Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) measures relating to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine
Following the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory by the Russian Armed Forces, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in the European nation. In the face of Russian aggression, the world has collaborated to offer the government of Ukraine and its citizens assistance of both a military and non-military nature.
In February and March 2022, the Government of Canada announced immigration measures relating to Ukraine to assist those individuals affected by the war. To date, IRCC has put a number of measures in place. These measures include the following:
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
All Ukrainian nationals are eligible to apply for the new “Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel’, which will grant them the ability to come to Canada temporarily. Subject to background checks and security screening, the authorization to remain in Canada could be extended by at least 2 years. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. IRCC aims to have the extended pathway open for applications in 2 weeks from today’s date.
In order to qualify, individuals will need to complete a simple application form and provide biometrics for security and background screening. Equipment and personnel are in place to take biometrics in Warsaw, Vienna and Bucharest, in addition to 30 other locations throughout Europe.
Anyone coming to Canada under these measures will be eligible to apply for an open work permit. Further details regarding these programs are forthcoming.
More Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/03/canada-to-welcome-those-fleeing-the-war-in-ukraine.html#shr-pg0
Travel Documents
IRCC will begin urgently processing new and replacement passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine so they can return to Canada at any time.* This includes accompanying immediate family members.
More Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-travel-document/how-to-apply.html
*See IRCC contact section at page 3 for information on requesting the expediting of this application.
Prioritizing Applications
For people currently living in Ukraine, IRCC has begun prioritizing applications for:
Permanent residence;
Proof of citizenship;
Temporary residence;
Citizenship grants for adoption.
These apply to both new and in-progress applications. See IRCC contact section at page 3 for information on requesting the expediting of this application.
Family Sponsorship Applications
All family-class sponsorships will be automatically reviewed for prioritization. Family Sponsorship applications will be prioritized if the sponsor is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act and the family member being sponsored is:
A Ukrainian national outside Canada; and
Falls under one of the following categories:
A spouse, common-law or conjugal partner; or
A dependent child, including adopted children.
Open Work Permit and Extension of temporary status
All Ukrainians who come to Canada under any of these temporary measures will be able to apply for open work permits. This means they will be able to work for any employer in Canada of their choice. This is in addition to the availability of open work permits for Ukrainians currently in Canada.
Further, Ukrainians who are already in Canada on a valid visitor visa can extend their status as a visitor, student, or worker. If extending their status, a temporary public policy is in place that allows people who get a job offer to stay in Canada and start working while their work permit application is processed.
Suspension of removals
Canada Border Services (CBSA) has implemented an administrative deferral of removals (ADR) for Ukraine. The removal of individuals subject to a removal order to Ukraine will be suspended for the duration of the ADR. The ADR does not apply to individuals being removed on the basis of criminality, international or human rights violations, organized crime, or for security reasons.
More Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/02/additional-immigration-support-for-those-affected-by-the-situation-in-ukraine.html
Single journey travel documents
IRCC has implemented urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents (IMM 5485) for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports and Permanent Resident Travel Documents (PRTD). This is available only to those who have been approved for or currently are Permanent Residents.
More Information: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/where-submit-application.asp?lob=travel-document&country=UA
Waiver of fees
IRCC will waive fees, retroactive to February 22, 2022, for Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits for Ukrainian nationals.
Sign up for email updates
You can sign up at the following link for email updates from IRCC on immigration programs, priority processing and other information on the crisis in Ukraine:
More Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/sign-up.html
Contact IRCC regarding the situation in Ukraine
You can contact IRCC directly by way of a webform at: https://secure.cic.gc.ca/ClientContact/en/Crisis or via telephone at 1-613-321-4243.
You can request the following:
Make changes to an existing application;
Replace a lost, stolen or destroyed document;
Extend your stay or restore your status in Canada; and
Request priority processing of your application.
In the description box, include the term “Ukraine2022”.