Canada Opens Pathways to Immigration for Ukrainian Nationals
The Government of Canada announced a forthcoming program to facilitate the emergency travel of Ukrainian nationals in light of the conflict in Ukraine. The proposed Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel will allow any Ukrainian national, entry to Canada for up to two (2) years with the ability to obtain an open work permit. There will be no limit on the number of applicants under the program. Applicants will need to submit biometrics and undergo a background screening, but general document requirements are expected to be relaxed. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expects to open this new program in two (2) weeks.
In addition, Canada also announced a number of additional measures to assist Ukrainians in Canada and abroad:
Prioritization of the renewal of work and study permits for Ukrainians currently inside Canada wishing to extend their stay.
Prioritization of the processing of any in-progress applications for Ukrainians outside of Canada.
Urgent processing of travel documents for Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members who do not have valid passports.
Issuance of a national interest exemption to allow unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals with an existing temporary resident visa or permit to enter Canada. This also applies to individuals who are vaccinated with vaccines not currently recognized by Canada.
Opening of a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration inquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Applicants can also add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their inquiry and it will be prioritized.
Implementation of an administrative deferral of removals (ADR) to the Ukraine which temporarily pauses all removal orders.
We are closely monitoring the development of these policies and will issue a follow-up alert with specific information regarding the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program once IRCC publishes program instructions.