Canada is expected to end applications Saturday for temporary emergency visas offered to Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression, but the government has not announced whether it plans to offer long-term refuge.
Canada introduced the emergency visa after Russia invaded Ukraine last year as millions fled the beleaguered country.
The visa is available for an unlimited number of Ukrainians and allows them to work and study in Canada for three years while they determine their next steps. Those who came to Canada using the emergency visa do not receive refugee status in Canada and are instead considered temporary residents.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser extended the program in March as the war entered its second year. The extended application period ends on July 15.
More than 1.1 million people have applied and more than 800,000 visas have been approved as of July 1, although only about 21% of visa holders have actually come to Canada.
Ukrainians who have already obtained the visa will still be able to come to Canada until the end of March 2024.
The government has extended settlement services that are usually reserved for refugees and other permanent residents to Ukrainians on emergency visas, and these services will continue to be offered until the end of March 2025.
“We are waiting to hear what the government will decide on the new parameters from July 16 for the arrival of Ukrainians in Canada,” said Ihor Michalchyshyn, director general of the Congress of Ukrainian Canadians.
“Even though there are a very large number of people who have applied – over a million people have applied so far – there are still potentially some who have not or whose situation may change and who may need temporary shelter. »
Looking for a long term solution
Last month, the immigration minister said Ukrainians could apply through traditional immigration channels while the government considers the best long-term plan.
Congress urged the government to find ways to keep people coming to work in Canada until the end of the war.
“Our view is that there should be open work permits for anyone who continues to apply to come to Canada, as well as service and language supports,” Michalchyshyn said.
He also asked the government to continue prioritizing Ukraine’s requests to speed up bringing people to safety.
More than 6.3 million Ukrainian refugees have been registered by the UN Refugee Agency, and more than five million are believed to be displaced within Ukraine itself.
Mr. Michalchyshyn said the war is not over and is unlikely to end soon; so it’s important, he says, to give people some certainty about their options.
“No one knows how long the war will last and how long people will watch this situation to see if they can go home or not,” he said.
“We look forward to clarity, as it will help people make choices and decisions. »
Family reunification
The federal government has also promised to offer permanent residency to Ukrainians with family ties to Canada. Fraser said last month that the program would launch soon, but has yet to make an announcement.
“We hope and wait and have waited a long time for the federal government to talk about a family reunification pathway. We look forward to hearing more as there have been people who have brought their parents and siblings,” Mr Michalchyshyn said.
People who are already in Canada on an emergency visa will have until March 31, 2024 to apply to extend or change their temporary status in the country.