The Government of Canada, and the Province of B.C. have dedicated support to those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Government of Canada’s response includes special programs to help Ukrainian nationals and their family members find safety in Canada. Below is curated information and resources to support organizations and individuals who wish to help Ukrainian citizens arriving to B.C.
Permanent Residence Opportunity for Ukrainians in Canada
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy for certain Ukrainian foreign nationals in Canada and their family members to apply for permanent residence. Eligible Ukrainian nationals in Canada can apply for permanent residency for their family members whether their family members are in or outside Canada. For detailed eligibility and application procedures, refer to the sections: Who can apply, How to apply, and After you apply.
Message to all Service Providing Organizations | Message à tous les fournisseurs de services
IRCC has amended the Settlement Program’s Terms and Conditions to temporarily extend eligibility to Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents to all federally-funded settlement services. This temporary measure is effective immediately until March 31st, 2023.
Canada-Ukraine Transitional Financial Assistance | L’aide financière transitoire Canada-Ukraine
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Ukrainians affected by the war. To help Ukrainians and their dependents arriving in Canada (including those who have already arrived) meet their basic needs, the Government has introduced transitional financial assistance.
How to get your visa after you’re approved – Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travels
As part of the special Ukraine measures, the decision letter Ukrainians receive may qualify them for a foil-less visa. A foil-less visa means an individual doesn't need to get a physical visa placed in the passport in order to travel to Canada. Family members who are not Ukrainian nationals do not qualify for a foil-less visa.
New partnership to help Ukrainians come to Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, which will be launched in partnership with Miles4Migrants, The Shapiro Foundation and Air Canada and will build on our support for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Canada. Canadians who would like to donate their Aeroplan points can do so through the Air Canada and Miles4Migrants websites.
Government of Canada charter flights
The Government of Canada is providing 3 charter flights from Poland to Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax. There is no cost for these flights. Newcomers will be able to register for each flight once registration opens.
Immigration measures for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
To support those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government of Canada put measures in place to help Canadian citizens and permanent residents return home and to help Ukrainians come to and stay in Canada. This provides links to Provincial information and other information for arriving Ukrainians.
Ukraine immigration measures: Key figures
The Government of Canada webpage provides updates on the number of applications received by Ukrainian citizens, the number of approved applications, as well as the number of Ukrainian citizens who have arrived to Canada.
A sociodemographic profile of Ukrainian-Canadians
The existing Ukrainian-Canadian communities will play an important role in helping the settlement of Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion. This Statistics Canada article compares the Ukrainian-Canadian population to Canada's national population using the 2016 Census of Population. The findings provide information on current Ukrainian-Canadians, including their geographic distribution, demographic, employment, and economic profiles.
Measures in place to help people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
For urgent help, or questions about an application submitted:
- telephone: +1 613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted)
- web form (describe your situation and add the keyword UKRAINE2022 to the “Tell us about your situation” box)
For individuals in Ukraine who need consular assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- Telephone: +1 613-996-8885
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
- SMS: +1 613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: 613-909-8881
Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel
In support of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government of Canada created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada. The CUAET also gives those who are already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily.
Prime Minister co-convenes the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event
The Prime Minister announced $100 million in humanitarian support to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, helping to provide added emergency health services, including trauma care, protection, and necessities such as shelter, water, and food. The Prime Minister also announced a series of measures to make it easier for Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s illegal war to come to Canada including:
- Targeted charter flights to Canada for Ukrainians;
- Short-term income support to ensure basic needs are met; and
- Temporary hotel accommodation for up to two weeks.
Canada expands settlement support for Ukrainians coming to Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Canada is offering temporary federal support to help Ukrainians settle in their new communities. Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will soon be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET).
Canada launches new temporary residence pathway to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). The CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues.
How can you help during a disaster abroad
The Government of Canada provided a list of actions on how Canadians can support communities affected by emergencies abroad.
Canada's investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have opened a national investigation of allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian arrivals who have witnessed or experienced war crimes while in Ukraine can report to the RCMP. This information could contribute to future criminal cases against those responsible for such acts.
