Commencing on October 23, Canada initiates a fresh family reunification channel for Ukrainian temporary residents. This pathway allows Ukrainian temporary residents already residing in Canada to potentially pursue permanent residency by fulfilling the set eligibility criteria, providing promising permanent residency opportunities for Ukrainians in Canada.
The program requires candidates to have one or more family members who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada in order to be eligible. Spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, kids, or grandkids are among the qualifying family members. Because of these familial ties, Ukrainian temporary residents are now able to apply for permanent resident status under the recently created family reunification pathway, which promotes family reunion and offers chances to those who want to make Canada their permanent home.
Permanent residency opportunities for Ukrainians in Canada – It’s eligibility
There are two eligibility groups for the family reunion pathway, each with their own set of requirements. As per the Government of Canada, candidates are required to fulfill specific requirements that are relevant to both groups. Among these prerequisites are:
Presence in Canada: Candidates must be physically present in Canada when they apply for permanent resident status.
Temporary Resident Status: Candidates should have valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of applying. If their status has expired for less than 90 days, they can apply to restore their status.
Identity Documentation: Candidates should possess a valid passport or travel document. If they don’t have one, they must provide supporting identity documents.
Admissibility: Candidates must meet the admissibility requirements to be eligible for permanent residency in Canada.
These conditions are crucial for individuals seeking to reunite with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members and obtain permanent resident status in Canada.
The Ukrainian national, along with their spouse or common-law partner, must present proof of their relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in order to qualify under either of the two eligibility categories. This partnership consists of:
- Sibling (or half-sibling)
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Parent
- Child (regardless of age)
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
Category 1
This candidates are required to be Ukrainian nationals and must submit a signed statutory declaration form (IMM 0191) from their family member residing in Canada, which outlines the details of their relationship to the applicant.
Category 2
Candidates falling under Category 2 are those who are married to or cohabiting with a Ukrainian national who has family in Canada. They must be unable to leave Ukraine with their spouse or partner for reasons such as disability, abduction, death, or suspected death. Furthermore, after leaving Ukraine, qualified candidates under this category are not permitted to get married again or engage into a new common-law partnership. A signed statutory declaration form (IMM 0191) from a member of their spouse’s or partner’s Canadian family that details their relationship is also necessary.
Notably, IRCC has assured that this new pathway will not impact the available slots in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The acceptance of Ukrainians through this pathway is separate from those admitted through the PGP. Families interested in utilizing this pathway have until October 22, 2024, to submit their applications. Unlike other family-class sponsorship programs, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member will not need to provide a financial undertaking.
About CUAET
Between March 2022 and July 2023, Ukrainian citizens fleeing unrest could apply for a visitor visa and a temporary work permit at no cost.
As of September 30, 2023, IRCC had received 1,189,372 applications through CUAET, approved 909,464 applications, and welcomed 185,753 Ukrainians to Canada.
Through the program, Ukrainians were exempted from many of the usual fees for temporary residents such as those for:
- Extending their temporary resident status (visitor record).
- Restoring their status in Canada.
- Applying for or extending study permits.
- Applying for or extending work permits, including open work permits.
- Acquiring temporary resident permits.
- Providing biometrics during the application process.
Canada offered a one-time settlement support fee of $3,000 until June. Starting from July 15, 2023, the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program ceased to accept new applications, but it continues to process existing applications.
Until March 31, 2024, approved Ukrainian applicants who have not yet arrived in Canada can take advantage of these special measures. Beyond this deadline, they will follow the regular application process, including paying standard fees for temporary resident (visitor) visas. They will need to apply for work or study permits upon their arrival in Canada.
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