Canada Immigration Pathways for Ukrainian Nationals

Special Immigration Measures for Ukrainians in Canada

Canada has demonstrated its unwavering support for Ukrainian nationals affected by the ongoing conflict, implementing special immigration measures designed to facilitate both temporary and permanent residency. These initiatives prioritize the processing of applications and offer dedicated pathways for Ukrainians seeking safety and a new beginning in Canada. Samakav Immigration Corp is here to guide you through these specific programs, ensuring your application is handled with expertise and care.

The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has introduced a suite of measures, including new permanent residence pathways for those already in Canada with Canadian family connections, priority processing for emergency travel authorizations, enhanced newcomer services, and fee waivers for various immigration documents.

Key Benefits and Features of Canada's Support

Canada's special measures for Ukrainians offer significant advantages, making the immigration process more accessible and supportive:

• Dedicated Permanent Residence Pathways: Two new streams for Ukrainians in Canada with family ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Priority Application Processing: Expedited handling of Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) applications and other immigration documents.
• Fee Waivers: Elimination of fees for many travel and immigration documents, including passports, permanent resident travel documents, visitor visas, and work/study permits.
• Enhanced Settlement Services: Access to a wide range of support services upon arrival, such as language training, orientation to Canadian life, assistance with school registration, and job market integration.
• Open Work Permits: Provision of open work permits for Ukrainian visitors, workers, and students already in Canada, allowing them to work while their applications are processed.
• Urgent Travel Document Processing: Expedited issuance of travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Provincial Support: Several provinces and territories have implemented their own measures, offering priority processing, fee waivers, and dedicated support portals for Ukrainian newcomers.

Permanent Residence Pathways: Your Path to Canada

IRCC has established two distinct family sponsorship streams for Ukrainian nationals currently residing in Canada. These streams became effective on October 23, 2023, offering a clear route to permanent residency.

Category 1: For those with a family member in Canada

This stream is designed for Ukrainian nationals who have a direct family connection to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Eligibility for the Applicant:
  • Must be a Ukrainian national.
  • Must be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (spouse/common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling/half-sibling).
  • Must be in Canada when applying and when permanent residence is granted.
  • Must hold valid temporary resident status or have applied to restore status within 90 days of expiry.
  • Must possess a valid passport or provide supporting identity documents.
  • Must provide a signed statutory declaration (IMM 0191) from their Canadian family member.
  • Must be admissible to Canada.
• Eligibility for the Canadian Family Member:
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must currently reside in Canada.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must not have been granted permanent residence themselves under this specific policy.

Category 2: For spouses or common-law partners of Ukrainian nationals with Canadian family

This stream supports individuals whose Ukrainian spouse or common-law partner is unable to join them due to the conflict, but who themselves have a family connection to Canada.

• Eligibility for the Applicant:
  • Must be the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national who is unable to leave Ukraine, is missing, or is presumed deceased.
  • Must also be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (spouse/common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling/half-sibling).
  • Must be in Canada when applying and when permanent residence is granted.
  • Must not have re-married or entered a new common-law relationship since leaving Ukraine.
  • Must hold valid temporary resident status or have applied to restore status within 90 days of expiry.
  • Must possess a valid passport or provide supporting identity documents.
  • Must provide a signed statutory declaration (IMM 0191) from their spouse's/partner's Canadian family member.
  • Must be admissible to Canada.
• Eligibility for the Canadian Family Member:
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must currently reside in Canada.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must not have been granted permanent residence themselves under this specific policy.

Who Cannot Apply?

Individuals are generally not eligible for permanent residence under these specific measures if they are outside of Canada, are inadmissible to Canada (though financial inadmissibility requirements can be waived), or if their relationship to the Canadian family member is not explicitly listed in the categories above.

Including Your Family Members

Eligible family members can be included in your permanent residence application, provided they meet all medical, criminal, and security requirements. This includes your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children (under 22, or older dependents due to a medical/physical condition), and grandchildren. Family members can be in or outside Canada but must be listed in the initial application, even if they are not immigrating immediately. Failure to include them initially may prevent future sponsorship.

How Samakav Immigration Corp Can Help

Navigating Canada's special immigration measures for Ukrainians can be complex, with specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. As a regulated Canadian immigration consulting firm (RCIC-IRB R523726), Samakav Immigration Corp provides expert guidance and support throughout your application process. We will assess your eligibility, help you gather the necessary documents, and ensure your application is complete and accurate, maximizing your chances of success.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Canadian Future

If you are a Ukrainian national in Canada with family ties, or if you believe you qualify under these special measures, don't navigate the process alone. Contact Samakav Immigration Corp today for a personalized assessment and professional assistance. Let us help you secure your permanent residence in Canada.