Since the onset of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program in March 2022, over 300,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Canada amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This program allowed Ukrainian citizens to enter Canada temporarily, providing them with emergency visas valid for up to three years. As these visas near expiration, many Ukrainians in Canada now face an uncertain future in the country they’ve come to call home.
The Upcoming Visa Expiration and Government Response
With the initial three-year visas set to expire, concerns are rising among the Ukrainian community in Canada about their status. Many Ukrainians are unsure about their next steps, with some fearing they could be forced to leave Canada and return to a war-torn country.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has clarified that Ukrainians who wish to stay in Canada beyond the expiration of their emergency visas must apply for an extension to their work permits or student visas. However, Minister Miller has been clear that while he does not intend to send individuals back to Ukraine, he is not yet ready to offer permanent residency to the entire cohort of 300,000 individuals who arrived under the program.
This announcement has left many wondering what their future holds in Canada, as the decision about permanent residency looms large.
The Call for Automatic Extensions
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has been actively advocating for an automatic extension of the emergency visas for those affected. Ihor Michalchyshyn, Executive Director of the UCC, has met with Minister Miller to request that the government automatically renew the visas for another three years, arguing that many Ukrainians in Canada have settled into their new lives and would benefit from continued protection.
Some provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, have expressed their support for this initiative, suggesting that the emergency visas should be extended until March 31, 2028. The local government’s support highlights the widespread recognition of the difficulties facing Ukrainians, who may face significant challenges in navigating the bureaucratic process to secure extensions or new permits.
The Uncertainty for Ukrainians in Canada
For the 300,000 Ukrainians currently in Canada under emergency visas, the prospect of having to apply for extensions or risk returning to Ukraine is creating significant anxiety. Many of these individuals have started new jobs, enrolled in educational programs, and become integrated into Canadian communities. The uncertainty surrounding their legal status puts them in a precarious position, potentially disrupting their lives in Canada.
In addition, questions remain about the criteria for permanent residency. With Minister Miller’s reluctance to grant permanent status to all those who arrived under the emergency program, many are left wondering what the path forward will be. Without clear guidance, some fear that the bureaucracy and long wait times for immigration applications could leave them in limbo.
Conclusion
As the expiration date for the emergency visas approaches, Ukrainians in Canada find themselves at a crossroads. While the government has indicated it will not force anyone to return to Ukraine, the uncertainty surrounding visa extensions and permanent residency is creating significant stress among this vulnerable group.
The call for automatic visa extensions is gaining traction, with provincial governments and advocacy groups supporting this initiative to provide Ukrainians with continued stability. However, the decision on permanent residency remains unclear, leaving many to navigate a complex and uncertain immigration process in the months ahead.
For those who have settled in Canada, the next steps in their journey are anything but clear, but the hope is that the Canadian government will find a solution that continues to offer safety and support to those who fled the war in Ukraine.
For personalized advice or assistance with your application, contact Visaserve Immigration Law PC at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266.
