5 Key Immigration Law Developments for Ukrainians Seeking Refuge in Canada
Published:
March 14, 2022
Author(s):
As part of the Government of Canada’s overall response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking a number of unprecedented measures to assist citizens of Ukraine, including expediting the processing of all immigration applications from Ukraine, and opening new temporary and permanent pathways to Canada. Here are five key Canadian immigration developments for Ukrainian citizens seeking temporary or permanent refuge in Canada – so far. McInnes Cooper is a member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms. Individuals and businesses navigating the Ukrainian crisis can also find valuable resources at Lex Mundi’s Ukraine Crisis Resource Center.
1. Dedicated Service Channels for Immigration Inquiries
IRCC has developed two dedicated service channels to handle Ukraine immigration inquiries:
- Clients in Canada and abroad can call 613-321-4243 – with collect calls accepted – for immediate support.
- Clients can use the IRCC crisis web form; adding the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the crisis web form will prioritize the inquiry.
2. Expedited Visas & Open Work Permits
While IRCC works to finalize the details of other new programs, it is currently expediting the processing of existing and new work, study and visitor visas from Ukrainian citizens applying to come to Canada. This is in addition to a recent announcement that Ukrainian citizens currently in Canada can apply for open work permits: “IRCC will issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely go home.” Canada is also waiving fees for most applications retroactive to February 22, 2022.
3. Dedicated Temporary Visa Program
Canada will create a dedicated temporary visa program for applicants from Ukraine who want to come to Canada temporarily. The program will be called the “Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel” (CUAET). According to IRCC, “there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply.” Normal processing fees will be waived, but Ukrainian nationals will still need to undergo background checks and security screening prior to approval. However, unlike normal temporary visas, stays under this new program can be extended by at least two years.
4. New Family Reunification Permanent Residence Program
Canada will also be implementing a new family reunification permanent residence program for Ukrainian citizens who have immediate and extended family members in Canada and who want to come to Canada permanently. IRCC has yet to finalize and make public the details, but it’s possible this program will operate like a family sponsorship program, allowing Ukrainians with extended and immediate family members in Canada a pathway to be sponsored for permanent residence by their family in Canada. IRCC has said that applicants to this program will be able to apply for open work permits, and be able to work in Canada while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
5. COVID Vaccination Requirements Waived
Canada will waive or modify COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Ukrainian citizens. As IRCC notes, the Canadian government must try to balance the safety of Canadians with its obligation to assist Ukraine. IRCC will impose additional public health measures on unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals approved to enter Canada under the new programs, stating, “[t]he Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has issued a class-based national interest exemption to allow unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals who hold a temporary resident visa or permit to enter Canada. This also applies to people who are vaccinated with vaccines not currently recognized by Canada. These individuals will be subject to all other COVID-19 public health requirements to protect the health of Canadians” such as quarantine and COVID testing prior to coming into Canada.
Please contact your McInnes Cooper lawyer or any member of our Business Immigration Law Team @ McInnes Cooper to discuss how we can help Ukrainian citizens find the best path to refuge in Canada.
McInnes Cooper has prepared this document for information only; it is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult McInnes Cooper about your unique circumstances before acting on this information. McInnes Cooper excludes all liability for anything contained in this document and any use you make of it.
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