Ottawa, March 17: Ukrainians looking to come to Canada temporarily to escape the Russian attacks will be able to stay for three years, the government has announced.
Through the ‘Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel’ program opening on Thursday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser say that those who come will be able to stay longer than the previously announced two years.
Earlier this month Fraser announced Canada would be opening two new immigration streams for Ukrainians looking to seek refuge in this country.
For those applying for this visitor visa to leave Ukraine while the war rages on, most visa requirements are being waived, including fees and language assessments. In order to qualify, individuals will need to complete a “simple” application form and provide biometrics—fingerprints and a photo— for security while still in Europe.
The government has visa application centres set up across the continent, including in regions where many Ukrainians have fled such as Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland.
One will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainians to come to this country on a temporary basis with expedited emergency visas. It’s this program that is being expanded. The other is a family reunification pathway for those looking to stay permanently in Canada.
The temporary residency stream is being offered to Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality. Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, as the government is offering single-journey travel documents on a case-by-case basis.
Ukrainians do not have to be fully vaccinated in order to come to Canada, though those who enter who are not will be subject to quarantine and testing, the government has announced, adding that “with limited exceptions” all travellers entering through this emergency immigration stream will have to use the ArriveCAN system to submit relevant vaccination and personal information.
Everyone who arrives under this new stream will also be eligible for a work permit or study permit that will allow them to take a job with any Canadian employer or enrol in an education program. The government is encouraging Ukrainians to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as they submit their visa application.
The government is also setting up a job bank so that Canadian employers can post available jobs and hire Ukrainians, something for which there has already been considerable interest.
“As brave Ukrainians fight for their lives and their freedom, Canada is ready to welcome their loved ones who are forced to flee. When they arrive safely in Canada, we’re going to help Ukrainians find work so they can provide for themselves and their families,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough in a statement. “From ensuring that children can enroll in school to helping parents join our workforce, we want every Ukrainian to find peace, stability, and community in Canada.”
As millions have fled to neighbouring countries, prompting a refugee crisis, the government has been prioritizing processing immigration applications from Ukrainians.
Fraser has said there will be “no limit” to the number of applications Canada is willing to accept from those coming temporarily, noting that most will want to return home once it’s safe to do so.
The department said Thursday it will “continue to monitor volumes of travellers and their needs closely and will take action as required.”