Service Canada Resources:
- Welcome to Canada One-Pager: EN | UKR | RU
- Welcome to Canada Checklist: EN | UKR | RU
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) Information for Newcomers: EN | UKR | RU
- Protecting your Social Insurance Number: EN | UKR | RU
- How to Access Services Information Sheet: EN | UKR | RU
- The Canada Child Benefit: EN | UKR | RU
- The Social Insurance Number Online Application Guide - in English Only
Welcoming Ukraine | Supports for Ukraine
The Province of B.C. has launched a website providing information on services available to Ukrainian citizens arriving in communities across the Province. As well, the website provides B.C. residents information on how to get involved with support efforts. View the News Release by clicking here.
Hardship Assistance for displaced Ukrainians under CUAET
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government. This assistance can be provided to cover the essential needs of persons who are not eligible for income or disability assistance. To apply for hardship assistance under the category of “Fleeing Armed Conflict Abroad”, you will need to provide the following: applied/received the one-time federal financial assistance; identification; bank statements; verification of shelter costs (if any); and additional information/documentation (if needed). Individuals can apply for hardship assistance through any of the following options:
- Online at myselfserve.gov.bc.ca
- Online with staff support; or
- Staff assisted - Interpreters are available in Ukrainian, Russian and 140 other languages to assist with the application process.
B.C. Health Supplements & Programs
The Ministry provides basic medical and emergency dental coverage for hardship assistance recipients. For additional information visit this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/health-supplements-and-programs.
Check the following Health Supplement Summary table for a general overview of the available benefits.
View the News Release in Ukrainian (Британська Колумбія продовжує розбудовувати мережу підтримки для українців, які приїдуть у Канаду) | Russian (Британская Колумбия продолжает развивать систему поддержки для прибывающих украинцев)
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
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.
Ukrainian (CUAET) arrivals and BC PharmaCare
PharamaCare will be covered for those arriving under CUAET. People who arrived to B.C. through CUAET and who are enrolled in the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), automatically have 100% coverage of eligible prescription costs and medical devices and supplies for one year through BC PharmaCare.Those who need ongoing coverage should register for the Fair PharmaCare plan before their year of 100% coverage ends. Learn more here.
B.C. phone line prepared to support displaced Ukrainians
The Service BC phone line, 1 800 663-7867, will be available with translation services in Ukrainian, Russian and 140 other languages and will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time) every day. View the Info Bulletin by clicking here.
It will serve two main purposes:
- to help people arriving from Ukraine and their families in locating and accessing the services they need, such as employment, health care, housing and education; and
- to co-ordinate British Columbians who want to volunteer or donate to help displaced Ukrainians feel welcome in British Columbia.
View the Info Bulletin in Ukrainian (Британська Колумбія запровадила телефонну лінію для підтримки переселенців) | Russian (В Британской Колумбии открылась горячая линия для поддержки беженцев с Украины)
United Way of British Columbia
The United Way of British Columbia has released a webpage that includes information to support Ukrainian newcomers to B.C. from BC211 as well as information regarding volunteering, donation of goods and services, and housing/accommodation offers.
Resources for Ukrainians arriving in British Columbia
For Ukrainians arriving to B.C., the integrated service from United Way of British Columbia offers information social and service supports, health care, employment, education and childcare. For additional help with information listed above 211 by dialing 2-1-1, text 2-1-1, chat or email BC211. Ukrainian and Russian interpretation is available.
B.C. Newcomers' Guide
Moving to a new country can be hard. You might have a lot of questions. The B.C. Newcomers' Guide will help you settle into B.C. quickly and easily. Translated into 12 languages, now available in Ukrainian and Russian.
Vaccination information and guidelines
B.C. now has COVID-19 web content available in Ukrainian and Russian.
- How to get vaccinated (UKR / RU)
- Vaccines for children 5 to 11 (UKR / RU)
- Rapid testing kits (UKR / RU)
More useful information about Covid-19 vaccination
BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) provides relevant information regarding Covid-19 vaccination guidelines and recommendations in multiple languages. Topics such as vaccination after pregnancy, the importance of the second dose or care after vaccination are available in this site.
