Beginning on October 23, 2023, the Canadian government will introduce a new pathway that offers permanent residence to Ukrainian nationals who have fled Russia's invasion and wish to make Canada their new home.
Recall that in March 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) played a vital role in offering temporary safe haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians. This program provided a crucial lifeline to individuals seeking refuge from the conflict. While overseas applications under the CUAET have ended, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada through existing immigration measures.
Who is this for?
Eligible individuals for this new pathway include Ukrainian nationals who are spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, or grandchildren of either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
Requirements and Application Process:
Ukrainian nationals seeking permanent residence through this pathway must meet the following criteria:
Hold temporary resident status in Canada.
Have one or more family members in Canada.
Be directly affected by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The specific application process and detailed requirements will be announced closer to the program's launch in October.
It is essential for interested individuals to stay updated with the official information released by the Canadian government.
More Information
Ukrainians who hold a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa are granted until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under temporary special measures. Although overseas applications for CUAET ended on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa through existing immigration measures to come to Canada.
Upon arrival in Canada, temporary residents will have the opportunity to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits.
These applications will be given priority to ensure seamless continuity for individuals and their families. Moreover, they will have access to valuable settlement services, including language training and employment assistance, enabling them to thrive in communities throughout the country.
The new pathway to permanent residence requires no financial undertaking and families will have until October 22, 2024, to submit an application.
What next?
Are you a Ukranian who qualifies for this pathway? Speak with our in-house consultant who is from Ukraine to help you navigate through this process