Amidst the fighting in Ukraine, Canada has put new measures in place to help people affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine, including:
- urgently processing new and replacement passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine, so they can return to Canada at any time
- prioritizing applications from people who currently live in Ukraine for permanent residence, proof of citizenship, temporary residence, and citizenship grant for adoption
- granting exemptions for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals to enter Canada
Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser also announced new immigration measures for Ukrainians to come to Canada.
There will also be a Canada-Ukraine authorization for the emergency travel stream. There will be no limit of applications accepted under this stream, with the intention to start welcoming as many Ukrainians as possible. Most requirements are waived, and the stream will require a simple application form and biometrics. Those who come under this stream will be eligible for open work or study permits and the application fees will be waived.
There will also be an expedited path to permanent residency for Ukrainians seeking to reunite with family already in Canada under a new sponsorship program.
No specific instructions on the streams have yet been released, but details are coming soon. Keep up to date of any changes by following our social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
What the provinces have been doing
Individual provinces have also been offering help to Ukrainians.
In direct response to the crisis in Ukraine, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has invited candidates whose current country of residence is Ukraine to apply for permanent residency.
The province of Quebec has said there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians that Quebec is ready to receive, and Newfoundland and Labrador have pledged that Ukrainians will be welcomed with open arms.
Several other provinces have held rallies in solidarity, raised funds, and accepted donations for the people of Ukraine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced that the federal government would be matching Canadians’ donations to the Red Cross in aid of Ukraine up to a maximum of $30 million.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Ukraine
For now, the Government of Canada has advised Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently in Ukraine to shelter in place unless it is safe to leave the country.
If you are in Ukraine and need consular assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre by:
Telephone: +1 613-996-8885
Email: sos@international.gc.ca
SMS: +1 613-686-3658
WhatsApp: 613-909-8881
Check border restrictions for information about entering Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania or Slovakia from Ukraine. Canadian officials in neighbouring countries are working tirelessly with international partners to help ensure unhindered passage of Canadians and Permanent Residents of Canada wishing to leave Ukraine.
About Us
Canadian Visa Specialists is a professional and ethical organisation that was established to provide prompt and professional assistance to people throughout the world who wish to migrate to Canada. We have been helping people come to Canada for twenty years, and we can help you with personal or corporate migration to Canada.
Contact us at info@canadianvisaspecialists.com. Visit our website at www.canadianvisaspecialists.com. You can also follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
