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
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.