New Immigration Measures for People Affected by the Situation in Ukraine
Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington can help Ukrainians arriving in Guelph with settlement orientation and referrals to community resources and government benefits applications. For an overview of how ISGW can help Ukrainian newcomers, view PDF flyer.
Guelph Humane Society has funding available to provide care for pets of Ukrainian refugees. If you are in need of assistance with this type of service, please email GHSCares@guelphhumane.ca The service can include regular preventative care (e.g. annual vaccinations, or spay/neuter surgeries) or urgent care.
Read below for information about new immigration measures were announced by the Government of Canada as well as new services and supports announced by the Province of Ontario.
NEW! (May 2023) Extending the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel and other supports
To continue supporting those affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine, we’re extending the end dates for the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) and other related measures. For more information, CLICK HERE.
In addition to prioritizing applications, IRCC is launching a package of new immigration measures, including the following:
- Establishing a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries that will be available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC Web form with their enquiry and their email will be prioritized.
- Implementing urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports, and their immediate family members travelling with them.
- Updating a Web page to provide current information on measures; this page will include content in Ukrainian for ease of reference. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures.html
- Ensuring that Ukrainians currently in Canada are able to extend their stay or stay longer in Canada by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, and extending a policy that allows individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This policy would allow temporary residents who receive a job offer to remain in Canada and start working while they wait for their work permit application to be processed.
IRCC will also launch additional measures to further support Ukrainians:
- Issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home, so they can stay longer if they wish.
- Waive fees, retroactive to February 22, 2022, for certain travel and immigration documents, such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits.
- Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) – announced March 17, 2022 CLICK HERE for information
(April 20, 2022) New partnership to help Ukrainians come to Canada
As of April 20, Canadians and Canadian companies can donate Aeroplan points to the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund through Air Canada or Miles4Migrants. For those who want to donate cash, the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto will be collecting donations on behalf of the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. CLICK HERE for more information.
(June 2, 2022) Canada-Ukraine Transitional Financial Assistance
To help Ukrainians and their dependents arriving in Canada (including those who have already arrived) meet their basic needs, the Government has introduced transitional financial assistance. View PDF factsheet.
(June 20, 2022) Government of Canada funds Kids Help Phone to expand mental health services for Afghan and Ukrainian youth. To read the announcement CLICK HERE.
(April 6, 2022) Province helping Ukrainians continue their lives in Ontario
The Ontario government is launching a suite of services and supports for Ukrainians arriving to the province in order to help them integrate and succeed in the province. CLICK HERE to learn more.
