Time is ticking for many Ukrainians who came to Canada fleeing the Russian invasion of their homeland. Community members in Edmonton say they’re facing uncertainty as their emergency visas are set to expire in a few months.
Olesya Derevlyanka and her four kids moved to Edmonton two years ago. The family is now grappling with fear that they may become undocumented in Canada.
“We don’t want to return to a country [where] there’s war,” said Derevlyanka.
Ukrainians like Derevlyanka, who arrived in Canada through the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Program — have until March 31 to apply for an extension of their work or study permits.
Olesya Derevlyanka’s family. (supplied)
“Kids couldn’t apply for new study permits because their passports expire [soon] And they could not make new ones. It’s a big problem,” said Derevlyanka.
Orysia Boychuk, the president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ Alberta Provincial Council says, “It’s an extreme challenge for them right now. There’s a lot of uncertainty. There’s a lot of stress. They’re not only worrying about the war but also worrying about continuing on to be here.”
The emergency visas were granted to hundreds of thousands of displaced Ukrainians, allowing them to work and study in Canada, but on March 31st, a large portion will hit their three-year expiry date. Community leaders say many Ukrainians are scared of what the future could hold for them.
“Within the process, they’re not able to receive their passports extended in time to meet with the March 31 deadline to apply for their extension,” said Boychuk.
While Derevlyanka’s kids have valid passports and status in Canada until March 2026, she said her 18-year-old son will have to miss university next year as he was not able to renew his passport and obtain a study permit extension.
“I need one year to make a new passport and new study permit,” she explained. But by then, their emergency visas will be expired.
“He told me don’t take me to another country again.”
All foreign nationals applying for temporary residence in Canada are required to provide a valid passport or travel document, immigration officials telling CityNews that delegated officers “have the authority to waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis for both permanent residence and cuaet visa extension cases.”
“We are asking for this automatic three-year renewal. If it’s not extended, we’re very concerned that people will fall through the cracks and be in a no-status situation,” explained Boychuk.
Immigration officials said those who wish to stay permanently in Canada can apply for permanent residency “through various existing programs and streams”. But community leaders say there’s uncertainty, about how long that process will take.