Immigration measures for people affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine
Below are the active programs available to date and links to more detailed information about each of the programs.
Please note that this information is current as of March 17, 2022. Programs and criteria may change quickly so I urge that you please check the Government of Canada website carefully for the most current program details.
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This measure offers temporary residents for Ukrainian nationals while war is ongoing and people can return when conflict is resolved. They can stay for up to 3 years. It’s less limited than visas but still requires biometrics. They government is setting up bio-metric collection in neighbouring countries. Once in Canada, they are eligible for open work permit or study permit. There are no limit on applications and the government is waiving application fees. The “Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel”, is now active.
This is the government link with a step by step guide for the process.
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Canadians will be able to apply to sponsor their extended family members Ukraine. Details of the program has yet to be announced.
The government of Canada has also set up a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available both in Canada and abroad by phone at +01-613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted.
There is also a IRCC Crisis webform at this link: IRCC crisis web form, please add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the enquiry and it will be prioritized.
The website notes that “agents do not have access to more information about case status or processing times than can be found online.”
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The government has announced that it is “urgently processing new and replacement passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine, so they can return to Canada at any time. This includes immediate family members who will come with them.”
Information on this measure can be found here.
For permanent residents who must obtain a permanent resident travel documents from Ukraine, applicants must obtain an application package here.
To submit by email:
1. Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.
2. Review the Document Checklist (PDF, 1.5 MB) and
o complete all the required forms listed
o make electronic copies (scans) of all the required documents you need to provide (each document must be less than 5 MB in size)
3. Complete and scan the Application for a Permanent Resident Travel Document [IMM 5524] (PDF, 1.84 MB) form.
4. Pay your fees and get a copy of your receipt.
5. If you have it, get a copy of your confirmed flight ticket, or the itinerary for your travel to Canada. Your copies should clearly show
o your flight number
o date of travel
o arrival airport in Canada
6. Send an email to IRCC.COVIDPRTD-TVRPCOVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca that includes
o the subject line: “PRTD application: [put your name here]”
o your scanned application
o copies of your supporting documents (including travel information)
o a copy of your receipt
Please note, that while Permanent Resident Travel Documents are in ordinary circumstances normally submitted on paper, email is the only way to do so from Ukraine. The government website advises that it allows email applications “only in cases where a VAC is closed or unable to accept PRTD applications. Applying by email may take longer than applying on paper.”
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The government has announced that it is “prioritizing applications from people who currently live in Ukraine for:
• permanent residence
• proof of citizenship
• temporary residence
• citizenship grant for adoption”
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The government has announced that IRCC will issue open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers, and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely return to Ukraine. Details have yet to be announced.
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The government of Canada has announced that they will “review all applications to see if they should be prioritized. You can submit your application normally; you don’t need to use a special process. When reviewing your application, we’ll prioritize it if:
• you’re a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act
• the family member you’re sponsoring is
o a Ukrainian national outside Canada and
o one of the following family members: your spouse or common-law or conjugal partner or your dependent child (including adopted children)
For more information about the measures listed above, please visit this page.
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Canadians in need of consular assistance in Ukraine should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa:
• telephone at +1 613 996 8885
• email at sos@international.gc.ca