Ukrainian refugees are offered temporary settlement support in Canada
Ukrainian refugees are not recognized as refugees by the Government of Canada according to the recent announcement made by the Minister of Immigration. The Government explicitly states in the News Release of March 30, 2022, that the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) is a temporary residence pathway and is not a refugee stream. Instead, the Government has offered temporary settlement support only.
Those wishing to immigrate to Canada permanently can apply for permanent residence must apply as any other immigrant. Exception may be made only for those who have relatives in Canada because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is also developing a special permanent residence stream for family reunification. However, no details have been published yet. Please feel free to contact our office if you wish to receive updates about this new family reunification program for Ukrainian Refugees.
What is being offered by the Government of Canada?
Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will soon be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). Key services that will be available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities include:
- language training
- help with enrolling children in school
- services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training
Free settlement services
You can find free newcomer services near you at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp
Anticipated number of Ukrainian refugees
As of March 31, 2022, IRCC has received over 80,000 CUAET applications. Data on this page is approximate and subject to change: Key figures are updated weekly.
Arrived in Canada by land: 3,483
Arrived in Canada by air: 8,344
Applications received: 80,613
Applications approved: 9,647
Translation Services at international airports
Starting early April 2022, the Canadian Red Cross, in support of the Government of Canada, will provide arrival services at the Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver international airports. This support includes providing translation services, as well as information in their language of choice to help connect Ukrainian refugees with government and community services, including:
- a list of critical services (such as crisis lines and mental health centres)
- tips on how to settle in their community, including instructions on how to get a social insurance number, health card, and driver’s licence, as well as how to register for job opportunities through Job Bank
- contact information for settlement agencies
- information on available settlement services, including provincial services and supports for temporary foreign workers, such as language assessment, settlement supports and registration of children in schools
Biometrics exemption
IRCC is also exempting certain individuals who are low-risk from providing biometrics on a case-by-case basis at the decision maker’s discretion. Biometrics are currently a requirement before arrival in Canada for the majority of Ukrainian nationals.
