As a devastating conflict between Russia and Ukraine develops, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have taken steps to support people residing in Ukraine. The Global Tracker Conflict has reported more than 50,000 casualties and 1.5 million internally displaced in Ukraine as of February 22nd, 2022. Russian forces continue to advance on Kyviv as opposition grows.
Although the visa application centers (VAC) in Ukraine are closed to the public since February 24th, 2022, Canada has implemented measures to prioritize applications for people with a primary residence in Ukraine:
- Citizenship grants for adoptions
- Permanent residence
- Temporary residence (Study Permit, Work Permit and Travel to reunite with family)
The following new measures were also implemented:
- Add “UKRAINE2022” to IRCC webform to prioritize emails and enquiries.
- A single-journey travel document will be processed urgently for immediate family members of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents who do not have a valid passport.
- Ukrainians who are temporarily in Canada can apply to extend their stay immediately.
- Ukrainians in Canada with a valid job offer can start working while they wait for a decision on their work permit application.
- Ukrainians with a visitor visa, study permit and work permit who cannot return home can apply for an open work permit.
To further support residents of Ukraine, IRCC will waive the government fees for documents such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proof of citizenship, visitor visas, study permits, and work permits.
As for individuals awaiting removal order will be able to remain in Canada until the country stabilizes unless they have been deemed not allowed on the grounds of criminality, international or human rights violations, organized crime or security reasons.
IRCC will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and take the necessary actions to support those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.