Canadian Red Cross Welcome Package
If you have arrive in Canada from Ukraine, the Welcome Package provides resources to help you during this transition period. Available in 4 languages including Ukrainian and Russian. If you want to know more about how Canadian Red Cross is helping Ukrainian newcomers nationally and internationally visit https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/conflict-in-ukraine
Ukrainesafehaven.ca
The Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven project is a national and coordinated communications initiative to bridge and link communications and resources with key stakeholders involved with supporting Ukrainians coming to Canada. The Ukrainesafehaven.ca web hub provides information including an FAQ on the national supports available for Ukrainians arriving to Canada and for Canadian residents and businesses who want to get involved.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
The Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations. Together with its member organizations, the UCC has been leading, coordinating and representing the interests of one of Canada’s largest ethnic communities.
Ukrainian Crisis - Canadian Red Cross
This webpage details the Canadian Red Cross' response to the crisis in Ukraine.The Canadian Red Cross has launched the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to respond to the vast humanitarian needs that continue to arise due to the conflict.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Mental Health Commission of Canada offers curated resources to help displaced Ukrainians who feel distressed and suffer from anxiety caused by the conflict and traumatic experiences.
Coping with stress and anxiety about the war in Ukraine
CAMH compiled evidence-based resources to help anyone feeling increased levels of stress and anxiety about the war in Ukraine.
Resources to help navigate students through the war in Ukraine
The BCTF curated a list of resources to help teachers have conversations with students about the invasion in Ukraine. The list also includes resources for navigating conversations about war.
Updates - Ukraine Crisis and Afghan Humanitarian Initiative
ISSofBC's webpage provides the latest updates regarding the Ukraine and Afghan humanitarian initiatives.
Ukrainian Banking Program
Vancity Ukrainian Banking Program allows Ukrainian newcomers to receive money from the government, send money back to Ukraine, deposit cheques and cash, and use automated teller machines (ATMs). For additional information on financial literacy visit this site now available in Ukrainian: https://www.vancity.com/about/banking-in-canada/
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) helps you with your taxes
If you are new to Canada, CRA can support you to make the most of your taxes, access all services and programs you are eligible for, and learn how to apply to get your benefits. CRA has designed a factsheet that gathers all the relevant information, recommendation and resources; now also available in Ukrainian and Russian.
Students with Refugee Experience
This guide provides expectations and guidance to B.C. schools and teachers about students who are refugees or refugee claimants so that these students can develop their individual potential within British Columbia’s school system. For additional information on this policy, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/students-who-are-refugees
Unaccompanied refugee youth in Canada who experienced family loss and separation
Refugee youth face several mental health problems resulting from pre-migration, peri-migration, and post-migration conditions. The objective of this article is to understand the key mental health problems affecting unaccompanied refugee youth in Canada who experienced family loss and separation in their country of origin. For additional information check this episode of The Refuge on Supporting the Mental Health of Refugee Youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Donations and Volunteering
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, you can visit United Way British Columbia's website: ivolunteer.ca
Yes, more prevalent in lower mainland.
Yes, 1 account for one organization recommended, could be with many agency managers' account. Agency Registration: https://www.ivolunteer.ca/agency/signup/
The United Way British Columbia will coordinate and direct donations according to community needs. If you have goods or services you’d like to donate, please fill out this donation form.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is also taking housing and other support offers. You can fill out the form by clicking here.
CISSA-ACSEI is accepting and distributing financial donations across Canada to service provider organizations who are supporting displaced Ukrainians and refugees in need. To donate, visit www.ukrainesafehaven.ca/cash-donation/ donors can indicate the Province or Territory they would like their donation to be directed to.
Financial donations are also being received and distributed by United Way British Columbia and the Canadian Red Cross. Make your donation by visiting their sites: United Way or Red Cross.
Health Services and Mental Health Support
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now 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.
Additionally, emergency drug coverage is available to CUAET arrivals not yet enrolled in MSP. BC PharmaCare will fully cover the eligible costs of the first fill of your urgently required prescription(s) in B.C.
