Canada’s temporary visa program for Ukrainians fleeing war set to expire – National | 24CA News
Canada is anticipated to shut purposes for momentary emergency visas provided to Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression Saturday – however hasn’t introduced whether or not it plans to supply long-term refuge.
Canada launched the emergency visa after the Russian invasion of Ukraine final yr as tens of millions of individuals fled the embattled nation.
The visa is out there to an infinite variety of Ukrainians and permits them to work and examine in Canada for 3 years whereas they work out their subsequent steps. Those who’ve come to Canada utilizing the emergency visa aren’t given refugee standing in Canada, and as an alternative are thought-about momentary residents.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser prolonged this system in March because the warfare stretched into its second yr. The prolonged software interval ends July 15.
More than 1.1 million individuals have utilized and extra 800,000 visas have been authorised as of July 1, although solely about 21 per cent of the visa holders have truly come to Canada.
Ukrainians who’ve already been granted the visa will nonetheless be capable to come to Canada till the top of March 2024.
The authorities prolonged settlement providers which can be usually reserved for refugees and different everlasting residents to Ukrainians with an emergency visa, and people providers will nonetheless be provided till the top of March 2025.
“We are waiting to hear what the government decides will be the new, July 16 and onward parameters for Ukrainians to come to Canada,” mentioned Ukrainian Canadian Congress govt director Ihor Michalchyshyn.
“Even though there’s a very large number of people who have applied _ over a million people have applied thus far _ there’s still potentially some that haven’t or whose situation may change and might need a temporary refuge.”
Last month, the immigration minister mentioned Ukrainians might apply via conventional immigration streams whereas the federal government considers one of the best long-term plan.
The congress has urged the federal government to seek out methods for individuals to proceed to come back to Canada to work whereas they wait out the warfare.
“Our view is that there should be open work permits for anybody who continues to apply to come to Canada, as well as some supports in terms of services and language,” Michalchyshyn mentioned.
He has additionally requested the federal government to proceed to prioritize purposes from Ukraine to hasten individuals to security.
More than 6.3 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded by the United Nations Refugee Agency, and greater than 5 million are estimated to be displaced inside Ukraine itself.
Michalchyshyn mentioned the warfare is just not over and is unlikely to finish quickly, so it’s necessary to present individuals some certainty about their choices.
“Nobody knows how long the war will go and how long people will be watching this situation to see if they can go home or not,” he mentioned.
“We’re looking forward to clarity, because that will help people make choices and decisions.”
The federal authorities additionally promised to supply everlasting residency to Ukrainians with household ties to Canada. Fraser mentioned final month that this system would launch quickly, however he has but to make an announcement.
“We’re hoping and waiting and we’re overdue to hear from the federal government about a family reunification pathway. That’s something we are eager to hear more about, because there have been people bringing their parents and siblings over,” Michalchyshyn mentioned.
People who’re already in Canada with an emergency visa may have till March 31, 2024 to use to increase or change their momentary standing within the nation.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
