New immigration streams for Ukrainians

New immigration streams for Ukrainians have been announced by the Government of Canada. In the News Release of March 3, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made the following statements:

Temporary residents:

For Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily, we will create a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available for individuals fleeing Ukraine. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements. All Ukrainian nationals will be able to apply through this new path, and, pending background check and security screening, their stay in Canada could be extended by at least 2 years. We aim to have the extended pathway open for applications in 2 weeks, and, in the interim, we continue to encourage Ukrainians to apply through all programs, and their applications will be prioritized.

Special family reunification sponsorship pathway:

We recognize that some immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may want to start a new life in Canada. For these families, IRCC will quickly implement a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence. We will develop the details of this program in the coming weeks, including by working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Open work permits:

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. As previously announced, IRCC will issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely go home.

When?

More information on these new temporary and permanent residence programs, including processing times, will be available in the coming days and weeks. 

Exemption for the unvaccinated

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has issued a class-based national interest exemption to allow unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals who hold a temporary resident visa or permit to enter Canada. This also applies to people who are vaccinated with vaccines not currently recognized by Canada. These individuals will be subject to all other public health requirements to protect the health of Canadians. We have a responsibility to protect the safety and security of Canadians and the Ukrainians that are already here.

For more detailed information on these special measures for Ukrainian citizens, please feel free to contact our office or complete our online assessment questionnaire:  On-line Assessment Questionnaire