Canada immigration news: Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Ukrainians fleeing their homeland will be able to come to Canada in unlimited numbers starting in two weeks under a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway.
“I am inspired by the courage Ukrainians have displayed as they uphold the democratic ideals that we cherish in Canada,” says Fraser.
“While they defend themselves against Putin’s costly war of aggression, we will provide safe haven to those who fled to protect themselves and their families. Canadians stand with Ukrainians in their time of need and we will welcome them with open arms.”
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Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on the neighbouring country of Ukraine and quickly invaded only last week, on Feb. 24.
Within hours of the declaration of war, gunfire and explosions rang out in Kyiv, a city of three million people, in what is the biggest assault on a European state since the Second World War.
Russian forces had taken control of the Ukrainian city of Kherson in the south by Thursday and residents in Mariupol were then under siege, trapped by intense shelling.
By Thursday this week, more than 6,100 Ukrainians had arrived in Canada since the start of the year. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the vast numbers looking to flee the war-torn country.
“In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries,” tweeted Filippo Grandhi, the United Nations’ high commissioner for refugees, on Wednesday.
Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, Ukrainians will be able to come to Canada, pending background checks and security screenings, and stay for at least two years, including extensions to that permit.
All Ukrainians who come to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits, making it easier for employers to quickly hire Ukrainian nationals.
Until that pathway comes into effect, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is encouraging Ukrainians to apply through all programs and reassuring them that theirs will be the first ones processed.
Canadian immigration announced last month that Ukrainians already in Canada on a temporary basis are now able to apply to extend their status as a visitor, student or worker.
Among the new immigration measures announced since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war are:
Canadian immigration officials have also upped their game in the Ukraine, relocating staff and moving additional supplies and equipment, such as mobile biometric collection kits, in anticipation of an increased volume of requests.
The IRCC has also adjusted operations in offices across its global network to ensure service continuity for the Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications.
The IRCC is also planning to soon put in place a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence for the immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may want to start a new life in Canada.
Ottawa is working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to hammer out the details of that program and expects to unveil it in a few weeks.
“To the people of Ukraine, you have inspired the world with your courage and resilience, and Canada is here to support you,” the IRCC states on its website. “We are actively working to launch these measures and stand ready to welcome more Ukrainians to Canada.”
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