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Frequently Asked Questions

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven takes proactive steps to aid Ukrainian newcomers in Canada through a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) repository. This comprehensive resource serves as a valuable guide, providing insights and information for a seamless transition to life in Canada. The FAQ is divided into two sections: provincial and territorial information, offering location-specific details, and federal information to support newcomers nationwide.

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven ensures that Ukrainian newcomers receive vital information and support during their settlement journey in Canada. The FAQ empowers them with the knowledge they need to navigate their new lives successfully and find the assistance necessary for a smooth transition.

For Canadians and Canadian businesses, the FAQ serves as a valuable reference to explore ways they can contribute to the well-being of Ukrainian newcomers. By learning about various opportunities to support, including monetary contributions and goods/services donations, they can actively participate in building a welcoming and supportive community.

Select Region

You can find here provincial and territorial questions and answers specifically related to your selected province or territory.

Alberta

Telegram channel

Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) has launched a Telegram channel exclusively dedicated to Ukrainian Support in Alberta. This resource-sharing platform will provide information on available services and support in Alberta.

Join here!


Healthcare

How can displaced Ukrainians access healthcare?
Читати цю інформацію українською мовою

The AHS Support for Ukraine website provides information about health services and resources for Ukrainian evacuees in Alberta. Information can be found in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

How to get health information and advice
Call Health Link at 811. Translation services are available. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to get mental health or addiction information and advice
Call 1-877-303-2642. Translation services are available. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to find a doctor
Ask your host family or search online: albertafindadoctor.ca.

How to find a hospital
Call Health Link at 811 or visit: Hospitals and facilities.

How to get emergency health care
Call 911

How to get emergency prescription drug coverage and emergency dental and optical services

  1. Call Alberta Supports – Help is available in more than 100 languages
  • Call between 7:30 am to 8 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
  • Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
  • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports.
  • TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
  1. Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre
  • Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 – ask to speak to Alberta Supports

Alberta Health Benefits program
Once you receive your Alberta personal health card, you can apply to receive additional health benefits that includes on-going coverage for prescription drugs, essential over-the-counter medications, eye exams and glasses, dental care, essential diabetic supplies and emergency ambulance services.

Ukrainian evacuees will receive an Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) application form in the mail after they receive their Alberta personal health card. Complete this form and mail it using the pre-addressed envelope provided (registries cannot accept this form) or fax it to the number below.

Mail:
Alberta Community and Social Services
Health Benefits Contact Centre
P.O. Box 2222 Station Main
Edmonton, AB  T5J 5H3

Fax to:
780-415-8386 in Edmonton
1-855-415-8386 toll free outside Edmonton

An Alberta Health Benefits card will be mailed to you once the application has been processed. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. If you require emergency prescription drug coverage and/or emergency dental and optical services while your application is being processed, call Alberta Supports or the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre as listed above.

Remember to carry both your Alberta personal health card and the Alberta Health Benefits card whenever you need health services.

Your Alberta Health Benefits card can only be used for health services in the province of Alberta.

If you have already received an Alberta personal health card but did not receive an Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) application form, you can request one by sending an email to evacueehealthregistration@gov.ab.ca.

More information
For more information about health services in Alberta, visit:

This infographic provides information about what to expect when visiting the emergency department (ED) when your child is sick or injured.

To access the infographic in Ukrainian, click here.


Housing

Are there specific housing supports?
As part of the $1.2 million to settlement services announced in April, the government is funding the Alberta Association of Immigrant-Serving Agencies (AAISA) and Catholic Social Services to streamline housing options for Ukrainians that will complement and reduce pressure on other government systems. This will ensure a coordinated approach to housing options for Ukrainians arriving in Alberta.

If you are a Ukrainian in need of housing, or an Albertan with an offer of accommodation, please visit Ukrainians in Alberta or email info@ukrainiansinalberta.ca.
Rental information – tenants
There are many resources available to help understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Alberta:


Financial Support

Is there provincial financial support available?
Emergency Financial Support and Benefits for Ukrainian Newcomers to Alberta fact sheet

Екстрена фінансова допомога і виплати для новоприбулих до Альберти українців

As of July 25, 2022, the Government of Alberta is providing new financial benefits for eligible Ukrainian newcomers fleeing the war.

Individuals may be eligible for up to 6 months of financial supports to help cover costs for basic expenses such as food, shelter and clothing.

Eligibility
Applicants will be expected to access all other available assistance programs before being eligible for Alberta’s financial benefits. This includes accessing the Government of Canada’s financial assistance program, which is a one-time, non-taxable benefit to take care of any basic needs while getting settled in Canada.

Find out more about the program or to apply online at Ukraine immigration measures: Financial assistance – Canada.ca

Eligibility for Alberta’s benefits will be based on income and asset levels. The financial benefit rates align with Income Support benefits and will also be based on family composition.

How to apply
To find out more about available financial supports in Alberta, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992  (or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton) and press option 9. Services are available in English and Ukrainian.

Emergency financial support
One-time emergency benefits may be available to those with limited income and assets who are facing an emergency.

Benefits cover costs for:

  • Replacement clothing
  • Emergency food
  • Accommodation
  • Repairs to major appliances
  • Repairs to home
  • Damage deposit
  • Eviction due to outstanding rental arrears
  • Utility arrears, connection, deposit, reconnection
  • Escaping abuse (while in Alberta)
  • Other emergency goods and services

For more information:

  1. Call Alberta Supports – Help is available in Ukrainian as well as more than 100 languages
  • Call between 7:30 am to 8 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
  • Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
  • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports.
  • TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
  1. Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre
  • Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 – ask to speak to Alberta Supports

Education

Is public education free for children?
Yes, public education is free for all Ukrainian families registering studentsunder CUAET.

How can I register my kids for school?
To register in a school, parents should:

  1. Contact your local school board(s) and they will help you find your children’s school(s).
  2. Follow the school board’s directions and contact the school to complete the student registration form.
  3. The school may request the following documentation:
  • Immigration documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that a person receives prior to or when entering Canada, such as temporary resident documents, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Refugee/Refugee Claimant documents. These documents should be provided for both parent(s) and child, if possible.
  • Student birth certificates or other documentation that shows the parent/child connection if the IRCC documents do not name family members.
  1. If you cannot immediately produce these documents, the school can still register your children. Provide the documents when they become available.

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?
Yes!  You can access local Swiss worker programs that can help your children with language supports.  Simply, contact your nearest service provider.  Here is a list of Alberta schools with Ukrainian language programs (PDF, 437 KB).


Language Training

Where can I get language classes?

Читати цю інформацію українською мовою

Through the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program, the Alberta government provides financial support to settlement agencies to deliver ongoing language services to newcomers who live and work in Alberta. These services include language assessments, language training and education referrals and drop-in English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes.

English language assessments and training referrals

EAL drop-in services offer eligible newcomers alternative English language learning opportunities when they cannot access regular programming. For more information, contact:

Email info@ukrainiansinalberta.ca if you have any general questions about settlement and language supports.

Community Adult Learning Program

Through the Community Adult Learning Program, the Government of Alberta is providing an additional $1 million to help improve your reading, writing and learning skills once you arrive in Alberta.

Organizations across Alberta deliver part-time, non-formal learning opportunities that support the development of literacy, numeracy, language, digital or other life skills.

Learn more about the Community Adult Learning Program.

Federal language services
The Government of Canada provides language assessments for newcomers to register into the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.


Transportation

How can I access transportation?
There are bus routes and transit systems in your local Albertan city that you can access.  For instance, in Edmonton and Calgary, there are Leisure Access and Ride transit programs supported by the city with discounted or free bus passes.  To access, click http://bit.ly/3U1ReR4 or http://bit.ly/3ERhCsq.

How can I get a driver’s license?
If you are living in Alberta and take up residence, you must exchange your current driver’s licence for an Alberta driver’s licence within 90 days of moving to the province. To get a driver’s licence in Alberta, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test.  For more information, click http://bit.ly/3XlNb51.


