Canada Launches Pathway to Reunite Families and Support Ukrainians
Support Ukrainians: On July 15, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced additional support and new pathway for Ukrainians who want to flee Russia and come to Canada and for those who want to stay here permanently with their family. The ongoing, brutal invasion by Russia of Ukraine persists, and Canada continues to support those fleeing violence. In March 2022, Canada introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) which provided temporary safe haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians.
What is IRCC
IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It is the Canadian government department responsible for the administration and management of immigration, refugee, and citizenship matters in Canada. IRCC plays a significant role in facilitating the entry of immigrants and refugees to Canada, ensuring their successful settlement and integration into Canadian society. The department also manages various immigration programs, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Family Sponsorship, and Study Permits, among others. Additionally, IRCC oversees the process of granting Canadian citizenship to eligible permanent residents, fostering a diverse and inclusive nation. Through its policies and programs, IRCC contributes to Canada’s social, economic, and cultural growth while upholding its commitment to humanitarian values and principles.
Qualification for New Pathway
The new pathway announced for Ukrainians will begin on October 23, 2023, and will provide permanent residence to those who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and want to stay in Canada. To qualify, 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 grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. More detailed information will be made available closer to the launch of the program in October.
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.
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.
The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at info@poonahimmigrationlaw.com for further information.
Read More: Humanitarian Parole Under the Uniting for Ukraine Program
