COMMENCEMENT OF SPONSORSHIP FOR UKRAINIANS IMMIGRATION PROGRAM

The Sponsorship for Ukrainians immigration program, herein referred to as “the Program,” is scheduled to commence on October 23, 2023. Canada, as of February 2022, has extended its benevolence to Ukrainian nationals by providing free temporary resident visas, open work permits, and study permits. Under the auspices of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), as of July 15, 2023, more than 166,800 Ukrainian citizens, along with their family members of diverse national origins, have sought refuge in Canada. A staggering 793,804 applications have garnered approval, while an additional 300,000 applications await adjudication. The Program presents the opportunity for an estimated 950,000 Ukrainian nationals to seek temporary residence in Canada until March 31, 2024, which marks the expiration date of the CUAET program.

On July 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced a novel sponsorship immigration initiative catering to Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members seeking permanent residency in Canada. The Sponsorship for Ukrainians program is set to commence the acceptance of applications for permanent residence on October 23, 2023.

At this juncture, the Government of Canada has yet to unveil the complete spectrum of program intricacies. Pertinently, it has been confirmed that Canadian sponsors will be exempt from any financial undertakings, and the Program will receive applications solely until October 22, 2024. The specific quota of applications to be accommodated between October 2023 and October 2024 remains undisclosed. However, it has been underscored by the Immigration Department that this new initiative will not encroach upon the allotment of spaces designated for the Parents and Grandparents Program.

The sole articulated prerequisites for eligibility under the new Sponsorship for Ukrainians program are as follows:

1. Reside in Canada.
2. Possess a valid temporary resident status.
3. Maintain an eligible relative residing in Canada who is either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. The pool of eligible relatives encompasses:

– Spouses
– Common-law partners
– Parents
– Grandparents
– Brothers
– Sisters
– Children
– Grandchildren

Further elucidation of program particulars will be disseminated in the ensuing months, preceding the opening of the Sponsorship for Ukrainians program in October 2023.

For Ukrainian citizens in possession of a valid CUAET visa, expedited travel to Canada is permitted until March 31, 2024, to avail themselves of the temporary special measures. Conversely, for those who were unable to secure a CUAET visa prior to July 15, 2023, the opportunity persists for both themselves and their family members to apply for regular temporary resident visas to gain entry into Canada. Notably, applications submitted after July 15, 2023, will be subject to prescribed fees and general requirements, whereas applications submitted before this date will adhere to the CUAET regulations.

Upon arrival in Canada, eligible individuals will be entitled to expeditiously apply for three-year study and open work permits. Application processing fees for open work permits or study permits will be waived for CUAET visa holders present within Canada, provided their status extension applications are submitted before March 31, 2024. Additionally, a multitude of settlement services proffered by the Government of Canada, including but not limited to language training and employment services, will be accessible to said individuals.

For comprehensive information pertaining to CUAET and the eligibility criteria associated with the Sponsorship for Ukrainians program, we invite you to contact our office or complete our online assessment form below.