Childcare

I need to work. How can I find childcare for my kids?
Читати цю інформацію українською мовою
Accessing child care
Displaced Ukrainian parents can call Child Care Connect toll free at 1-844-644-5165 to:

  • learn about child care options in your area
  • get help finding the licensed child care program in your community that works best for your family

Child care subsidy
As of June 1, Ukrainian parents can apply for funding to cover the cost of licensed child care, through the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Eligible child care programs include: daycare, preschool, out-of-school care, or a day home provider through a licensed family day home agency.

To be eligible:

  • you must be a Ukraine National
  • you must be a Ukrainian family fleeing Ukraine
  • you must have a specially issued Alberta Health Care Card with an expiry date
  • your children must attend a licensed child care program in Alberta
  • your children must be 12 years of age or younger and not yet attending Grade 7
  • you must be accessing child care because you (and your partner) are working, attending school, or looking for work; or because you or your child has a special need, or have an exceptional circumstance

Currently, displaced Ukrainians can apply up until March 31, 2023 to receive subsidy for 6 months.

Income testing is not required for displaced Ukrainians to receive the Child Care Subsidy. However, after 6 months, if you wish to continue receiving subsidy, you must re-apply to the Child Care Subsidy program. Your application will be assessed based on your family’s total gross income and other subsidy eligibility factors.

You will receive the maximum subsidy amount for each child. The subsidy amount will be different for each family. It will depend on whether the child is school age and the type of care requested. Use the estimator tool and enter $0 for income to estimate the amount of subsidy you are eligible to receive.

To apply, download and complete the application form (PDF, 94 KB) and submit it by email or fax:

Email: cs.emergencysubsidy@gov.ab.ca
Fax: 780-422-5692

If you have questions, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.

British Columbia

All updated information and guidelines available in BC’s main webpage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine.

Free Settlement services in BC available for temporary residents: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Settlement-Services#Temporary-residents.

AMSSA’s member directory will help you find your local Service Provider Organization: https://www.amssa.org/membership/members/.


Healthcare

How can displaced Ukrainians access healthcare?

Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. Government is encouraging those arriving in British Columbia from Ukraine under the CUAET to submit their application for MSP enrolment as soon as they arrive in British Columbia at: www.gov.bc.ca/MSP/applyforhealthcare or by calling 1 800 663-7100 for more information.

As soon as CUAET arrivals are enrolled in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), they are covered by PharmaCare’s Plan C for one year. More details available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/who-we-cover/ukrainian-cuaet-arrivals.

Covid vaccination is available and free for all Ukrainian arrivals in BC, for more information check this link: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine/welcome#healthcare. Information available in Ukrainian here: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/translation/ukr/register.


Financial Assistance

Is there provincial financial assistance available?

Monthly payments from the B.C. government

Temporary financial support is available from both the Government of Canada and the B.C. government. If you arrived under CUAET, you should apply for both programs.

You can apply for income assistance. Payments are based on need and family size.  Review eligibility requirements and learn how to apply.


Education

Is public education free for children?

How can I register my kids for school?

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?

Ukrainian children aged 5 to 18 can be registered in a local school. Schools in B.C. offer English language learning support for all students who need it. Detailed information available in this link: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine/welcome#children.

BC’s school districts are available in this map: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/schools/bcmap.htm. From that map, you can select the district in your area and all the contact information will be provided, including their webpage.

Here you can find some resources that will help you understand better how the school system works in BC: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12.

Post-secondary students arriving from Ukraine under CUAET visa would need a study permit to go on with their academic plans and they may be eligible for domestic tuition rates.

  1. Apply for the study permit
  2. Explore the different post-secondary institution in BC that better suits your needs and plans as well as the different programs in the following link: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/find-a-program-or-institution.
  3. If you require help, check International Education Offices in BC can help you: www.learnlivebc.ca/en/about/contacts.

In case you don’t have access to your academic diplomas or certificates, the World Education Services Gateway Program may be able to support you.


Language Training

Free language classes are available to people arriving under CUAET in BC, apart from the federal LINC programs, Ukrainian newcomers can access BCSIS – informal language training in BC.

Here you will find some of the public post-secondary institutions that offer English classes and courses in BC: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/adult-education/adult-upgrading-learn-english.

NewtoBC provides online free material to learn English at different levels here: newtobc.ca/settlement-information-for-newcomers/english-language-learning-materials/. Their directory will help you find the local LINC provider in your area:

Different organizations offer English classes for newcomers, such as ISS of BC issbc.org/service-types/english-language-skills or MOSAIC that also offers free online conversation circles, check their services here: mosaicbc.org/our-services/english-classes-and-testing/.


Transportation

How can I access transportation?

TransLink operates in BC and with the Compass Card you will be able to access Bus and skytrain transportation services: www.translink.ca/transit-fares/compass-card.

The Modo-Vancity partnership offers Ukrainian newcomers an opportunity to use electric shared vehicles to move from one accommodation to another, attend job interviews, arrive to their destination from the airport, etc: www.vancity.com/AboutVancity/InvestingInCommunities/Partnerships/Modo/.

If you have a driver’s license, you should switch it to a B.C. licence


Childcare

If your child is under 5 years old, you may be eligible for child care support in BC. In the following link you will find the procedure to access these services: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-child-care.

BC offers the 4 child care types:

For local support, check the directory for Child Care Resource and Referral Centres:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-child-care/child-care-resource-referral-centre

Manitoba

Healthcare

How can displaced Ukrainians access healthcare?
Ukrainians travelling to Manitoba under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) are eligible for health care coverage upon arrival in Manitoba. Additional information about health care coverage in Manitoba is here.

Manitoba Health Card Registration for Ukraine Arrivals

Manitoba Health Insurance Benefits Registration Form

Can displaced Ukrainians access any supports to pay for prescription medications?
Yes! Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitoba residents. Pharmacare coverage is based on both your total family income and the amount you pay for eligible prescription drugs. You qualify for the Manitoba Pharmacare program if you have a Manitoba Health card and your prescriptions are not covered by another provincial or federal government program. To learn more and to apply to the Pharmacare Program click here.

Is the Province of Manitoba waiving the fee for the Immigration Medical Exam?
Yes! Ukrainians who need a medical exam can access designated panel physicians approved by IRCC who will complete the exam. There is no cost for the exam. Individuals must bring the following documents to their appointment:

  • Ukrainian ID
  • CUAET visa
  • Manitoba health card or the nine-digit health number provided by Manitoba Health

For a list of panel physicians throughout Manitoba, please visit here, or click here to view a printable list.

If you are Ukrainian, have a CUAET visa, and previously paid for a medical exam in Manitoba you are eligible to receive a refund. For more information, please contact the Claims Unit Patient Inquiry General Line by phone at 204-786-7367 or by email at Claims@gov.mb.ca. Applicants will need to provide the following information to receive a cheque in the mail:

  • Name
  • Address
  • PHIN (9 digit health number)
  • Receipt from the physician office

Are there any resources to assist displaced Ukrainians in finding a family doctor?
Yes! The Family Doctor Finder is designed to connect you and your family with a home clinic, providing you with a home base for your health care needs. There are two ways to register with the program:

  • Online – click here
  • By phone: 204-786-7111 (in Winnipeg) OR toll-free 1-866-690-8260; TTY/TDD call 204-774-8618 or Manitoba Relay Services toll-free
    1-800-855-0511.

For more information visit About the Family Doctor Finder Program | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca) or click here for a Ukrainian translation.


Financial Assistance

Is there provincial financial assistance available?
Yes! The Temporary Assistance Program (TAP) continues until March 31, 2023. TAP benefits provide direct financial assistance to eligible individuals traveling to Canada under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.

