Canada Introduces Immigration Measures to Assist Ukrainian ImmigrantsIn the morning of 24th February 2022, the world woke up to a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin in his speech tagged the invasion as “a special military operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine”. This war has led to multiple deaths and has rendered a lot of other Ukrainian citizens “refugees”. As expected, the world has stood in solidarity with Ukraine, sending funds and welcoming immigrants into their countries. Canada has not left out this movement.
Recently, the Canadian government has introduced a new immigration opportunity for Ukrainians. CUAET as it is called stands for Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. This is an expedited temporary residency option for Ukrainians seeking to migrate to Canada while their own country is still at war.
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What Does the CUAET Entail?
The CUAET is a temporary visa designed specifically by the Canadian government for any Ukrainian and their family intending to flee to Canada. While the CUAET is a three-year temporary visitor visa, Ukrainians can also apply for a work visa at the same time which would allow them to work during their stay. While in Canada, Ukrainians can benefit from all health and social services available. They can also apply for a Student visa and pursue higher education whilst still in Canada.
All Ukrainians and their family qualify for this visa
How to Apply for the CUAET
All Ukrainian citizens abroad may apply for the Canadian Visitor visa and then provide their biometrics which would include a photo and fingerprint. Many standard procedures applicable to normal guest and visitor visas have been dispensed with in this pathway
Applicants without a valid passport may still apply and if necessary, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Canada will issue a single voyage travel document. It is important to note here that this is not a refugee stream but a temporary residence pathway.
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While applying for the visa, applicants are expected to apply for a 3-year work open work permit to enable them to be able to work while in Canada. Students in elementary and high school can get enrolled and continue with their education while those interested in furthering their education to post-secondary can do so after arriving in Canada and applying for a student visa.