Canada immigration Minister Sean Fraser re-affirmed Ottawa’s commitment to the Ukrainian people and to welcoming as many refugees from that war-torn country as possible through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) while in Poland yesterday.
“Alongside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and our European allies in Warsaw this morning, I reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to support Ukraine in every way we can,” tweeted Fraser on Thursday.
“Working together, we’ll continue to provide a safe haven for Ukrainians.”
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In Warsaw, the Canadian immigration minister met with both Ukrainian families who are seeking a safe haven from Ukraine and the workers trying to help them in their refugee claims through the CUAET.
“There is a powerful human story behind everyone who wants to come to Canada,” tweeted Fraser.
‘I’m proud of the Canadian team in Poland’: Fraser
“From our staff who collect biometrics and help applicants understand the program, to those who process applications, to the members of the Canadian Forces who are assisting on-site, I’m proud of the Canadian team in Poland who do their job with such professionalism and compassion.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) opened up a new pathway to give high-priority processing of Ukrainian refugee claims on March 17.
By May 4, IRCC officials had approved more than 91,482 of the 204,227 applications from Ukrainians hoping to come to Canada under that new pathway. By the start of May, 24,645 Ukrainians had already come to Canada this year, with 19,031 arriving by air and another 5,614 by land.
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There is no limit to the number of Ukrainian refugees who can come to Canada under the CUAET which is open to both Ukrainian nationals and their family members who can be of any nationality.
Here’s what anyone hoping to come to Canada from Ukraine needs to know.
Under the CUAET, family members are defined as:
- the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national;
- their dependent child;
- the dependent child of their spouse / common-law partner or;
- a dependent child of their dependent child.
This new program allows Ukrainians and their family members to get a free visitor visa which can last up to three years, as opposed to the standard six-month stay for regular visitors.
Ukrainian Refugees To Canada Do Not Need COVID-19 Vaccination
CUAET applicants, who are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements, also have the option to apply, free of charge, for an open work permit with their visa application which is to be processed within 14 days of its receipt, provided it is complete and a standard case.
Although exempt from the entry vaccination requirements, Ukrainians coming to Canada under this pathway must meet all other public health requirements for travel, including quarantine and testing – and must also use the ArriveCan app, except for the few who are exempt from its usage.
Ukrainians immigrating to Canada via the CUAET are not required to get a medical exam overseas before leaving but may be asked to complete and pay for a medical diagnostic test within 90 days of arrival in Canada to test for reportable communicable diseases. These medical tests can include chest x-rays and blood tests.
The CUAET not only allows refugees to come to Canada from Ukraine but also helps Ukrainians and their family members who are already here either hang onto their temporary status in Canada or apply to get a temporary visa for up to three years.
With that visa, which allows them to leave and return at any time, Ukrainians can also apply for work and study permits and attend elementary and secondary schools without having to pay permit application fees. They may, however, have to take and pay for an immigration medical exam if they haven’t yet had one.
In addition to receiving priority processing of their applications, Ukrainians and their family members are also exempt from most application and processing fees, including the visa application fee, biometric collection fee, work and study permit application fees, visitor extension, and work and study permit renewal fees.
The first Step To Applying Through CUAET Is Get An IRCC Account
A dedicated service channel is available for Ukraine enquiries both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted.
Those who want to apply under the CUAET can do so online.
The first step is to get an IRCC account and get sent an invitation code. Then, applicants use that invitation code to create a portal account.
It is at this stage that the applicant completes the online form, clicking on the right choice of Apply for a visitor visa, transit visa or a study permit. Then, on the next page, the applicant needs to check the box at the bottom that says I’m ready to start my application.
Due to the unique nature of the CUAET, applicants can ignore the instructions to check their eligibility and they also won’t be asked to pay any fees.
They then fill out all the information requested and choose Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel when prompted to indicate for what they are applying.
If they want to work in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit at the same time. This work permit allows them to work for most employers in Canada.
Canada has also created an updated web page to provide current information on measures. This page includes content in Ukrainian for ease of reference.
Although Ukrainian airspace is closed and Ukrainians are left to use their own best judgement as to the safest means and routes to exit the country, Canadian officials in neighbouring countries are working with international partners to help ensure unhindered passage of Canadians and permanent residents of Canada wishing to leave Ukraine.
Wait Times At Ukrainian Border Range From Few Hours To Days
The Ukrainian borders are admittedly something of a mess.
“Wait times to leave Ukraine at border crossings are unpredictable and range from hours to days,” cautions the federal government on its website. “You must be prepared to wait and shelter with food and supplies for extended periods. We are unable to provide specific wait times to exit Ukraine.”
In the weeks since the rollout of the CUAET, companies and non-profits have stepped forward to help with the refugee effort. Air Canada has agreed to provide free flights to Canada for at least 10,000 Ukrainians and Rogers is giving prepaid Chatr Mobile SIM cards to Ukrainians arriving in Canada to allow them to call home free of charge.
“Being separated from family and friends during a crisis can be devastating for the people who are impacted,” said Melanie Soler, vice-president of emergency management for the Canadian Red Cross.
“These prepaid Chatr SIM cards will help to provide vital access to information, as well as a connection back home as people from Ukraine adjust to life in Canada.”