Provincial TAP assistance provides monthly income for basic needs and will support transition from temporary provincial reception hotel accommodations to longer-term community rental housing. TAP eligibility will also facilitate additional health benefits not otherwise covered under provincial health care cards. These include access to prescription drug, dental and optical benefits.

Further information on eligibility details, based on personal circumstances, along with the application process is available by calling 204-945-5324 or by email to TAP@gov.mb.ca.

Additional support and coordination for individuals seeking employment, or who will be transitioning from TAP benefits to employment income, is available through Manitoba Start.

Temporary Assistance Program (TAP)


Education

Is public education free for children?
Yes! Children of Ukrainians traveling to Manitoba under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and have applied for a work permit (valid for at least 12 months) are eligible to enroll in Manitoba schools as of the date the permit is issued. Additional information about education for temporary residents in Manitoba is here.
How can I register my kids for school?
There are several multilingual resources available to assist parents in navigating the public school system.

Newcomer Parent Guides are intended to help newcomer families navigate the Manitoba Education System. To view the three parent guides in multiple languages click here.

MANSO, NEEDS, UCC and Immigrant Centre hosted an information session on the Manitoba School System & Registration Process, with Ukrainian interpretation, which was recorded here.

Do schools have settlement services to help families?
In some school communities you may be able to access the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program. SWIS can help newcomer students and their families adjust to their new school and community.

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?
Each school in Manitoba is responsible for supporting newcomer students in learning English or French. Your child will be assessed by the school for school readiness, including language ability. Depending on the language level of your child, they may need additional time and support to achieve language proficiency.

Are there any English-Ukrainian bilingual programs available?
Yes! Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education (MPUE) is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and expanding the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program (EUBP) in Manitoba. More information on the English-Ukrainian Bilingual program is here.


Language Training

Where can I get language classes?
Many organizations throughout the province offer language training in English or French.

Many of these programs require an assessment be completed first to determine your Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Click here for a list of organizations offer language assessments in Manitoba.

Informal language programs (ie. conversation circles) do not require an assessment. Consult this list for more information.


Transportation

How can I access transportation?
Some communities in Manitoba have public transportation systems. Check the website for the community to learn more about transportation options.

In Winnipeg, the City of Winnipeg offers the WINNpass program which provides newcomers and low income people the opportunity to purchase adult monthly transit passes at a 50 percent discount. Eligible adults can apply for a WINNpass. Click here to apply.
How can I get a driver’s license?
Manitoba Public Insurance is exchanging full stage Ukrainian Category B (including BE) passenger vehicle licences for Manitoba full stage Class 5 licences without the need for further knowledge or road testing. Commercial class licences or motorcycle licences are not eligible for exchange. Eligible individuals who have recently arrived in Manitoba and have already started the driver licensing/testing process should contact MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to discuss their options. For more information click here.


Childcare

What are the childcare options in Manitoba?
Families living in Manitoba on a permanent or temporary basis are eligible to access licensed child-care services.

  • In Manitoba, there are two types of licensed child care available to families. This includes:
    • centre-based child care for infants, preschool children and school-age children.
    • home-based child care providers who offer child care in their own home for up to eight children and can offer child care for up to 6 children, not including their own.
  • To help find a facility, people can use the online search tool at: https://childcaresearch.gov.mb.ca/.
    • The Child Care Subsidy Program provides provincial support to eligible families to help with the cost of care by reducing child care fees for children from the ages of 12 weeks to 12 years.
    • Your eligibility depends on various factors including:
      • income
      • the number and age of your children
      • the number of days required for care
      • the reason for care
    • As part of “the reason for care” all refugees including Ukrainian Nationals with Temporary Residency in Manitoba are eligible for child care subsidy. The full parent fee cost will be approved for the first six months of child care.
  • The provincial Inclusion Support Program is an additional service available for families whose children who may require extra support. The Inclusion Support Program offers a range of services to support a child with additional needs. This includes children with disabilities, chronic health needs and behavioural and emotional needs. Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childcare/families/family_info/inclusion.html
  • To search for child care options and available child care, please go to the Manitoba Child Care Search at https://childcaresearch.gov.mb.ca/ or refer to the Directory of Child Care Centres and the Directory of Child Care Homes.

New Brunswick

Healthcare

Do Ukrainian newcomers have access to provincial health care (New Brunswick Medicare)?
Ukrainian newcomers with valid immigration documents are eligible to apply for a provincial health card: New Brunswick Medicare. Please refer to a local settlement agency for information on how to apply.

What does Medicare not cover?
While Medicare covers most medically required services, private health insurance can cover expenses such as dental care, physical therapy, drug prescriptions and eyeglasses, which are not covered by Medicare.

How can I get medical help in NB?
There are three options for non emergency medical services:

  1. Dial a 24\7 Tele-Care line at 811, where a registered nurse will assess your situation and provide advice on the next steps
  2. Call walk-in or after hours medical clinics in your area to make an appointment with a general practitioner.
  3. If there is no clinic in your community, care is available from the outpatient department at your nearest hospital.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or visit the local emergency department of your local hospital.


Financial Assistance

Is there provincial financial assistance available?
There is no provincial financial support in New Brunswick. To apply for the federal one time financial assistance please follow the link .


Education

Is public education free for children?
Public education is free for Ukrainian children that arrived under CUAET.
How can I register my kids for school?
In order to register children for school parents can apply through one of the settlement agencies or directly through the anglophone or francophone school districts.
Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?
Children may receive extra language support on a case by case basis.

Language Training

Where can I get language classes?
Language classes are provided by the settlement agencies in New Brunswick.


Transportation

Can I exchange a Ukrainian driver’s license for a New Brunswick license?
Yes, as of July, 25, 2022 a Ukrainian driver’s license can be exchanged for a New Brunswick one without undergoing testing. To do so you need to go to the nearest Service New Brunswick branch. You need to submit an ID, two documents from the list of Acceptable Proof of New Brunswick Residency Documents, a work permit and proof of name change if applicable (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce papers, or Certificate of Name Change). The cost of the procedure is $90, the Ukrainian license must be surrendered. More detailed information can be found on the official website. Please read the NB Driver’s handbook to learn the local driving rules.


Childcare

What are the childcare options in New Brunswick?
Families are responsible for finding and obtaining and paying for child care. Parents are required to contact facilities directly to register or place their child on the waiting list. New Brunswick offers financial support to eligible families under the Parent Subsidy Program and the Daycare Assistance Program.

The Parent Portal helps parents find licensed child care facilities in New Brunswick.

Please visit the provincial website developed by New Brunswick Multicultural Council for general information and more detailed FAQ.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Province is working on updating this section.

Nova Scotia

How To Apply to Come To Canada

The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) is one of the many special measures the Government of Canada has introduced to support the people of Ukraine. It offers Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home. Read More Here


Ukrainian Nationals in Canada

Ukrainians, and their families currently in Canada can apply to extend their stay for up to 3 years with the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway. This includes the temporary resident (visitor) status, and work and study permits, and allows people to leave and return to Canada at any time while their visa is valid. School-aged children will be eligible to attend elementary and secondary school during this time. To learn more about Nova Scotia’s pathways to permanent residency through our immigration programs, see the following video. You can learn more about Nova Scotia’s immigration programs here.


Health Care

Ukrainian Nationals and their families coming with Open Work Permits are eligible for public health care in Nova Scotia Visit this website to apply for a Health Card, and Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI) to enable access to publicly funded health care. For trusted, everyday health information and advice, 811 Nova Scotia. All Ukrainian nationals arriving under CUAET will need to complete a medical within 90 days of arrival, and complete bloodwork and a chest x-ray to remove any conditions they have on their work permit. This medical must be done with a federally designated panel physician. You can see the list of panel physicians in Nova Scotia here. There are fees associated with these procedures that are not covered by MSI. If you cannot pay these fees, please speak to the YMCA or ISANS.


