Extending its heartfelt support to Ukrainians fleeing violence that has ensued post the Russian invasion of the country, Canada has declared a new pathway for Ukrainian citizens who want to stay in Canada. This decision of opening a new pathway for permanent residence for Ukrainians was confirmed at the recently held NATO Summit at Vilnius, Lithuania, by the Immigration Minister, Mr. Sean Fraser. The Canadian government has been working closely with provincial, municipal, and territorial partners, and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians, and formulate easy pathways for them to acquire permanent residence. .
Beginning from the 23rd of October, 2023, this new pathway will serve as a direct route for permanent residence to those who have fled the brutal invasion of Russia, and want to live in Canada. However, in order to qualify under the provisions of this new policy, Ukrainian citizens must hold a temporary resident status in Canada or have at least a family member or two living in Canada, to be eligible to apply for permanent residence. People who are eligible to apply include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, siblings, children, or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen.
This new pathway to acquiring Canada permanent residence will not require any financial undertaking on behalf of the families. The applications are open till 22nd October, 2024. Additionally, the Parents and Grandparents program quota, according to the immigration levels plan of 2023-2025, will also stand unaffected by this new Canadian policy for permanent residence for Ukrainians.
CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) has now been closed.
The Canada-Ukraine authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), which refers to a specially-designed fast track program enabling Ukrainians to freely enter Canada, has come to an end on the 15th of July, 2023. However, the good news for Ukrainians is that those still in possession of a CUAET will be authorized to come to Canada until the 31st of March, 2024, under temporary exceptional measures undertaken by the Canadian government.
Ever since its launching in March 2022, a total of 166,000 Ukrainian refugees were allowed to enter Canada temporarily, under the provisions of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
Additionally, Ukrainian applicants seeking to apply as fresh candidates are eligible to apply for a temporary residence visa to enter Canada via several immigration/visa programs.
After entering Canada, these temporary residents will also have access to employment assistance and language training, in addition to the opportunity to seek an extended stay for 3 years via several open work permits and study permits.
Number of applications received under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
A total of 1,100,403 applications were received from temporary residents between March 17th, 2022, to July 1, 2023. Out of these applications, around 793,804 applications have been approved as of 11th of July, 2023.