Since the Russian Military invaded Ukraine on February 24, over 2.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes searching for refuge. The Government of Canada has responded to this humanitarian crisis by introducing new measures to help the Ukrainian people find refuge in Canada. In this article, we will discuss these new measures and how they are helping those affected by the war in Ukraine.
The Canadian Immigration Process
The Canadian immigration process can be complex, but there are a few things that all immigrants need to do in order to come to Canada. First, you will need to choose the program that best suits your needs. There are many different programs available, so it is important to do your research and find the one that is right for you. Second, you will need to submit an application. This can be done online or through a paper application. Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by an immigration officer. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction.
Information About Ukrainian Immigration to Canada
Since 2014, over 45,000 Ukrainians have immigrated to Canada. The majority of these immigrants have settled in Ontario and Quebec. Most Ukrainian immigrants to Canada come from Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, or Kharkiv. These cities are all located in western Ukraine and are currently under Ukrainian control. However, many Ukrainians who live in eastern Ukraine have been displaced by the conflict and are now living in other parts of the country. As a result, we are seeing an increase in Ukrainian immigrants to Canada from cities like Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
Prior to February 24, Ukraine’s citizens needed a visa to travel to Canada and had to submit biometrics by providing their fingerprints to determine whether they were eligible for admission, a process that was instituted in 2018. Now that the Ukrainian visa application centers have been closed due to the situation happening in their country, Ukrainians cannot finalize their visa applications making it next to impossible for them to complete their biometrics requirement unless they can travel outside of Ukraine.
Temporary Programs For Ukrainians
Canada has recently created two new ways for Ukrainians to enter Canada, one which is for emergency visa travel, and the other is a new pathway to help them apply for permanent residency. Ukrainians fleeing Ukraine can take advantage of these two temporary programs that started on March 3.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
A new visa has been created in Canada for Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada for a period of up to two years temporarily, during which they may work or study. With the exception of biometrics, Canada will eliminate most of the typical visa requirements. Ukrainians will be able to apply for this special visitor’s visa under the current procedures that began March 3.
Special Family Reunification Sponsorship Pathway for Permanent Residence
The Canadian government has also created a new pathway for Ukrainians to apply for permanent residency in Canada, and they can do so through their immediate or extended family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Further details about the program will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Ukrainian crisis has led to the displacement of millions of people and created a humanitarian crisis. To help address this, the Government of Canada has introduced new measures to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their home country. Tkachuk Immigration is here to help these individuals and families get the support they need to start a new life in Canada. If you or someone you know needs assistance migrating to Canada, please contact us today for more information.