Financial Information

On June 2nd, 2022, IRCC launched the Transitional Financial Assistance of $3,000 per adult (18 years and older) and $1,500 per child (17 years and under) for Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada or will be arriving on a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa. Service Canada is the delivery partner for this initiative and will be responsible for receiving applications for Transitional Financial Assistance and issuing the payment. In order for Service Canada to issue a payment, Ukrainian temporary residents who came through CUAET will need to open a Canadian bank account.

For additional information on how to apply for Transitional Financial Assistance as well as open a Canadian bank account, please refer to the following website. All CUAET visa holders are eligible to receive additional financial resources from the Province of Nova Scotia if they demonstrate financial need. Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services offers an Employment Support + Income Assistance program for those in need. This program can help you by providing some finances, helping with emergency housing, and supporting your search for employment. You can learn more about their program here. You can call the following number to set up an appointment and there are translators available to support you: +1( 877) 424-1177.
All major banks have special programs to support newcomers to set up their bank accounts and access financial services.


School

Public education is free for children in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia’s Public School System Children do not need a study permit to be enrolled in school. Post-secondary students do need a study permit to enroll, and there many options for post-secondary education at universities and colleges throughout Nova Scotia. There are language supports and supports for adjusting to school life for newcomer students in many schools across the province. For more information visit: YMCA Immigrant Services School Settlement


Settlement Services

Settlement services are for newcomers to Canada. These services can help you settle and adjust to your new life in Canada and connect you to a variety of community resources and services.

The YMCA and ISANS are two large settlement service providers in Halifax. You can visit both agencies to receive services. The YMCA offers a direct service line and Telegram group for Ukrainians to receive accurate, up-to-date information about settling in Nova Scotia: +1 (902) 220-5200.

The YMCA also offers programming in smaller areas. If you are living in a smaller community outside of Halifax, you can learn more about YREACH programming here.
Other Settlement Service Providers across the province, including service delivery in French can be found here: Settlement Service Provider Organizations in Nova Scotia (novascotiaimmigration.com)


Language Learning Services

Language Learning Services are available for adults who want to learn or improve their English language skills. Learn more about Language Learning Services in Nova Scotia here.


Language Assessment Services

Learn English Nova Scotia Testing and Counselling Centre provides free Canadian Language Benchmark language assessment, counseling, and referrals to language services across Nova Scotia. Apply Online (learnenglishns.org) You must complete an English language assessment before enrolling in English classes.


Pre-Arrival Settlement and Employment Support

Ukrainian Nationals and their families coming to Nova Scotia can receive settlement and employment support before they arrive in Canada through the Nova Scotia Start program.


Transportation

All Ukrainians arriving under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program are eligible to get a free bus pass through the Welcomed in Halifax program.


Childcare

Nova Scotia licenses childcare facilities in the province. You can search facilities based on where you are living. You may be eligible to receive a childcare subsidy based on your circumstance.


Helpful Links

Nova Scotia Immigration – information on provincial immigration pathways
Nova Scotia 211 – Programs and services directory across the province
Live in Nova Scotia – information on living in the province’s regions, cities, and towns
Ukraine Canadian Congress
Ukrainian Congress of NS Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Nova Scotia Branch
Emergencies – Nova Scotia’s 911 emergency call system provides 24-hour access to help in 170 different languages

Northwest Territories

The Province/Territory is working on updating this section.

Nunavut

The Province/Territory is working on updating this section.

Ontario

Healthcare

How can displaced Ukrainians access healthcare?
If you arrived in Ontario through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway you are eligible for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and have access to drug benefits and mental health services.

To get Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage, you have to fill out an application. You also need to collect some documents to submit with your application. You will receive your OHIP number when you apply at a ServiceOntario centre and your card will come in the mail a few weeks later.

Call the Refugee Health Line at 1-866-286-4770 or visit Health Connect Ontario to get connected to health care professionals and services. Free, secure, and confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with translation support available in Ukrainian and Russian. This service is available to anyone with or without OHIP coverage in place.

A family doctor is also called a general practitioner (GP). Family doctors are usually the first doctors to diagnose and treat most medical problems. If you need to see a specialist doctor, usually, you need a family doctor to refer you. Family doctors also order laboratory and other tests. There is a shortage of family doctors in some areas in Ontario. It may take you some time to find a doctor. You can use the Health Care Connect program to help find a local doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients.

You still have options to see a doctor while you are waiting. You don’t need an appointment to go to a walk-in medical clinic. Some clinics are open in the evening and on weekends. You can also go to a Community Health Centre (CHC). CHCs have health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners on staff.

This newcomer health care guide is designed to help you navigate Ontario’s health care system. It will help you find health care services from the moment you arrive in Ontario.


Financial Support

Is there provincial financial support available?
You might be eligible for financial assistance even if you just arrived and have no income in Canada.

Ukrainians arriving in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway are eligible for a one time payment from the Canadian government. The financial assistance is a direct deposit, one-time, non-taxable benefit payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (age 17 and under). It is to help you take care of your basic needs while you settle in Canada.

Ukrainians and their family who are in Canada and hold a valid work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit or visitor record to Canada with the CUAET designation will be eligible. You can submit your application through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) online portal

You may be eligible for short term financial support if you are in a crisis or an emergency and don’t have enough money for things like food and housing.

To apply:

  • if you have a Canadian social insurance number (SIN), you can apply online
  • if you do not have a social insurance number, contact your local Ontario Works office

Education

Is public education free for children?

How can I register my kids for school?

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?

When you enrol your child in publicly funded schools in Ontario you will need to provide a few documents. Children arriving under the CUAET pathway can attend publicly funded schools for free. Many settlement agencies can help you with registering your child for school. If you need assistance enrolling your child you can ask your settlement worker or the school’s settlement worker for help. They can also help you find an interpreter if you need one.

International Student Connect provides information online and in-person to support international students in Ontario


Language Training

Where can I get language classes?
Learning English will help you settle into your new home. Find information about how to access English As a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs.

Find and register for free language classes at the beginner, intermediate or advanced levels:


Transportation

How can I access transportation?
Most cities in Ontario have a local public transportation (transit) system. They may have a bus, streetcar and/or subway. The cost to use public transportation is different in each city.

Public transportation includes services for the general public and for people with special transportation needs.

Contact your local public transportation system for information on schedules, fares and other details.

You may also find other types of transportation services in your community, such as:

  • School transportation – Local school boards organize transportation to take your children to school.
  • Health transportation – Public or private ambulance operators, hospitals and long-term care agencies can help you get to medical centres.
  • Social transportation – Agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, day care centres, vocational rehabilitation services and other social service agencies can help you get around town.

If you want to travel between cities, read How can I travel within Ontario?

Many community agencies can help you get more information about local public transportation. To find help in your area, search for “public transportation” and your area on Services Near Me
How can I get a driver’s license?
Licence Exchange Agreement – Ontario will credit foreign driving experience for protected persons, refugees, and people from Ukraine to help them get their driver’s licence. From DriveTest.


Childcare

I need to work. How can I find childcare for my kids?
In Ontario, there are three basic types of child care; licensed home and child care centres and unlicensed child care. Child care services in Ontario are in high demand and have long waiting lists. You may not get a spot right away.

Prince Eduard Island

Healthcare

Do Ukrainian newcomers have access to provincial health care Prince Edward Island Health Card?
Yes.Ukrainian newcomers under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) with a valid work or study permit that is issued for more than six months are eligible to apply for a Prince Edward Island provincial Health Card. Minors on a visitor permit can be included on the same application as a parent or legal guardian. Ukrainian newcomers can apply online or by mail and the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association (IRSA) can assist with applications. A Prince Edward Island Health Card is valid for the duration of a temporary immigration permit.

