For those looking for more information on helping Ukrainian refugees come to Canada, Kamloops Immigration Services (KIS) advises that the tourist visa is the fastest one to apply for to come to Canada as it is listed under emergency travel.
People can also contact KIS at 778-470-6101.
Executive director France Lamontagne said KIS hasn’t yet heard from anyone having trouble getting refugees out of Ukraine. She said the agency has received calls from people asking for advice on the application process. She said her staff navigate through these channels easily and provide one-on-one guidance when they receive inquiries.
As announced on March 3, Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily can access a Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, with no limit on the number of people who can apply, with extension for a two-year stay.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is establishing a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries available for those in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. People can also use the keyword “Ukraine2022” in their https://secure.cic.gc.ca/ClientContact/en/Crisishttps://secure.cic.gc.ca/ClientContact/en/Crisis with with their enquiry and that email will be prioritized.
The IRCC is also implementing urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports. The IRCC is also ensuring that Ukrainians currently in Canada can extend their stay by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits. It is also extending a policy allowing individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada so they can start working while they wait for their application to be processed.
For Ukrainian nationals without ties (family, friends or employer) in Canada, they can apply for a visitor (tourist) visa here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors/visa/portal-application-process.html.
They must indicate on the application that they are a Ukrainian national and, once in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit.
The IRCC intends to have the extended pathway open for applications shortly. In the interim, it encourages Ukrainians to apply through all programs, noting their applications will be prioritized.
Refugees can apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) online now and be eligible to extend your stay by at least two years. If you already applied to come to Canada temporarily as a visitor, you may also extend your stay in Canada by at least two years after your arrival.
If you moved or if your contact information has changed, inform the IRCC of your new contact information (telephone number and residential, mailing and email addresses) by using the IRCC Web form.
The IRCC recommends consulting the page "immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine" for more information. More details will be posted as they become available.
People can also sign up for email updates on the situation in Ukraine. IRCC will be sharing more information on these new temporary and permanent residence programs, including processing times, when it becomes available.
At this time, the IRCC is prioritizing these applications for Ukrainians nationals:
• Travel documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada,
• Proof of citizenship;
• Citizenship grants for adoption;
• Family reunification (sponsorship);
• Permanent residence;
• Temporary residence (including extensions for Ukrainians currently in Canada).
To find out how to request priority processing for an application submitted under one of the categories listed above, visit the page "immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine."
People can also sign up for email updates on the situation in Ukraine.
