Information for Ukrainians coming to Canada - Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association

Immigration programs and resources

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) allows all Ukrainian nationals and their family members to apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada and remain in Canada up to 3 years from the time of entry. Here is the link to apply for the CUAET (Online only). Note: prospective CUAET applicants need to sign in to their GCKey account or create a new account. Here is the link to create an account.

The Fasken law firm has created a step-by-step guide for applying under the CUAET program in English, Ukrainian and Russian languages. There are also video tutorials about how to apply under the CUAET program, in English and in Ukrainian.

The Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association has created a series of webinars, in which Canadian immigration lawyers discuss various Canadian immigration programs and answer frequently asked questions. For all webinar recordings, see this link.

The Canadian Bar Association has compiled a list of lawyers who may provide pro bono assistance to Ukrainians.

Jobs

The CUAET allows Ukrainian visa applicants to apply for a free open work permit, which would allow displaced Ukrainians and their family members to be able to work in Canada. Additionally, Ukrainian nationals who are already in Canada or who arrive in Canada on a visa other than the CUAET visitor visa but are eligible for the CUAET visitor visa can apply for this open work permit online.

The federal government has also launched a Jobs for Ukraine website, which Ukrainians in Canada can use to search for jobs if they wish to work.

Settlement Support

The Canadian federal government has announced that Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the CUAET. Key services that are available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities in Canada include: language training; information about, and orientation to, life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school; information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training; activities that promote connections with communities; assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies; services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons; and other settlement supports available through the settlement program.

Find out how to prepare for your journey to Canada, what you can expect when you arrive at this link.

The following information is available to Ukrainians arriving in different provinces:

• Alberta’s government is prioritizing the assessment of applications for permanent residency made by Ukrainian nationals. For more information and additional measures visit here.

• British Columbia launched a website Welcoming Ukraine to help Ukrainians who have come to the province in search of safety.

• Manitoba established a reception centre for Ukrainians and offers continuous support for the new arrivals. Read more here.

• New Brunswick supports for Ukraine are described here.

• Newfoundland and Labrador launched a registration process for Ukrainians arriving in the province and are offering information in both English and Ukrainian on their government website.

• The Province of Nova Scotia had partnered with the YMCA to provide more support for Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Nova Scotia. For a full list of support measures in English and Ukrainian visit here.

• The Ontario government has announced support programs for Ukrainians in Ontario. The full list of immigration measures and settlement support offered by Ontario for Ukrainians can be found here. If you are new to Ontario, you can find answers to common questions in Ukrainian on these websites: Settlement.org, Dopomoha.ca, cuias.org

• The Government of Prince Edward Island is offering support through Immigrant & Refugee Services Association. For more details click here.

• The Province of Quebec has launched a dedicated telephone line and email to inform and guide Ukrainians arriving in the province. Welcoming Ukrainians to Quebec page can be accessed here.

• The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to welcoming an unlimited number of individuals and families who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Read more here.

• Yukon offers a family support desk, which provides help and resources for people impacted by the ongoing situation in Ukraine. To learn more, see here.

• To get more information about settlement in the Northwest Territories, visit their government website here.

• For programs and services in Nunavut, visit their government website here .

For immigration related questions or to find a Ukrainian lawyer in your province, please visit our membership directory or contact us at:

The Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association at help@ucbanational.com

Compiled by Olha Senyshyn, UCBA Executive, Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Assistance Committee.