Dedicated Service Channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries:
- Call 613-321-4243, collect calls accepted.
- Use the IRCC crisis web form and add the keyword “Ukraine2022”
Submitting Visa Applications for Ukrainians to come to Canada:
Visa applications can be submitted online from anywhere in the world. Biometrics can be given at any visa application centre (VAC) outside of Ukraine. VACs are open in Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland, and there is an extensive VAC network across Europe.
Hello,
On March 17, 2022, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) in response to Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues.
With the CUAET:
- Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years;
- Applicants who are overseas need to apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photo);
- Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application, which will allow them to work in Canada;
- Many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived;
- Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil;
- Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, and IRCC will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate; and,
- Ukrainians and their family members are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements. However, they must still meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. With limited exceptions, all travellers to Canada, including anyone arriving under the CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN.
Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada also benefit from these measures. They may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit.
To ease the burden on applicants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving all application fees for these programs.
The Government of Canada is also calling on employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment to register these offers on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Job Bank will then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities. IRCC will continue to monitor volumes of travellers and their needs closely and will take action as required.
The resiliency and courage of Ukrainians have inspired the world, and Canada is unwavering in its commitment to provide support to Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty and for the democratic ideals that our countries share.
Associated links
- Immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine
- COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
- News release: Canada to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine
- News release: Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine
- Backgrounder: Additional Immigration Support for Those Affected by the Situation in Ukraine (available in Ukrainian)
- Sign up for email updates on the situation in Ukraine
Sincerely,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada