In a significant development announced on Saturday, the Canadian government revealed its plans to introduce a fresh and exclusive pathway in October, allowing Ukrainians residing in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
Commencing from October 23, 2023, this novel initiative will extend its benefits to Ukrainians currently holding temporary resident status in Canada, provided they have at least one family member already residing in the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has assured that more comprehensive information will be disclosed in the months leading up to the program’s launch.
Under this new pathway, Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, as well as children or grandchildren of Canadian citizens or permanent residents will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. IRCC recognizes the significance of family ties in promoting integration and fostering a sense of belonging within the Ukrainian community.
Ukrainians who possess a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa will be granted until March 31, 2024, to make their journey to Canada under the temporary special measures implemented by the Canadian government. While accepting new applications for the CUAET concluded on July 15, Ukrainian individuals and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
Upon their arrival in Canada with a TRV, Ukrainians and their families will have the opportunity to extend their stay for up to three years through study permits and open work permits, which will be given priority by IRCC. Furthermore, they will gain access to a range of settlement services, including language training and employment support, aimed at facilitating their successful integration into Canadian society.
Since its introduction in March 2022, the CUAET has enabled an impressive number of over 166,000 Ukrainians to relocate to Canada, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the Ukrainian community.
This new pathway signifies an exceptional opportunity for Ukrainians in Canada to establish a solid foundation for their future, fostering stability, growth, and enhanced opportunities for themselves and their families within the welcoming borders of Canada.