Almost three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwest Ontario say they feel uncomfortable about the future and if they can remain in Canada as the war continues.
About 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada after February 24, 2022. Ottawa offered them the status of temporary resident through the Canada-Ukraine authorization program for emergency trips (Cuet), until March 31.
In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that Ukrainians must request an open job or an extension of study permits to remain in Canada as temporary residents.
Although Miller has said that he would not force the Ukrainians to return to a war zone after their visas expires, Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian who now lives in Stroy, Ontario, said that the members of the community are still worried.
“Of course, we are very stressed about it because we don’t know what will happen the next day, next month or next year,” said Shevchuk.
Shevchuk, who settled in Canada in 2022 before opening a Pierogi business, requested an extension of open work permit at the beginning of 2024 when the Canadian government offered them without rates. After four months of waiting, an extension was granted until 2027.
Olena Riznyk said the deadline to request a work permit extension slid over it. While it can stay in Canada until 2027, he is already thinking about the future.
“Time just flies,” said Riznyk, who also lives in Strathroy. “I have two more years, but I worry a little and unstable because it is very fast and we have to think about our permanent residence or what to do next.”
The counselor suggests now requesting new work permits
Some Ukrainians are trying to extend their temporary stays as long as possible, said a settlement counselor in the center of Cultural Learner in London, Ontario.
“Many people are trying to do so at the end of March, so their new work permits will be longer because the new completion date will be [3 years from] The day the officer makes the decision, “said Godyna Volkova, who works specifically with Ukrainian newcomers.
She said she has been helping at least four people a day with their applications for the extension of open work permit, one more number than usual as people point to extensions until March 2028.
“I think it’s a mistake,” he said. “They should do it now.”
Volkova said that Ukrainians who do not successfully present extension requests before March 31 must go through regular work permits channels, a more complicated process, to remain in Canada.
She said that the majority of people who request an extension of open work permit are approved whenever they pay $ 255 in rates and meet all the requirements.
“Don’t worry because it will be extended … but do you know what they are nervous after this? After three years, he will expire,” Volkova said. “So what will be next?”
Volkova said they do not expect Ukrainians to extend their permits again, and has met some people looking for alternative options.
Almost all Ukrainians are working for a minimum wage. They have to pay the rent and have to keep themselves their family in Ukraine who also need help.– Olena Riznyk, Ukrainian who lives in Strathroy, Ontario.
Some Ukrainian families have already sought permanent solutions for their future.
Mykola Bilovol and his family became permanent Canadian residents in 2024 after two years of adapting to lifestyle here and opening a bakery.
“We all understand that Canada has made an incredible amount of good things for Ukrainians and we will always be grateful for their support,” Bilovol said.
However, the permanent residence application is not accessible to all, Riznyk said.
“It is quite expensive,” he said, adding that people who do not understand English or the application process may have to pay to use an immigration lawyer.
“Almost all Ukrainians are working for a minimum wage. They have to pay the rent and have to keep themselves their family in Ukraine who also need help.”
Bilovol recommends that Ukrainians explore several options to remain in Canada, such as sponsorships or other permanent residence immigration programs.
“My advice would not be to delay the investigation of these available opportunities. I am prepared to strive to build a future here.”
