July 15, 2023—Ottawa: In light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine stemming from Russia’s invasion, Canada is enacting additional measures to aid Ukrainians seeking security and sanctuary within its borders. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), launched in March 2022, has already granted transient safe harbor to over 166,000 Ukrainians. Presently, the Canadian government is introducing a fresh pathway for Ukrainians to acquire permanent residence and unite their families in Canada.
Commencing October 23, 2023, this novel pathway will bestow permanent residency upon Ukrainian nationals who have escaped the unlawful invasion and express a desire to remain in Canada. To qualify, they must currently possess temporary resident status in Canada and be connected to one or more family members already residing in the country. This encompasses spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, and children or grandchildren of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Further comprehensive details about the program will be disclosed closer to its October inauguration.
Ukrainians who hold a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to journey to Canada under these temporary special measures. Following the conclusion of overseas applications under CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members will still retain the option to apply for a temporary resident visa using existing immigration measures to enter Canada.
Once in Canada, temporary residents will have the opportunity to pursue an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, with a particular focus on expediting these applications. Additionally, they will be granted access to settlement services, encompassing language instruction and employment assistance, to facilitate their integration and flourishing in communities nationwide.
The Canadian government is actively collaborating with provincial, territorial, and municipal partners, along with settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to ensure a hospitable environment for Ukrainians seeking refuge in Canada. This recent announcement further underscores Canada’s dedication to supporting those impacted by the Ukrainian crisis and providing them with an opportunity to embark on a new life in Canada.
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