As of April 7, displaced Ukrainians under a temporary resident visa will not be eligible for Interim Federal Health. Provincial and Territorial governments are in various stages of amending current regulations that would allow Ukrainians under Temporary Resident visa’s to immediately access healthcare in the province or territory they land in.
Under normal circumstances, clients requiring an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) must complete their medical exam prior to travelling to Canada. In order to expedite travel to Canada this urgent movement, Ukrainians and their family members applying for temporary residence (CUAET program) in Canada are exempt from completing an IME prior to arrival in Canada. For public health protection and to facilitate linkage of care, applicants will be required to complete a Medical Diagnostic Test (MDT) within 90 days of arrival in Canada to screen for select communicable diseases.
- The MDT will include screening for Tuberculosis, HIV and Syphilis and has different requirements based on the age of the client;
- Age 15 and older: Chest-x-ray and bloodwork
- Age 11-14 Chest-x-ray
- Age 0-10: Visual health check to identify signs and symptoms of communicable disease
- Ukrainians and associated family members applying for permanent residence will require a standard IME.
Arrivals to Canada under the CUAET program are entering as visitors and therefore do have not coverage under IFHP. Many provincial and territorial governments are currently reviewing/making decisions related to if and how they may extend health care coverage to CUAET arrivals and whether the coverage will address components of the Medical Diagnostic Test. In instances where there are no clear options for coverage, CUAET arrivals are required to cover the cost of any applicable fees.
Yes, children will need to complete the Medical Diagnostic Test (MDT) requirement as well, please see above for testing requirements based on age.
Yes, through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel newcomers can access Mental health supports and trauma counselling services. Additionally, Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) provides trauma-focused psychological counselling to refugees and other newcomers who have experienced trauma as a result of torture, political violence, or another traumatic event. By calling 310-6789 or 2-1-1, Ukrainian and Russian interpretation is available. The Mental Health Foundation offers a program under the name Hope4Ukraine, a free text-based mental health resource for Canadians available in 4 languages.
Wellness support is offered by Kidshelpphone Canada in Ukrainian and other languages, a service available to all youth in Canada. If you’re currently outside of Canada, you can use Child Helpline International’s website to find helplines across the world.
Financial Income Support
All payments will be done via direct deposit into a Canadian bank account.
It takes around 3 to 5 business days for the payment to be processed.
Adults (18 years and older) will need to have an individual Canadian bank account to receive the income support once applied and approved. In the case of minors (17 years and under) they will be processed through one of their parents/legal guardian's accounts.
-need help with the application For additional information, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/settlement/get-financial-assistance.html?utm_source=fact-sheet&utm_medium=pdf&utm_campaign=ukraine
Education
The rules for working on a study permit are the same under CUAET as for regular international students, there were no changes for Ukrainians there. For the details, please refer to this webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html. Please note that international secondary students are not eligible for working while studying.
Yes, post-secondary student looking to study in Canada, may need a study permit. Ukrainians arriving though CUAET may be eligible for domestic tuition rates. Application for a Study Permit is required (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/study.html). For additional Ukrainian related information please visit the Provincial BC site.
Provincial Government offers several funding alternatives to support post-secondary students with their school tuitions. Check all the options available and confirm your eligibility by visiting the following site: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/pay-for-school
Employment
If you are seeking new employees, please register your job offer through the federal Job Bank or post your opportunities using the BC JobConnect platform.
The rules for working on a study permit are the same under CUAET as for regular international students, there were no changes for Ukrainians there. For the details, please refer to this webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html. Please note that international secondary students are not eligible for working while studying
To start working you will need a valid work permit. Follow the provincial recommendations to find an adequate job position, to know more about the process, resources and certifications required. WorkBC centres are totally available for you to get the support and guidance you need. Information is translated into Ukrainian. You can also apply as a professional through the federal job bank.
Housing
The United Way of British Columbia is taking housing offers. If you have accommodation to offer for those arriving without secured housing, please click here.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is also taking housing and other support offers. You can fill out the form by clicking here.
