A long-awaited program designed to help Ukrainians fleeing violence and war apply for permanent residency in Canada will officially launch this fall, the federal government announced on Saturday amid voices raising the issue , which exactly to expect from those who wish to participate.
In a statement, Immigration Secretary Sean Fraser said Ukrainians who fled the fighting and want to stay in Canada can apply for permanent residency from October 23.
Provided, however, that they already have temporary resident status and at least one family member is in Canada. Eligible Parents include spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, and children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
As we continue to witness the devastating effects of the illegal invasion [président russe Vladimir Poutine]”We remain committed to condemning this senseless violence,” Fraser said in the statement.
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Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser (file photo)
Photo: Portal/BLAIR GABLE
We continue to offer unwavering support and a lifeline to families separated by this conflict, including through this family reunification pathway that will help Ukrainian families stay together as they rebuild their lives in their new communities in Canada.
The announcement came at the same time as the official end of another program that offered temporary emergency visas to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
Ukrainians and their family members can still apply to enter Canada on temporary resident visas, but must do so using existing immigration measures.
The federal government said it will continue to process emergency foreign visa applications received by the July 15 deadline free of charge. Mr. Fraser had renewed the program in March as the war entered its second year.
The emergency visa was available to an unlimited number of Ukrainians, allowing them to work and study in Canada for three years as temporary residents rather than refugees.
Immigration Secretary Sean Fraser said Ukrainians with visas have until March 31, 2024 to travel to Canada under the temporary special measures.
More than 1.1 million people have applied and as of July 1, at least 800,000 visas have been approved, although only about 166,000 Ukrainians, or 21% of visa holders, have actually come to Canada.
Families eligible for Ottawa’s new path to permanent residency have until October 22, 2024 to submit an application.
A lot of questions
Director-General of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress Ihor Michalchyshyn said many details about the trail and its eligibility requirements are not yet known. He said he wrote to immigration officials asking for clarification.
There are many questions for the Ukrainian population watching these programs, Michalchyshyn said.
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Director General of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress Ihor Michalchyshyn (file photo)
Photo: Radio Canada
Canadians have been very hospitable and very generous given the circumstances, and we hope it stays that way. We know this is invaluable for people getting out of a war zone quickly.
The Department of Immigration said more detailed information, including how to submit an application, will be made available shortly before the program launches in the fall.
He added that the process will not affect the number of places available under the Parents and Grandparents Program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to assist their parents and grandparents in immigrating to Canada. Ukrainians admitted under the new program will be considered in addition to any family members moving to Canada under the existing program.
The UN refugee agency estimates that more than 6.3 million refugees have fled Ukraine and more than five million are believed to have been displaced within Ukraine itself.
Mr Michalchyshyn said the uncertainty surrounding long-term residency has added to the struggle that Ukrainians fleeing the war continue to face.
“The war has put them in a situation where they don’t know how long they’re going to be away from home and how long they’re going to stay in Canada and what the next steps are,” he continued.