They welcomed Canada’s open arms. Now Ukrainians worry about future as Russian invasion’s 3rd-year mark nears

Nearly three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian immigrants in southwestern Ontario are feeling uneasy about their future in Canada as the war continues. Close to 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada after Feb. 24, 2022, seeking refuge from the conflict. Ottawa offered them temporary resident status through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, which is set to conclude on March 31.

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Ukrainians must apply for an open work or study permit extension to remain in Canada as temporary residents. While Miller assured that Ukrainians would not be forced to return to a war zone after their visas expire, many in the community remain worried about their status in the country.

Alla Shevchuk, a Ukrainian immigrant living in Strathroy, Ontario, expressed her concerns about the uncertainty of the situation. She arrived in Canada in 2022 and opened a pierogi business before applying for an open work permit extension in early 2024. After a four-month wait, she was granted an extension until 2027.

Olena Riznyk, another Ukrainian immigrant in Strathroy, shared her worries about the future as the deadline to apply for a work permit extension approached. While she can stay in Canada until 2027, she is already thinking ahead and contemplating her next steps for permanent residency.

Settlement counsellor Galyna Volkova at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre in London, Ontario, has been assisting Ukrainian newcomers with their work permit extension applications. She emphasized the importance of applying for extensions now to secure longer permits that extend beyond March 2028. Volkova noted that most extension applications are approved as long as applicants meet the requirements and pay the necessary fees.

Despite the temporary reprieve offered by the open work permit extensions, Ukrainians are concerned about their long-term prospects in Canada. Volkova anticipates that Ukrainians may not be able to extend their permits again and encourages them to explore alternative options for permanent residency.

Some Ukrainian families have already pursued permanent residency solutions, such as Mykola Bilovol and his family, who became permanent Canadian residents in 2024. Bilovol acknowledged the challenges of obtaining permanent residency, including the cost and language barriers faced by some immigrants.

Riznyk highlighted the financial struggles faced by many Ukrainian immigrants working minimum wage jobs while supporting themselves and their families in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of exploring various options for staying in Canada, such as sponsorships or other immigration programs.

As Ukrainians navigate the complexities of their immigration status in Canada, the community is urged to proactively research available opportunities and seek assistance to build a stable future in their new home.