United Way British Columbia is collecting the short-term housing intakes sent by individuals in British Columbia who are willing to share their homes. If you and/or your family are in need for short-term accommodation solutions, please contact BC211, they are available 24/7 and they will help you access resources and se4rvices close to where you are. If you are outside British Columbia, call 1-888-484-3211. You can always visit your local agency or service provider organization located in your community; they will provide you with useful information.
Banking
Vancity is helping Ukrainians find the best path forward for their financial wellbeing. These services can be used to receive money from the government, send money back to Ukraine, deposit cheques and cash, used automated teller machines (ATMs), among other services. For more information please visit the Ukrainian Banking Program website.
Immigration Status
Children 19 or younger travelling on their own or with someone who is not their guardian will be taken care of and supported upon arrival.
If you are aware of an Unaccompanied or Separated child(ren) (UASC) travelling to or that are in Vancouver, please contact 1-855-755-3505 directly and advise you are calling regarding a USAC from Ukraine.
You will be connected with a Social Worker who will collect relevant details and will work to ensure children are in a safe placement and have access to supports and services.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development will ensure registration of all minors with the Red Cross / UNHCR to expedite reunions where possible.
The rules for working on a study permit are the same under CUAET as for regular international students, there were no changes for Ukrainians there. For the details, please refer to this webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html. Please note that international secondary students are not eligible for working while studying
No, a 2 way ticket is not required for CUETA visa holder entering Canada.
Up to 10 years (depending on passport validity), multi-entry for those that opt for the counterfoil; for those that opt for the foil-less visa option, it is single-entry and must be used for travel within its validity (maximum 6 months). The duration of stay (up to 3 years) is the same as for individuals with counterfoils.
Yes, with a printed counterfoil that allows for multiple entries.
Clients can click on the following links on how to apply under the CUAET measures for a visitor record, open work permit and for a study permit. These pages provide instructions on how to apply if you’re inside Canada. At the end of the instructions, clients need to select Create an account or sign in to apply online.
For children who were not provided with an IMM1442 upon entry, the process would be the same for adults/parents. Parents have the option to fill out the application for financial assistance for themselves and apply for their children after the child has received their IMM1442. Parents who apply for their children after they’ve submitted their own application will need to apply through the unaccompanied minor stream which requires the upload of the child’s IMM1442 document and an acknowledgement letter from the parent in English or French. This program was designed this way to ensure that we have done our due diligence in establishing a process that seeks to confirm that there is some guardianship attached to a minor, and if not that local authorities can be engaged.
Yes, for individuals who are already in Canada they need to get an 'up-front' medical exam and then submit an application to change the work permit conditions. Additional instructions are available for those who have not left the country of residence yet, visit this site: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=844&top=4
Language Training
Yes, details on how to do so will be coming from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) Settlement Network in the very near future.
Yes, free language classes and level assessment are available to people arriving under CUAET. In addition to other IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) settlement programming except the resettlement assistance program.
Settlement Services and Support
All Ukrainian temporary residents in Canada and their dependents will be temporarily eligible for all settlement services. This temporary measure is effective immediately until March 31st, 2023.
Client information can be entered into iCARE in the same manner as any other client receiving settlement services, that is, using the Unique Client Identifier (UCI). In cases where a UCI is not present on the documents presented by the client, service provider organizations should keep track of the number of clients that received a Settlement service and who cannot be validated in the system.
Transportation
If you are a new driver in BC, you can drive in B.C. using your Ukraine driver's licence for up to 90 days.
To exchange your Ukraine driver's licence for a B.C. driver’s licence, you will need to complete a knowledge test and a road test. Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 knowledge tests are available in Ukrainian. There are no interpretation services available for the road tests at this time. You can find the driving test guides here- they are in English but you may be able to get support with interpretation by contacting ICBC’s language services.
For any registration, information, and driving matters you need to contact ICBC which handles all driving, vehicle insurance, and accident matters in BC. ICBC has over-the-phone interpretation services in 170 languages (including Ukrainian) which you can use to communicate and contact their services.
