Ukrainians navigating bureaucratic hurdles to stay in Canada after fleeing Russian invasion
The Ukrainians who fled to Canada after the Russian invasion are nearing a deadline to renew their temporary work visa applications by the end of the month but there are many of them who don't meet all the criteria.
Mariia Nasedkyna was a teenager in Kharkiv when Russia invaded her country two years ago, a moment she witnessed from her home, 30 kilometers from the Russian border.
"I was the first to see the bombardments," she said in an interview. "I had to warn the rest of the family."
Nasedkyna and an older sister were eventually encouraged to leave the country so she headed to Canada, where her cousin, Olexandra Nasyedkina, has lived for 20 years.
"She was 16 years old and for the first time, far away from her family and I remember this specific moment where she came out on this alley with this small bag that she brought a couple of clothing, nothing major," said Olexandra.
Canada opened its doors to more than 200,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war who benefit from a special temporary residency program.
In Quebec, it means applicants need to learn French — something Mariia did with flying colours in just a few months.
Olexandra was hoping to sponsor her but it turns out the rules for family reunification only apply to immediate family members, such as brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents.
Olexandra doesn't fit the bill and because of Mariia's age and unfinished high school diploma, interrupted by the war, Mariia discovered she didn't fit into any criteria to apply for residency or renew a work visa.
In October 2023, when the program came out, that's when we saw that no uncles or cousins or even first-degree cousins were considered in this program," she explained.
One legal expert says Ukrainians who fled the country shouldn't be afraid of being deported.
Right now, there's absolutely no talk of deportation of Ukrainians back to Ukraine because during the time of war, we have a stay of removals to countries where there is active war," said Nataliya Dzera, an immigration lawyer.
She says there are alternatives to family reunions as a way to stay in Canada, such as "programs that are economic based, that are family based programs, and we also have a special exceptional program for permanent residents on humanitarian grounds."
But Ukrainians and their supporters say they'd prefer if Canada simply extended its temporary residency program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ministers Joly, LeBlanc travel to Florida to meet with Trump's team
Two members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet will be in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday to meet with members of Donald Trump's team.
India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S.
Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border.
Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM.
Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute
A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said.
Christmas Eve stowaway caught on Delta airplane at Seattle airport
A stowaway was caught trying to nab a ride on a Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve.
2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery
Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning.
Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials
Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured.
Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste
Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark.