On July 15, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new pathway for Ukrainians to help keep families together.
Starting October 23, 2023, this new pathway will provide permanent residence to those who have fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and want to stay in Canada.
- To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with temporary resident status and have one or more family members in Canada.
- Those who are eligible include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings and children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
What to Expect
- Ukrainians holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the temporary special measures.
- Following the end of overseas applications under CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada, under pre-existing immigration measures.
- Once in Canada, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, all of which will be prioritized.
- They will also have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment services. These measures will help them thrive in communities across the country.
Background
Since its launch in March 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) has provided temporary safe haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
More detailed information will be made available closer to the launch of the program in October.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.