Canada has promised to expedite Ukrainian immigration applications as Ukrainians flee Russia’s unprovoked attack on the country. As part of its package of assistance to Ukraine, Canada has announced it will prioritise immigration applications by Ukrainian nationals.
In a government announcement yesterday, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC0) promised to priority-process applications for Ukrainian nationals “who want to study, work, reunite with family, or start a new life in Canada”.
The Canadian government has set-up a dedicated phone line and web page to answer questions. Any Ukrainian national with urgent Ukraine-related immigration questions is encouraged to call +1 (613) 996-8885 or visit the dedicated government webpage.
Canada received more than 25,000 Syrian refugees during the European refugee crisis of 2015-16.
“President Putin’s recent actions have shown the world that he is using any pretext to further invade Ukraine. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future”, said Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, in a press release.
“Our message to Ukraine and its people is clear: you are not alone; Canada stands with you”.
Part of Support Package
The Canadian government announced a package of support for Ukraine, which in addition to prioritising Ukrainian immigration cases includes further sanctions on Russian officials and companies and increased support for NATO capabilities in Europe, including the Canadian-led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia.
The Canadian government also authorized up to 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to deploy to the NATO Response Force, should NATO request them.
“At this pivotal time for the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world, Canada will continue to step up and do its part, in close collaboration with our NATO Allies”, said Canadian Minister of Defence Anita Anand in a press release.
“Canada is deploying an even greater contingent to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia and will contribute more troops and assets to bolster NATO forces in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
Canada has over 100 years of history of accepting Ukrainian immigrants and was the second country in the world to recognize Ukrainian independence back in 1991, after Poland.
