Almost three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainians in southwest Ontario say they are concerned about the future and that they can stay in Canada as they continued.
Near 300,000 Ukrainians It came to Canada after February 24, 2022. Until March 31, Ottawa gave them a temporary residency status through the Canada-Ukraine Recognition Scheme for Emergency Travel.
In January, Immigration Minister Mark Miller said the Ukrainians had to apply for an open work or inspection permit to stay in Canada as temporary residents.
Although Miller has said that after the expiration of visas, Miller has said that he will not force the Ukrainians to return to a war zone.
“Of course we are very stressful about it because we don’t know what will happen the next day, the next month or next year,” Shevusuk said.
Before the opening of the Pearogi business, Shevzuk, who settled in Canada in 2022, applied for an open work permit when the Canadian government gave them no fees at the beginning of 2024. After a four -month wait, he was given an extension until 2027.
Oena Riznik said the deadline for applying for a work permit was violated. Although she can stay in Canada until 2027, she is already thinking about the future.
Riznik, who lives in Strawrail. “I have two more years, but this is a little worrying and unstable because it goes very fast. We need to think about our permanent residence or what to do next.”
Advisor advises to apply for new work permits now
A solution consultant at the Cross Cultural Learning Center in London said that some Ukrainians were trying to extend their temporary shelters as much as possible.
Calina Volkova said, “Many people are trying to do this at the end of March, so their new work permits will be long because the new final date (3 years) will be taken.”
Since people are aimed at extensions until March 2028, they said that at least four people per day their open work permits are more than usual, he said.
“I think this is a mistake,” he said. “They have to do that now.”
Volkova said the usual work permit channels, which do not successfully submit extension applications by March 31, should go through the most complex process, to stay in Canada.
Most people applying for an open work permit will be approved by paying $ 255 to meet all the requirements.
“There is no concern because it will be extended … but you know what tense they are after this? Three years later, it will expire,” Volkova said. “Then what would be next?”
Volkova said the Ukrainians did not expect to extend their permissions again and met some people looking for alternative options.
Almost all the Ukrainians work for the minimum wage. They have to pay rent, they need to support themselves and their families again in Ukraine, and they also need help.– Olena Risnic, Ukrainian, Strawrail, one.
Some Ukrainian families have already sought permanent solutions for their future.
Micola Pilovol and her family became permanent Canadian residents in 2024, which adjusts the lifestyle here and opened a bakery two years later.
“We all understand that Canada has done an incredibly good thing for the Ukrainians and we will always be grateful for their support,” Pilovolol said.
However, Risnik said that applying for a permanent residence cannot be accessed by everyone.
“This is very expensive,” he said, with people who do not understand English or the application process will have to pay to use a immigration lawyer.
“Almost all the Ukrainians work for the minimum wage. They have to pay the rent, and they have to help themselves and their families again in Ukraine.”
Pilovol recommends to explore many options for staying in Canada, such as sponsorships or other permanent residential immigration programs.
“My advice is not to delay researching these available opportunities. Be prepared to try to build the future here.”
