter Canada.
Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent – the world’s second-largest Ukrainian diaspora after Russia. Canada is therefore committed to supporting Ukraine and actively working to implement new measures as soon as possible and welcome more Ukrainians to Canada.
For the time being and Canada is prioritizing applications for people living in Ukraine who want to travel to Canada for work, study, to reunite with family, or to immigrate. IRCC will also waive fees, retroactive to February 22, 2022, for certain travel and immigration documents.
IRCC established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.
More information on these new temporary and permanent residence programs will be available in the coming weeks.
More info: Canada.ca
