The Canadian Government has launched a new pathway for Ukrainians starting from October 23, 2023, which will provide permanent residence to those who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and want to stay in the country.
This is to further confirmed Canada’s additional support for Ukraine during the NATO Summit in Lithuania, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Sean Fraser, announced Saturday a new pathway for Ukrainians to help keep families together.
According to the statement released by the Minister stated further that as Russia’s ongoing, brutal invasion of Ukraine persists, Canada continues to adapt its response to help those fleeing violence.
“Since its launch in March 2022, the Canada- Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) has provided temporary safe haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians.
“Now, we are introducing ongoing support for those who want to come to Canada, and for those who want to stay here permanently with their family”, the Minister added.
While to qualify, Fraser made it known that 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 grand children of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident” he said.
Moreover, 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.
The Minister said further that 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”.
He noted that Canada’s govt will continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian- Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians.
According to Fraser, “As we continue to witness the devastating impact of Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand resolute in our condemnation of this senseless violence.
“We continue to extend 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.
“This continued support builds on our steadfast commitment to help Ukrainians find a safe haven and provide them with the assistance they need”, the Honorable Minister said.