Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwestern Ontario say they’re anxious about whether or not they may have the ability to keep in Canada as the longer term and the battle continues.
close to 300,000 Ukrainians It has arrived in Canada since February 24, 2022. Ottawa supplied non permanent resident standing via the Canada-Ukurein Accreditation (CUAET) program till March thirty first.
In January, immigrant Mark Miller mentioned Ukrainians should both apply for open work or apply to review extensions to remain in Canada as non permanent residents.
Miller says he is not going to pressure Ukrainians to return to the battle zone after the visa expires, however Ukrainian Alla Shevchuk, who at the moment lives in Stratroy, Ontario, is claimed to have been instructed by members of the group. He mentioned he was anxious.
“After all, we’re unsure what is going to occur the subsequent day, the subsequent month, or subsequent yr, so we’re placing a number of emphasis on that,” Shevchuk mentioned.
Shevchuk, who settled in Canada in 2022 earlier than opening the Pierogi enterprise, utilized for an extension of his open work allow in early 2024, which the Canadian authorities supplied at no cost. After ready for 4 months, she was allowed to increase till 2027.
Olena Riznyk mentioned the deadline to use for a piece allow creeped up on her. She will be able to keep in Canada till 2027, however she is already eager about the longer term.
“It simply flies time,” mentioned Liznik, who lives in Stratroy. “I’ve two extra years, nevertheless it goes so quick that it will get a bit of anxious and unstable and it’s important to take into consideration our everlasting residency and what to do subsequent.”
The counselor suggests making use of for a brand new work allow now
Some Ukrainians try to increase their non permanent stays as a lot as doable, a settlement counselor on the Cross-Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ontario, mentioned.
“Lots of people try to try this on the finish of March, so the brand new finish date is [3 years from] Galina Volkova, who works particularly with newcomers in Ukraine, mentioned:
She mentioned she is utilizing extra open work permits than traditional to assist at the very least 4 folks a day as folks goal to increase it till March 2028.
“I feel that is a mistake,” she mentioned. “They need to try this now.”
Volkova mentioned Ukrainians who don’t efficiently submit their extension purposes by March 31 should undergo a extra difficult course of, a daily work allow channel, to remain in Canada.
She mentioned most individuals making use of for an extension of their open work allow pay a $255 price and are accredited so long as they meet all the necessities.
“There is no want to fret as it’ll be prolonged… however are you aware they’re nervous after this? Three years later, it’ll expire,” Volkova mentioned. “So, what’s subsequent?”
Volkova mentioned he would not suppose Ukrainians might prolong their permission once more, saying he is met folks on the lookout for various choices.
Nearly all Ukrainians work on the minimal wage. They need to pay hire and so they should help themselves and their households in Ukraine, the place in addition they need assistance.-Ukrainians dwelling in Olena Riznyk, Ont and Strathroy.
Some Ukrainian households are already on the lookout for everlasting options for the longer term.
Mykola Bilovol and his household tailored to a way of life for 2 years right here and opened a bakery earlier than turning into everlasting Canadian residents in 2024.
“All of us perceive that Canada is doing extremely good issues for Ukrainians and we’re at all times grateful for his or her help,” Birobor mentioned.
Nonetheless, making use of for everlasting residency will not be accessible to anybody, Riznyk mentioned.
“It is very costly,” she mentioned, including that English and the applying course of might have to pay to make use of immigration attorneys.
“Nearly all Ukrainians work for the minimal wage. They need to pay hire and so they need to return to Ukraine, the place they and their households additionally need assistance.”
Bilovol recommends Ukrainians discover a number of choices for staying in Canada, together with sponsorships and different everlasting immigration applications.
“My recommendation is to not delay investigations into these accessible alternatives. Be ready to make efforts to construct a future right here.”
