Practically three years for the reason that Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwestern Ontario say they’re feeling uneasy about the longer term and whether or not they’ll be capable to stay in Canada because the conflict continues.
Near 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada after Feb. 24, 2022. Ottawa supplied them short-term resident standing via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Journey (CUAET) program, till March 31.
In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated Ukrainians should apply for an open work or examine allow extension to remain in Canada as short-term residents.
Though Miller has stated he would not power Ukrainians to return to a conflict zone after their visas expire, Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian now dwelling in Stratroy, Ont., stated group members stay fearful.
“In fact we’re very confused about it as a result of we do not know what is going to occur the following day, subsequent month or subsequent yr,” Shevchuk stated.
Shevchuk, who settled in Canada in 2022 earlier than opening a pierogi enterprise, utilized for an open work allow extension in early 2024 when the Canadian authorities supplied them with none charges. After 4 months of ready, she was granted an extension till 2027.
Olena Riznyk stated the deadline to use for a piece allow extension crept up on her. Whereas she will keep in Canada till 2027, she’s already interested by the longer term.
“Time simply flies,” stated Riznyk, who additionally lives in Strathroy. “I’ve two extra years, but it surely makes me slightly bit fearful and unstable as a result of it goes so quick and we’d like to consider our everlasting residence or what to do subsequent.”
Counsellor suggests making use of now for brand new work permits
Some Ukrainians try to increase their short-term stays so long as potential, stated a settlement counsellor on the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ont..
“Many individuals try to do it on the finish of March so their new work permits can be longer as a result of the brand new finish date can be [3 years from] the day when the choice is made by the officer,” stated Galyna Volkova, who particularly works with Ukrainian newcomers.
She stated she has been serving to a minimum of 4 folks a day with their open work allow extension purposes, a quantity that is greater than standard as folks purpose for extensions via March 2028.
“I feel it is a mistake,” she stated. “They need to do it now.”
Volkova stated Ukrainians who do not efficiently submit extension purposes by March 31 might want to undergo common work allow channels, a extra difficult course of, to remain in Canada.
She stated most individuals who apply for an open work allow extension are accepted as long as they pay $255 in charges and meet all the necessities.
“There is no worries as a result of will probably be prolonged … however you recognize what they’re nervous about after this? After three years, it can expire,” Volkova stated. “Then what can be subsequent?”
Volkova stated she does not count on Ukrainians will be capable to lengthen their permits once more, and has met some folks on the lookout for different choices.
Virtually all Ukrainians are working for minimal wage. They need to pay lease they usually need to help themselves and their household again in Ukraine who need assistance as effectively.– Olena Riznyk, Ukrainian dwelling in Strathroy, Ont.
Some Ukrainian households have already sought out everlasting options for their future.
Mykola Bilovol and his household turned everlasting Canadian residents in 2024 after two years of adjusting to the way of life right here and opening a bakery.
“All of us perceive that Canada has carried out an unimaginable quantity of fine issues for Ukrainians and we’ll all the time be thankful for their help,” stated Bilovol.
Nonetheless, making use of for everlasting residency is not accessible for everybody, stated Riznyk.
“It is fairly costly,” she stated, including individuals who don’t perceive English or the applying course of might need to pay to make use of an immigration lawyer.
“Virtually all Ukrainians are working for minimal wage. They need to pay lease they usually need to help themselves and their household again in Ukraine who need assistance as effectively.”
Bilovol recommends Ukrainians discover a number of choices to remain in Canada, comparable to sponsorships or different everlasting residency immigration packages.
“My recommendation could be to not delay researching these out there alternatives. Be ready to place within the effort to construct a future right here.”
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