Immigration Measures For People Affected By The Situation In Ukraine

Written By Lauren Shannan

For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s website, Ukraine Support - IRCC

Canada remains committed in its support of Ukrainian nationals. As part of the response, IRCC is introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily or permanently.

Measures currently in place:

  • urgently processing passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine

    • This includes immediate family members who will come with them.

  • prioritizing applications from people who currently live in Ukraine

  • adding new ways to make sure people who contact us get answers as fast as possible

  • extending a temporary public policy that lets some visitors in Canada, including Ukrainians, apply for a work permit from within Canada

    • This means people who get a job offer can stay in Canada and start working while their work permit application is processed.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN CANADA

IRCC will create a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available to those feeling Ukraine. There is no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada, and will eliminate the need for normal visa requirements.

Ukrainians will be able to apply through this pathway, and pending security screening, their stay in Canada could be extended by at least 2 years.  

IRCC aims to have the pathway open for applications in 2 weeks (Approx. March 17, 2022) and, in the interim, will continue to encourage Ukrainians to apply through all programs, and their applications will be prioritized.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN CANADA

For immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, these families will have a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence. The details will be provided in the coming weeks.

NOT VACCINATED?

You can now enter Canada if you’re an unvaccinated Ukrainian national with a

  • temporary resident visa (visitor visa)

  • temporary resident permit or

  • written notice your application for permanent residence in Canada was approved

This also applies if the vaccine you had isn’t currently recognized by Canada (WHO-approved).

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll still need to meet all other public health requirements, such as quarantine and testing (including a COVID test before boarding your flight).

 ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM IRCC

IRCC has 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.

Lauren Shannan
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