How can I get medical help in PEI?
Options for non-emergency medical services:

  1. TeleHealth services are available 24 hours a day by calling 811 and a registered nurse will assess the situation and provide advice on the next steps
  2. Walk-in medical clinics are available to assist with general and specific health needs.
  3. PEI Pharmacy Plus assesses individuals for some common ailments and conditions and have the capability to prescribe some medications.
  4. Register for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner with PEI Patient Registry Program.
  5. Register for the PEI Virtual Care Program.

*In case of an emergency, call 911 or visit the emergency department of your local hospital.


Financial Support

Is there provincial financial support available?
No.There are no provincial financial supports available in Prince Edward Island.

Ukrainians in receipt of valid Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) are eligible for some PEI provincial social programs, including dental care, prescription drug coverage and a potential for a child care subsidy.

Contact IRSA for more information.

Information on applications for the one time federal financial assistance program can be found here.


Education

Is public education free for children?
Yes. Public education is free in Prince Edward Island for Ukrainian children with the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

How can I register my kids for school?
IRSA can assist clients with the entire school registration process, acting as liaison between clients and the Public Schools Branch. IRSA Youth Settlement Services (YSS) staff carry out an initial registration and needs assessment with all new immigrant families with school-aged children. From this meeting, all required forms and documents are completed and collected to be sent to EAL/FAL Reception Center. Next, an appointment is scheduled with EAL/FAL Reception Center to finalize registration documentation to be sent to the school and to complete the English Language assessment for the child(ren) entering into school. The results of this test determine how much language support would be given during the school year. The final step for school enrolment would be a registration appointment at the school. During this appointment specific school information is given out.

In addition to this IRSA offers an information session on the Public-School system to every newcomer family to ensure each family is aware of all-important school-related information. Interpretation services are provided for these sessions as needed.

More information on education in Prince Edward Island can be found in the IRSA online guide.

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?
Yes. All Ukrainian students in the Public School system will have access to language supports.


Language Training

Where can I get language classes?
Holland College provides English language instruction for Ukrainian newcomers with Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). Holland College offers day (full-time and part-time) and evening (part-time) classes for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) on a year-round basis.

IRSA can assist with assessments for the Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test  needed to attend LINC. There is no fee to take the test for Ukrainian newcomers under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

More information on English Language Learning can be found in the IRSA online guide.

Ukrainian newcomers under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can register with La Coopérative d’intégration francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, the PEI Francophone settlement agency, to undergo a French language assessment.


Transportation

Can I exchange a Ukrainian driver’s license for a Prince Edward Island license?
Yes. As of August 15, 2022, Ukrainian newcomers with Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) documentation can exchange a full-stage Ukrainian Category B (including BE) passenger vehicle license for PEI’s Class 5 license. They can do so without a written exam or road testing. Commercial class licenses or motorcycle licenses are not eligible for exchange.

Applicants must provide a valid driver’s license from the reciprocal country and/or a translated copy in French or English of their driver’s license, as well as two documents that show their current address in Prince Edward Island. All fees removed for Ukrainian passport holders under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

Please read the PEI Driver’s Handbook for PEI driving rules.

T3 Transit is a Canadian public transport company operating buses throughout the capital region of Prince Edward Island.

More information on PEI transportation is available in the IRSA online guide.


Childcare

What are the childcare options in Prince Edward Island?
Families are responsible for finding and obtaining and paying for child care. Parents are required to register with the PEI Early Learning and Childcare registry to search for licensed child care centers, register, or place their child on a waitlist.

Families with Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) might be eligible for provincial child Care subsidy. For more information contact IRSA directly.

More information on childcare is available in in the IRSA online guide.

Quebec

Information on the services offered to Ukrainian nationals in Quebec is available here:

https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/welcoming-ukrainians-to-quebec

Saskatchewan

Healthcare

How can displaced Ukrainians access healthcare?
If you and your family are moving to Saskatchewan under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) Program, you will need to submit either an online or paper application form to apply for Saskatchewan health benefits. To avoid delays in processing your application please follow the instructions below.

  • If you complete an online application you will receive a reference number. Email the reference number to welcome@ehealthsask.ca.
  • If you submit a paper application scan and email the application to welcome@ehealthsask.ca.

Once your application is processed you will receive a letter providing confirmation of health coverage details. Use this letter to obtain health services until you receive your health card in the mail.


Financial Support

Is there provincial financial support available?
Displaced Ukrainians arriving through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), may be eligible for the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) programs.

To help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age, families are now eligible for additional income support benefits, the Child Basic Benefit under the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program and the Transitional Benefit for Children under the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program, until they qualify for the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB).

www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/saskatchewan-supports-ukraine/financial-support#financial-assistance-for-ukrainians-arriving-in-canada

www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/saskatchewan-supports-ukraine/financial-support#income-support


Education

Is public education free for children?
All children must attend school from ages 6 to 16. Children can start school as early as ages 3-4 (Prekindergarten), if available, and can continue up to the age of 22.

The Government of Saskatchewan has made amendments to The Education Regulations, 2019 to ensure that all Ukrainian school aged students arriving through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) Program receive tuition-free Kindergarten to Grade 12 education.

Learn more about education in Saskatchewan by viewing Education in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Arriving Ukrainians, which includes an interactive map for families to locate school divisions/schools near their landing locations.

https://saskatchewan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1d776966f235493096f95c4e8def9809

Education in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Newcomers provides more information about types of schools, registration, language instruction and listed resources. This guide is also available in additional languages.

Schools provide education primarily in English but may also offer French Immersion from Kindergarten to Grade 12. French Immersion programs are targeted at students who have English or a language other than French as a first language. French is the language of instruction for most of the subjects.

How can I register my kids for school?
School starts in early September and ends in late June. Schools accept new students throughout the school year. Students do not need to wait for a new school year to start school if arriving in the middle of a year. To enrol your child, you need to fill out the school’s enrolment forms. You can get enrolment forms from the school or on the school’s website.

Do schools have language support for Ukrainian kids?
Each school in Saskatchewan is responsible for supporting newcomer students in learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). Your child will also be assessed by the school for school readiness, including language ability. Depending on the language level of your child, they may need additional time and supports to achieve language proficiency. Students over the age of 18 years who require additional English language supports should contact a local high school or post-secondary institution (e.g., Regional Colleges, Saskatchewan Polytechnic) to find out what programs are available.

Do schools have settlement services to help families?
In some school communities you may be able to access the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program. SWIS can help newcomer students and their families adjust to their new school and community.

Language Training

Where can I get language classes?
When you arrive in Saskatchewan, you can contact your nearest Regional Newcomer Gateway for information about opportunities to learn English. Many of the English classes offered are free.

www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/language-training-and-settlement-services/language-training


Transportation

How can I access transportation?
Four cities in Saskatchewan (Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon) have public transportation systems.

www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/public-transportation

How can I get a driver’s license?


Childcare

 I need to work. How can I find childcare for my kids?
Licensed centres and family child care homes:

  • meet and maintain standards set by the Government of Saskatchewan
  • are monitored by Early Learning and Child Care consultants; and
  • have their license reviewed every year.

Unlicensed caregivers are not monitored by the Government of Saskatchewan and are not subject to many legal requirements.

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/child-care/child-care-in-saskatchewan

Yukon

The Province/Territory is working on updating this section.

You can find here federal questions and answers.

Family Reunification Pathway for Ukrainian Nationals / Post-October 2023 Launch

Yes, applicants wishing to settle in Quebec can apply under the family reunification pathway for Ukrainian nationals. When applicants apply for this program with IRCC, there is no need for them to complete additional forms. If they meet the eligibility criteria, IRCC will forward their application to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec. You must obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec  from the province of Quebec before we can grant you permanent residence or a permanent resident visa.

 

It is important to keep in mind that the Canadian relative is not required to live in the same province as the Ukrainian national.

Yes, for example, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old can sign a statutory declaration for their minor brother or sister, if the minor is not accompanied by their parents. However, both parents must provide their consent to their minor child immigrating to Canada.

A principal applicant can include in their application accompanying family members who may be in or outside of Canada, including:

  • their spouse or common-law partner;
  • their dependent child or their spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child who is:
    • under 22 years old and doesn’t have a spouse or partner or
    • 22 years old or older and
      • has depended on the principal applicant for financial support since before they were 22 and
      • can’t support themselves financially because of a mental or physical condition
  • the dependent child of a dependent child of the principal applicant or of the principal applicant’s spouse or partner

Individuals that do not meet the definition of a family member cannot be included in the same application and must submit a separate application for permanent residence. This could be as a principal applicant under the family reunification pathway for Ukrainians or under other programs, including under the family class or economic immigration programs.

 

Further information on the different IRCC permanent residence programs available can be found on IRCC’s website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html

 

The Canadian relative must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years or older, who was not granted permanent residence under this public policy and who resides in Canada.

While the Canadian relative must reside in Canada, they may leave Canada for purposes other than taking up residence in another country (e.g. vacation, family visit, work-related).

The Canadian relative is not required to live in the same province as the Ukrainian national.

There is no limit to how many statutory declarations a Canadian individual can sign to support Ukrainian relatives, as long as the relationship meets the requirement of the public policy.
The statutory declaration is a solemn declaration whereby the Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada attests to meeting one of the relationships with the applicant required under the public policy. The person making the declaration solemnly declares the truth of the statements, recognizing that it holds the same legal weight as if made under oath.

No, there’s no financial undertaking for this program.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a passport or travel document, or provide supporting identity documents if they don’t hold one.

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, or other official documents must be provided to demonstrate relationships.

Currently there are no specific processing times for this initiative.

Yes, an individual can apply under the PR pathway by providing a copy of their previous valid temporary status document (work permit, study permit, visitor record or temporary resident permit).

An applicant must provide copies of all the pages of their passport, including pages showing entry and exit stamps. An applicant must also provide a copy of their temporary status document (work permit, study permit, visitor record or temporary resident permit).

If the applicant and family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, they must generally provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which they spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

 

Find out how and where to get a police certificate from different countries and territories by using IRCC online tool.

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to provide your fingerprints and photo for all permanent residence applications prior to a final decision being made on an application, even if you already gave your biometrics and they’re still valid.

 

Check an online tool on Canada.ca to find out if you need to give biometrics (canada.ca).

An applicant is not required to have an immigration medical exam before they submit application forms. The processing office will contact applicants if a new exam is required.

Post-July 15 Immigration Measures

As part of Canada’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced CUAET. Launched on March 17, 2022, the CUAET provided Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality the opportunity to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. Ukrainians and their family members had until July 15, 2023, to apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge. As of July 16, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada under pre-existing immigration measures.

 

Once in Canada, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, all of which will be prioritized. Applications need to be submitted by March 31, 2024. They will also have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment services until March 31, 2025.

 

IRCC is now extending some CUAET measures to people who applied overseas before the deadline and who experienced delays with the processing of their application and received a positive decision on or after February 4, 2024. These people will have until July 31, 2024, to arrive in Canada and apply for an inland study permit and an open work permit free of charge, once approved.

 

Settlement services also remain available to all Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependants in Canada until March 31, 2025, so they can be fully involved in Canadian communities while they are here. The one-time financial assistance and the emergency temporary accommodations supports will no longer be available to any CUAET holders arriving in Canada after March 31, 2024.

 

Ukrainians who applied and were approved for a work permit under the CUAET program before February 4, 2024, may still come to Canada and be issued their work permit on arrival while their permit is valid.

 

Ukrainians who applied and were approved for a CUAET visa before February 4, 2024, but did not apply for a work permit at the time of their application will still be able to come to Canada, but they will no longer be able to apply for a work or study permit while in Canada after March 31, 2024.

CUAET applications received on or before July 15, 2023, will be processed under CUAET measures. Ukrainians holding a CUAET visa have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the temporary special measures and have access to in-Canada benefits associated with the CUAET. Consult this page if you would like to check your application status.

A CUAET visa holder can travel to Canada as long as their visa is valid. However, in order to benefit from the temporary special measures and have access to in-Canada benefits associated with the CUAET (such as one-time financial assistance and up to 14 nights accommodation at the federally-funded hotels), a CUAET visa holder has to travel to Canada until March 31, 2024.

 

Important dates – information on deadlines and in-Canada supports available.

To check the validity of your CUAET visa please refer to the counterfoil in your passport. Upon arrival in Canada before March 31, 2024, you will be issued a fee-exempt temporary resident document (visitor record, study permit, open work permit) valid for up to 3 years (or to passport validity, whichever comes first).  

 

Visa validity and length of stay/status in Canada are two different things. On the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record, please see here. 

CUAET visa holders who arrive in Canada by March 31, 2024 can access:   

  • Federally-funded temporary accommodations until March 31, 2024; 
  • Transitional financial assistance until June 30, 2024; and 
  • Settlement services until March 31, 2025 

 

Ukraine immigration measures: Important dates provides helpful information on supports available for you when you come to Canada.   

 

CUAET visa holders who are in Canada will have until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge. Use the following steps if you’d like to extend your stay as a worker, student or visitor from inside Canada under CUAET.

If you do not have the CUAET-AVUCU remark on your document, you will need to apply to extend your stay as a worker, student or visitor from inside Canada, in order to obtain a new document with the remark. You will need to upload a letter stating that you are exempt from paying fees under the CUAET and that your previous permit was missing the remark.

No, an open work permit received under CUAET measures allows a permit holder to seek and obtain employment anywhere in Canada without being restricted to a particular province, regardless of what ‘Employment Location’ says. The ‘Employment Location’ field may display a specific province if the applicant specified a preferred province during the application process. If the applicant did not specify a province of choice, ‘Employment Location’ may display ‘Unknown’. However, this does not restrict the permit holder’s ability to work in other provinces. CUAET open work permit holders can freely live, work, and move between provinces, and there is no need to reapply for a new work permit.

 

Some employers may have concerns about hiring CUAET open work permit holders outside of the province specified on their permits. In such cases, CUAET open work permit holder may follow the steps outlined in Immigration measures and support for Ukrainians and their families – Canada.ca to get or extend a work permit under CUAET before March 31, 2024 and provide an explanation with their application that they need province in ‘Employment Location’ removed.

 

In order to address immediate concerns client and/or their employer might have, clients are encouraged to use Ukraine Crisis Webform at Ukraine immigration measures: Contact us – Canada.ca.

As of July 16, 2023, Ukrainians can apply to come to Canada through existing temporary and permanent resident programs and will be subject to fees and standard requirements.

 

More information about how to apply for a visitor visa can be found here.

Yes, as of July 16, 2023, you will be subject to standard fees, processing times and all applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements.

 

As per the fee list, the fee for a visitor visa is CAD $100 per person. The maximum fee for a family of 5 or more, applying at the same time and place, is CAD $500.

Visitor visa application are subject to standard processing times. Check processing times here. Of note, processing times do not include the time needed to give biometrics. However, once in Canada you will be eligible to apply for an open work permit, study permit or extended stay for up to 3 years – all of which will be prioritized if you apply until March 31, 2024.

Find out if you need to give biometrics here. If you need to provide biometrics, you will receive a letter after you submit a visitor visa application.

 

Biometrics fees:

  • Individual applicant: CAD $85
  • Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD $170

Find out more about biometrics:

You can submit biometrics at any visa application centre (VACs). You will need to book an appointment to give your biometrics. You can go to a VAC that is outside your country of residence; either call, email or use web chat (check their website for details). VAC locations can be found here. Please note, some VACs are experiencing higher than normal volumes.

You might need to submit to an IME in certain cases.

 

  • If you have applied and were approved for a CUAET temporary resident visa:
    • If you are approved under CUAET, you may need to complete the medical diagnostic test (MDT) within 90 days of arrival to Canada. A border services officer might impose a condition on your visitor record stating you must report for a medical diagnostic test to identify conditions of public health concern.

