October 26, 2023
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Certain Ukrainian Nationals
On 23 October 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new permanent resident pathway for Ukrainian nationals present in Canada with temporary resident status, who have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada.[1] The pathway is now open and will remain open for one year, until 22 October 2024.[2]
The program lists two categories for applicants to apply under:
- A family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada; or
- Spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national who has family in Canada.[3]
Under both categories, the applicant must be in Canada when they apply and when their application is finalized, and must also have valid temporary resident status in Canada or have applied to restore their status if it expired.[4] Applicants must also hold a passport/travel document, be admissible to Canada, and provide a signed statutory declaration form from their family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident explaining their relationship to the applicant.[5] Under both categories, qualifying family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident include:
- Child, regardless of age;
- Grandchild;
- Parent;
- Grandparent; or
- Sibling (or half-sibling).[6]
This is a great opportunity for Ukrainian nationals who are currently in Canada to legally stay permanently and remain with their family members who already have permanent resident status in Canada. If you have questions about whether you may be eligible for this program, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our office.