A new immigration program was launched by the federal government for Ukrainians fleeing their embattled country, allowing those in Canada with family to receive permanent status.
Recently the Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says, that they hope to continue to extend solid support and a lifeline to families separated by this struggle, through this family reunification pathway which will help Ukrainian families stay together as they rebuild their lives in their new communities in Canada.
Entitlement will be prolonged to Ukrainians residing in Canada with temporary status and with one or multiple family members in Canada.
The government said, when the program launches in Oct. 23,2023, more details will be released. The program will have no cost involved to it and will be in place for one year.
For three years Ukrainians were able to come to Canada to live and work, under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET), which was launched in March 2022. They furthered from a variety of procedures which helped to speed up the visa process, including waived fees and prioritized processing
Through a special visa program, around 166,000 Ukrainians have come to Canada, about 21% of the 800,00 emergency visas granted, from around 1.1 million applications, according to the government.
The head of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress mentioned the details to come would be key to their response to the program. However, his association is targeting for more possibilities for Ukrainians coming to Canada.
Ihor Michalchyshyn, the UCC’s CEO says, we’re just asking for lots of flexibility on the alleyways for individuals as they make their way through what is a very indeterminate situation and we have to keep choices open for individuals since the war has not ended.
Once in Canada, the government release said, through study permits and open work permits, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years, which will be prioritized. They will also be entitled to settlement services, such as employment services and language training. These procedures will help them to succeed in communities across the country.
According to government records, there are over 1.4 million individuals of Ukrainians decent, Canada has the largest movement of Ukrainians outside of Ukraine and Russia.
Quicker Ukraine wins the war; the quicker harmony and regularity resume and this immense refugee calamity will come to an end.
