(https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/03/canada-to-welcome-those-fleeing-the-war-in-ukraine.html)

Our team at Direct to Canada Immigration Inc. specializes in assisting individuals efficiently immigrate to Canada. As part of the Government of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily or permanently. For Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily, IRCC is creating a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available for individuals fleeing Ukraine. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements. All Ukrainian nationals will be able to apply through this new path, and, pending background check and security screening, their stay in Canada could be extended by at least 2 years. IRCC aims to have the extended pathway open for applications in 2 weeks, and, in the interim, Ukrainians are encouraged to apply through all programs, and their applications will be prioritized for:

-          Permanent residence

-          Proof of citizenship

-          Temporary residence

-          Citizenship grant for adoption

Some immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may want to start a new life in Canada. For these families, IRCC will quickly implement a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence. IRCC is working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to develop the details of this program in the coming weeks.

Note:

All Ukrainians who come to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits, making it easier for employers to quickly hire Ukrainian nationals. IRCC will issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely go home. This policy allows temporary residents who receive a job offer to remain in Canada and start working while they wait for their work permit application to be processed. IRCC is prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, so Ukrainians currently in Canada can extend their stay in Canada.

IRCC is prioritizing and urgently processing travel documents for Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members who do not have valid passports. Many of these documents are issued within 24 hours.

IRC continues to prioritize citizenship grant applications for adoption, and permanent and temporary residence applications for people with a primary residence in Ukraine who want to reunite or travel with family, study, work or start a new life in Canada.

Immediate Family in Ukraine

IRCC will prioritize a family sponsorship application if

-          You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act

-          The family member you are sponsoring is

o   A Ukrainian national outside Canada and

o   One of the following family members:

§  Your spouse or common-law or conjugal partner

§  Your dependent child (including adopted children)

Our team at Direct to Canada Immigration Canada is ready to support Ukrainians in their time of need. Please contact us to assist with anything mentioned above.