GOOD NEWS!
On March 30, 2022, the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that Canada is offering temporary federal support to help Ukrainians settle in their new communities. Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will soon be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). This is an extraordinary temporary measure aimed at supporting Ukrainians arriving under this special, accelerated temporary residence pathway.
Key services that will be available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities include:
language training; information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school;
information and services to help access the labor market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training;
activities that promote connections with communities;
assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies;
services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons; and,
other settlement supports available through the Settlement Program .
Starting early April 2022, the Canadian Red Cross, in support of the Government of Canada, will provide arrival services at the Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver international airports. This support includes providing translation services, as well as information in their language of choice to help connect Ukrainians with government and community services.
IRCC is exempting certain individuals who are low-risk from providing biometrics on a case-by-case basis at the decision maker’s discretion. Biometrics are currently a requirement before arrival in Canada for the majority of Ukrainian nationals. The collection of biometrics is an essential component of the security screening process to protect the safety and security of Canadians and Ukrainian nationals when they arrive on Canadian soil. The easing of biometrics requirements will ensure Ukrainian nationals arrive in Canada as quickly and as safely as possible.
Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to welcome Ukrainians and their families and to provide a safe haven while the war continues in their home country. Together, and with our partners, we will welcome Ukrainians into our communities and provide the supports they need to thrive, until they can safely return home.
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