Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Sean Fraser revealed the new pathway for Ukrainians affected by the invasion to obtain permanent residence in Canada. Starting from October 23, the program will allow Ukrainian nationals, who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and are currently in Canada with temporary resident status, to apply for permanent residence.
The Canadian government has introduced a new pathway aimed at providing permanent residence for Ukrainian families seeking safety and refuge amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Sean Fraser revealed the new pathway for Ukrainians affected by the invasion to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Starting from October 23, the program will allow Ukrainian nationals, who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and are currently in Canada with temporary resident status, to apply for permanent residence.
To qualify, they must be in Canada with temporary resident status and have family members here, such as spouses, parents, siblings, or children or grandchildren of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The initiative comes as part of Canada’s ongoing support for Ukraine, which was reaffirmed at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The government seeks to offer a lifeline to families that have been torn apart by the conflict, providing them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives together in Canada.
The deadline for Ukrainians holding a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa to travel to Canada under special measures is March 31, 2024.
The government will process applications received before the July 15 deadline for CUAET visa applications.
Temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, with priority given to their applications.
Moreover, they will have access to various settlement services, including language training and employment assistance, to help them integrate into communities across the country successfully.
“As we continue to witness the devastating impact of Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand resolute in our condemnation of this senseless violence,” said Fraser.
“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,” said Fraser.
The CUAET program was launched on March 17, offering Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality the chance to reside in Canada temporarily for up to three years.
Since its inception, the CUAET has provided a temporary haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians.