 

  • If you have applied and were approved for a regular temporary resident visa:
    • You will not be required to undergo an IME before arriving in Canada, as persons seeking to enter Canada as visitors on a regular temporary resident visa are generally authorized for period of stay of 6 months, for which no IME is required.
    • Once in Canada, after July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members who enter Canada as temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to 3 years, study permits, and work permits until March 31, 2024. At this point, clients may be required to undergo an IME in Canada, depending on their circumstances.
    • For instance, Ukrainians who have resided in a country with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) for at least 6 months in the last year and who will be visiting Canada for more than 6 months will require an IME. Individuals planning to work or study in a field in which the protection of public health is essential are also required to complete an Immigration Medical Exam. For information on who must submit to an immigration medical examination.

Information about processing of visitor visa applications can be found here.

Following the end of overseas applications under CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada, under pre-existing immigration measures.

 

Once in Canada, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through a visitor record, study permits or open work permits, all of which will be prioritized if applied until March 31, 2024.

 

Steps on how to apply from within Canada, as well as eligibility can be found here

 

The deadline to apply for or extend an open work permit, study permit and visitor record in Canada under the facilitative measures is March 31, 2024. 

 

Fees for a visitor record:

  • visitor record processing fee – $100
  • biometrics fee (if applicable) – $85

Fees for an open work permit:

  • work permit fee -$155
  • open work permit holder fee – $100
  • biometrics fee (if applicable) – $85

Fees for a study permit:

  • study permit fee – $150
  • biometrics fee (if applicable) – $85

 

As of April 1, 2024, Ukrainians and their family members may still travel to Canada through existing temporary resident programs and apply, once in Canada, for regular temporary resident extensions.

They will also have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment services. 

No, if you are not a CUAET visa holder, you would not have access to temporary accommodations and transitional financial assistance.

All Ukrainians with temporary resident status in Canada and their family members of any nationality, including those who apply for TRVs after July 15, 2023, and those who currently hold regular, non-CUAET TRVs remain eligible for settlement services until March 31, 2025, regardless of their arrival date.

 

A family member is defined as:

  • spouse or common-law partner
  • dependent child (applicant’s, applicant’s spouse’s or common-law partner’s)
  • dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild)

 

Foreign national family members are required to show proof of their relationship to the Ukrainian family member.

 

Settlement services provide information about life in Canada and the communities where clients settle, language training, assistance in finding a job, and connections with established immigrants and Canadians.

As of July 16, 2023, there will no longer be port of entry (POE) facilitation for regular temporary resident visa (TRV) holders. This means you cannot request an for open work permit, study permit, and/or extended visitor record at a POE. However, you can apply once you are in inland. Your application for an open work permit, study permit, and/or extended visitor record will be prioritized if you apply until March 31, 2024. For more information visit Ukraine immigration measures: Extend your visitor status in Canada, Open work permits for Ukrainians and their family members in Canada and Study permits for Ukrainians and their family members in Canada.

 

Yes, family members of Ukrainian nationals will have access to the in-Canada measures noted above.

A family member is defined as a:

  • spouse or common-law partner
  • dependent child (applicant’s, applicant’s spouse’s or common-law partner’s)
  • dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild)

Refunds may be possible for those who paid an applicable visa fee between February 22, 2022, and March 14, 2022. We are working on finalizing this process. Please consult this page for the updates.

No, Ukrainians holding a non-CUAET visa issued prior to the launch of CUAET and who did not apply for CUAET, will not have access to temporary accommodations and transitional financial assistance.

 

However, Ukrainians with temporary resident status in Canada, and their family members, remain eligible to access settlement services until March 31, 2025, regardless of their arrival date and type of TRV.

Yes. Ukrainians and their immediate family members who received a temporary resident visa (e.g. a multiple entry visitor visa or super visa) prior to the CUAET program launch can apply for the in-Canada measures available following the close of overseas CUAET application intake on July 15, 2023. These include a study and open work permit, extended stay for up to 3 years, and access to settlement services. Applicants will need to arrive in Canada and make an application for a study permit, open work permit or an extended stay for up to 3 years by March 31, 2024. They will have access to settlement services until March 31, 2025.

On June 27, 2023, IRCC announced a new temporary 3-year study authorization extension for all foreign workers. This means foreign workers can study full-time or part-time, with no restrictions on the length of the study program, while their work permits are valid or until the expiration of the 3-year policy.

 

CUAET visa holders with a valid work permit and non-CUAET visa holders are eligible for this temporary 3-year study authorization extension if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Client must have a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023.
  • If client held a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, they can study without a study permit until either the expiry date on the work permit or June 27, 2026 whichever is the earliest.
  • Under these measures, work experience gained while studying full-time in Canada will not be eligible for consideration under Express Entry.

Please note, when applying for a permanent residence under Express Entry, points will not be awarded for work experience gained while studying full-time in Canada.

Information on pathways to permanent residence can be found at Immigrate to Canada – Canada.ca.

To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be physically in Canada with temporary resident status and have one or more family members in Canada. You are eligible if you are:

  • a relative (spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • a spouse or common-law partner of a missing, deceased or unable to leave Ukraine Ukrainian national, who is/was a relative of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In this case, you should not have remarried or be in a common-law relationship with another person since leaving Ukraine

For more information on the family reunification pathway to permanent residence, click here.

Other permanent residence programs remain available for Ukrainian nationals, including the family class or economic immigration programs. Further information on the different IRCC permanent residence programs available can be found on IRCC’s website.

Ukrainians accepted under the new family reunification pathway for Ukrainian nationals are in addition to any family members who come to Canada through the Family Class program.

 

The new family reunification pathway for Ukrainian nationals will not have an impact on the number of spaces available through the Family Class program, including for parents and grandparents.

Ukrainian nationals continue to have access to opportunities for temporary resident status, including the ability of parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for parent and grandparent super visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows extended stays of 5 years at a time.

Settlement services are currently available to all Ukrainian nationals and their dependents in Canada, not just to CUAET visa holders, and access has been extended until March 31, 2025.

 

Individuals granted permanent residence under the special family reunification pathway for Ukrainian nationals will have access to the same settlement services available to new permanent residents under other immigration programs, including information and orientation services, language assessments and training, employment related and community connections services.

 

Further information to help find a settlement services provider in your area is available on IRCC’s website.

Mental Health and Wellness

As displaced Ukrainians arrive in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), they have no coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Policies for access to mental health support depend on each province and territory. 

For more information, please refer to our Mental Health Resources webpage.

You can also refer to the  Wellness Together Canada site to learn more about mental health and wellness services for adults.

Yes, you can connect with Kids Help Phone’s professional counsellors in multiple languages (English, French, Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Mandarin and Arabic) by calling 1-800-668-6868.

Kids Help Phone provides phone counselling service in multiple languages, with the help of trained interpreters. It’s all free, private and available 24/7 in Canada. No ID is required.

You can use Child Helpline International’s website to find helplines worldwide if you’re outside Canada.

The counselling service in multiple languages is delivered over the phone by professional counsellors with the help of interpreters in Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Mandarin and Arabic.

The interpreters are randomly selected from a group of hundreds across Canada and the United States. They’re professionally trained to understand and translate what is said. It would help if you paused regularly for the interpreter to translate your words and help the counsellor understand them clearly.

During a conversation, our counsellors can listen, ask questions and help you decide on an action plan. They can also refer you to other programs and services nearest your community (and in more languages, where available). Our counsellors are trained to use culturally responsive practices to support a diverse range of young people.

You can contact Kids Help Phone for support with any issue on your mind, big or small. You can connect about things like anxietydepressionisolationrelationshipsbullyingabuseschooljobsgrieflossracismdiscrimination and more.

