Canada, known for its welcoming and diverse society, has become an increasingly popular destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. This includes Ukrainians seeking refuge from the Russian invasion.
Canada has been among the leading humanitarian champions for Ukrainians, helping with specialized programs like the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel , allowing extended stays for Ukrainian refugees of the war.
Canada also operates a Permanent Residency Program for Ukrainians, which opens new doors to a range of benefits, including access to healthcare and education and the chance to establish a stable and prosperous future in the country.
Permanent residency for Ukrainian Nationals
The permanent residency program for Ukrainians is a special, temporary public policy aimed at helping Ukrainians with family in Canada by making them eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Am I eligible?
Two categories of family members are eligible under this program:
Category 1: A family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada
To be eligible for this category, you must:
- Be a Ukrainian national
- Be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, including their:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Child
- Grandchild
- Grandparent
- Sibling
- Be in Canada when submitting your application or when you're granted permanent residence.
- Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada
- Hold valid passports and travel documents
- Have a signed statutory declaration form from your family member in Canada explaining your relation.
Additionally, your Canadian family member must live in Canada, be 18 or older, and not have been granted permanent residency under this same pathway.
Category 2: Spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national who has family in Canada
To be eligible for this category, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national.
- Your spouse or partner must:
- Be unable to leave Ukraine, be missing, have passed away, or have presumed to have passed way
- Be the family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, including their:
- child (regardless of age)
- grandchild
- parent
- grandparent, or
- sibling (or half-sibling)
- You must:
- Be in Canada when:
- submitting your application
- you're granted permanent residence
- Not be remarried or in a common-law relationship with another person since leaving Ukraine
- Have valid temporary resident status in Canada
- Hold a passport or travel document
- Provide a signed statutory declaration form from your spouse or partner's family member in Canada explaining your relationship to them and
- Be admissible in Canada
- Be in Canada when:
What if I don't meet the financial requirements to be admissible in Canada?
Given the situation in Ukraine, the Canadian government operates with relaxed conditions for potential permanent residency applicants from Ukraine. This includes accepting applications even if they would normally be inadmissible for financial reasons.
Can you include other family members to immigrate along with you?
Yes, you can include certain family members as long as they satisfy the medical, criminal and security requirements.
Eligible family members you can include in your application are:
- your spouse or common-law partner
- your dependent child or
- your grandchild
These members can be in or outside Canada during the application process. It is a good idea to list them in your application even if they won't be immigrating with you, as it allows you to sponsor them at a later date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada's Permanent Residency Program presents a golden opportunity for Ukrainians seeking a fresh start and a brighter future.
Acquiring permanent residency in Canada is not just a legal status; it's a gateway to a host of benefits that significantly enhance the quality of life for Ukrainians, from access to world-class healthcare and education to a vibrant job market and social safety nets.
Canada and its multicultural society are welcoming homes for Ukrainians looking to contribute to and enrich the nation's diversity.
