Nearly three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian residents in southwestern Ontario are expressing concerns about their future in Canada as the conflict persists. Approximately 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada post-February 24, 2022, under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, which granted them temporary resident status until March 31.
In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Ukrainians must apply for extensions to their open work or study permits to continue staying in Canada as temporary residents. While Miller assured that Ukrainians wouldn’t be compelled to return to the war-torn region once their visas expire, anxiety lingers among community members like Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian immigrant residing in Stratroy, Ontario.
Shevchuk, who relocated to Canada in 2022 and established a pierogi business, applied for a work permit extension in early 2024. After a four-month waiting period, she was granted an extension until 2027. Similarly, Olena Riznyk, another Ukrainian residing in Strathroy, shared concerns about her future despite being allowed to stay in Canada until 2027.
Counsellors at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ontario, are advising Ukrainians to apply for work permit extensions promptly to secure longer stays. Galyna Volkova, a settlement counsellor specializing in assisting Ukrainian newcomers, reveals that she is assisting about four individuals daily with their extension applications, aiming for extensions through March 2028.
Volkova highlighted the importance of timely applications, emphasizing that failure to submit by March 31 would necessitate a more complex process to extend permits beyond the deadline. She reassured that most extension applications are approved if all requirements are met and fees paid.
Looking ahead, Volkova expressed doubts about Ukrainians securing further extensions beyond the initial three-year period. As a result, some individuals are exploring alternative pathways to remain in Canada permanently.
Among those pursuing permanent residency, Mykola Bilovol and his family transitioned to permanent Canadian residents in 2024 after initially settling in Canada in 2022 and establishing a bakery. While acknowledging Canada’s support for Ukrainians, Bilovol stressed the challenges associated with obtaining permanent residency, citing the costs and language barriers faced by many Ukrainian immigrants.
To navigate these challenges, Riznyk advised Ukrainians to explore various options like sponsorships and other permanent residency immigration programs. She emphasized the importance of proactive research and effort in securing a future in Canada.