Over three million people have escaped Ukraine and the Russian army, 50 percent of whom are taking refuge in Poland. As the world rallies around in support of Ukrainians, a number of countries have made policy changes to help refugees, including Canada.
The Canadian capital city, Ottawa, has announced that it is opening a brand new immigration program specially for Ukrainians fleeing the war. The program offers a temporary residence permit to Ukrainians (and immediate family members of Ukrainians) that allows holders to stay in Canada for a period of three years.
Applicants for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) must apply online and are required to provide biometric data in the form of a photograph and fingerprints. It is free to apply. Ukrainian citizens can also apply for work and study permits at the same time, fee-exempt. In fact, you don’t need to pay for any of the following documents:
- Temporary residence permit
- Biometrics
- Study permit
- Open work permit
- Temporary resident visa
Temporary residents might qualify for permanent residency through a number of other programs should they so wish. People from Ukraine that are already settled in Canada also benefit from program. The new measures allow Canada-based Ukrainians to extend their visiting or work status for a further three years. The CUAET application takes approximately 14 days to process.
How to Apply?
You can only apply online for the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency travel through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. It is not possible to hand in an application at any Canadian governmental office including the Canadian embassy. Instead, follow the below steps:
1. Obtain your invitation code
The IRCC portal will give you a code in order to create an account after you input your email address.
2. Create your account
Use the code you are sent to create an online account with the IRCC portal.
3. Fill out application form
After logging in, click “Apply for a visitor visa”, “study permit” or “transit visa”. Click the box on the next page that states “I’m ready to start my application.” Next you will be asked what type of document you want to apply for, and you need to choose the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. Complete the application form and submit.
What Documents are Needed?
In addition to your biometric data including your fingerprints and photograph, you will need to upload an identity document or travel document. If you have your passport, you’ll need to give the number as part of the application form, and also a photograph of the biographical page. If you don’t have your passport, you can use the details and photographs from another official document including a driver’s license, identity card or birth certificate.
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- Identity/travel document (passport, driver’s license, identity card, birth certificate)