Kids Help Phone is here to support your wellness. While we don’t offer legal or medical advice or in-person services, we may refer you to people who do if you’d like. You’re welcome to call us more than once if you need/want to. Each time you call, you’ll be interacting with a different counsellor.

You can call Kids Help Phone in Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Mandarin and Arabic across Canada at any time. Are you interested in trying it out? Here’s how it works:

  1. Call Kids Help Phone’s toll-free number at 1-800-668-6868.
  2. Pres 3 to get support in Ukrainian, Russian, Pashto, Dari, Mandarin and Arabic.
  3. Listen as a counsellor greets you in English.
  4. Let the counsellor know which language you’d like to use.
  5. Please stay on the line as the counsellor places you on a brief hold while they connect with an interpreter.
  6. Follow the prompts from the counsellor/interpreter to start the counselling session.

You may have to wait a little bit to speak to a counsellor. The amount of time can vary depending on how many people call them. You may find it helpful to use this time to think about what you want to talk about with the counsellor or to try some well-being activities. Try to keep in mind that a counsellor will always try to answer your call and support you as best they can.

You can visit Resources Around Me to find newcomer and other support programs and services across Canada. When you browse your search results, you can filter by language and communities supported.

You can also check out (and share with your network!) tips, tools and stories for newcomers and more by browsing our website.

Education services

Information on access to education in different provinces and territories is available on our website in Ukrainian and Russian after selecting the province or territory where you are located.

Other Administrative Questions

It is important to open a bank account in Canada to be able to make and receive various payments.

In Canada, you have the right to open a bank account at a bank or a federal credit union as long as you show proper identification. You may need to go to the financial institution in person to open a bank account. To find more information please see opening a bank account.

The identification must have been issued by a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority and must be valid, that is, not expired. To be considered acceptable, the valid identification must include your: name, date of birth, photo, and signature. To open a bank account you can find the list of valid identifications at Identification you need to open a bank account.

You will have to visit the site of the province where you are settled. For more information, visit Driving Licenses.

Learn the steps for getting your credentials recognized in Canada at the website Credential assessment process.

Human trafficking

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons, or the control of their movements, generally for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labour. Its defining feature is the exploitation of women, men and children – usually for the purposes of sexual exploitation (sex trafficking) or forced labour.

Human smuggling is usually related to human trafficking and is the importation of people into a country by illegally crossing an international border. Human smuggling is a business transaction – where the individual(s) voluntarily agree to be smuggled in exchange for money – that ends upon arrival at the destination. There are instances where people who asked to be smuggled into a country become human trafficking victims at the hands of their smuggler.

Another criminal behaviour related to Human Trafficking is Forced labour which involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims to coerce them into doing any work. Victims may experience a wide range of abuse, including verbal, physical, and sexual. Examples of forced labour may include:

  • working without pay
  • performing tasks outside the scope of the employment contract
  • not receiving vacation or overtime pay
  • working extremely long hours
  • deduction of “fees” for food or accommodation from pay cheques
  • crowded and unsanitary living conditions
  • sexual violence

For more information, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police webpage.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, individual and societal factors make a person more at-risk of being targeted for trafficking. When discussing risk, it’s important to note that some groups are more at-risk, but anyone can be vulnerable to this crime. Traffickers are extremely skilled at presenting themselves as potential protectors and providers or offering other solutions to a person’s immediate perceived problem. For example, traffickers can offer to pay for clothing, food or rent to indebt you to them.

Displaced persons and those fleeing their homes due to war, armed conflict, or anticipated armed conflict are more at-risk for exploitation and human trafficking. Things like language barriers, disconnection from social and cultural supports, and lack of economic opportunities while they wait for work permits and other basic necessities are all things that make Ukrainian newcomers more at-risk for exploitation here in Canada. Many displaced Ukrainian nationals coming into Canada are women and children, who are at an increased risk of being targeted for sex trafficking in Canada.

Although women represent most human trafficking victims in Canada, men and children can also be victims. Those who are most likely to be at-risk include:

  • Persons who are socially or economically disadvantaged, including Indigenous women, youth and children, migrants and new immigrants, and runaway/homeless youth
  • Girls and women who may be lured to large urban centres or move there voluntarily

You can find more information and contact to the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline here.

You or someone you know could be a victim or at-risk of being a victim of human trafficking. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Being controlled by someone else (i.e. being escorted or watched all the time).
  • Being tattooed (with the trafficker’s initials), branded or scarred to show ownership by the trafficker
  • Signs of malnourishment
  • Someone speaks on their behalf despite being physically able to speak for themselves
  • Not in possession of any forms of identification nor knowing the location of their passport
  • They are frequently moving locations or being moved
  • Signs of physical and sexual abuse, including visible injuries like bruises
  • Expresses fear/intimidation through facial expressions and/or body language

If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation:

  • Report any suspicious activities to your police of jurisdiction (they are there to help you!). Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency to contact police, ambulance &/or firefighters (i.e. severe injuries, &/or imminent danger of loss of life)
  • Post the anonymous tip-line to report crimes at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
  • Or call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-833-900-1010: Hotline Response Advocates are available 24/7/365 to receive tips on potential human trafficking. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.

You can learn about, share, and post the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police number in your community at 1-833-900-1010.

For more information, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police webpage.

War crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine

As part of the domestic and international fight against impunity for perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, the objectives of Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program are to deny safe haven in Canada to persons believed to have committed or been complicit in such crimes and to seek accountability for their conduct. Delivered jointly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Department of Justice (Justice Canada), the War Crimes Program takes a holistic approach, which includes three main avenues to seek accountability:

  • criminal investigations and prosecutions
  • various immigration proceedings
  • citizenship revocation
  • In some cases, the War Crimes Program pursues all three avenues.

Canada is aware of the serious allegations that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine. In response, Canada’s national police service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, has opened an investigation into these allegations. Please click here to learn more about Canada’s investigation and how you can support it. If you do not have internet access, please call 1-833-812-1263.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is aware that many Ukrainians coming to Canada or already in Canada may have witnessed or experienced potential war crimes and crimes against humanity while in Ukraine. If this applies to you, the RCMP wants to hear your account of what happened. Your information could contribute to future criminal cases against those responsible for such reprehensible acts.

War crimes and crimes against humanity include some of the most heinous acts committed across the globe. The RCMP takes all allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity very seriously. We are committed to fully investigating such allegations of the law and holding those involved in such crimes accountable for their actions.

Rest assured that sharing information is your choice. The information will be safeguarded by the RCMP and only used for investigative purposes and criminal prosecutions.

Sharing information and potential evidence will not impact your immigration status in Canada.

If you choose to share your information, the RCMP will review and analyze it carefully and may contact you later for follow-up.

Data

You can access the latest statistics on Ukrainian arrivals in Canada and number of approvals granted on our Data Hub page.

How Can I Help?

If you are an individual and would like to make a cash donation, you find more information under the Cash Donation section of Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven’s website. If you would like to volunteer in support of displaced Ukrainians, you can find how to do so in your province or territory under the Volunteer section of Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven’s website

If you would like to help as part of a company:

The coordination of short and longer-term housing offers is handled by each province or territory. Updates are made on a rolling basis. For more information please Housing.

We invite individuals to express their generosity by making a cash donation, as this may better respond to pragmatic needs. If you want to make a donation of goods and services, you can contact a local service provider.

If you are seeking to make a donation of goods and services as a company, please visit Call to action: Canadian Industry for Ukraine.

Companies and individuals can donate via Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven’s website.

A 10% administrative fee will be retained from cash donations.

Donations directed to a specific province or territory will be sent as requested by the donor. General donations will be allocated based on the immediate needs of immigrant clients.

Official tax-deductible receipts will be provided for donations over $20. You will receive an email confirming your donation and a PDF receipt.

Businesses can make cash donations on Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven’s website. They can also offer good and services donations via the portal Call to action: Canadian Industry for Ukraine.