Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Process for Ukrainians Coming to Canada
What is the process for Ukrainians coming into the country?
The Government of Canada has created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) to hasten the typical immigration/refugee process. To apply for the CUAET, they must be outside Canada and be either a Ukrainian national or a family member of a Ukrainian national. The first step is to create an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Portal account. From that link, they will receive a code, which will allow them to create an account. With that account, they can fill out the required forms to work and stay in Canada. Once they have the proper paperwork finished, they must make their way to Canada. When Ukrainians arrive at the border in Canada, they are given status as either a visitor, a worker if they’ve applied for the open work permit or a student if they are under 18 and want to study in Canada. They can stay in Canada for up to three years at a time or until their passport expires. When their status in Canada is about to expire, they need to apply to extend their stay. To apply for the CUAET, Ukrainians should have a passport. If they don’t have a valid passport or another identity document, they can still apply. However, a border agent will need to determine if they meet the requirements. They do not have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but they must meet all other public health requirements, such as quarantine and testing. They must also have their fingerprints and photos taken. If entering with the CUAET, there are no fees for a temporary resident visa, open work permit, study permit, biometrics and temporary resident permit. They will need to pay fees to get a chest x-ray and blood test if told to get one.
What is the CUAET Visa?
Rural areas of Ontario, including Lanark and Renfrew Counties, are aging. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is the Government of Canada’s response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The measure was put in place to support the people of Ukraine fleeing war. It gives Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status within Canada to allow them to work, study and stay. It allows them to stay in the country for three years instead of the standard six-month authorized stay for regular visitors. There is no limit to the number of applicants allowed to come into the country. For more details, requirements and exceptions, please visit Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel.
- For any questions related to CUAET, you should call the IRCC CUAET Hotline at 613-321-4243. Callers can also add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry to be prioritized.
How many Ukrainians have fled the country?
More than 11 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, over 5 million of which have fled the country and are seeking aid from the international community in Lanark and Renfrew Counties.
There is a lot of information out there. Is there a simple guidebook on Ontario for Ukrainians?
Yes, there is. Download the Orientation to Ontario guide. It is also written in Ukrainian and covers a wide variety of subjects that will help displaced Ukrainians settle and integrate into the province. It is a must-read for all coming here.
Different provinces have started to offer programs to help displaced Ukrainians; what does Ontario offer?
Ontario is currently looking at different programs and services and has created the Coming to Ontario from Ukraine website, which is routinely updated as the situation changes.
FAQ - Settlement Support for Ukrainians
Is there financial assistance for Ukrainians?
Yes. The Canadian Government is giving financial assistance to help Ukrainian families who are in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET).
The assistance is a one-time, non-taxable benefit. It’s to take care of your basic needs while you get settled in Canada.
Full details on how to apply can be found on the Ukraine immigration measures: Financial assistance webpage.
How do newly arrived Ukrainians get an education in Ontario?
The Province of Ontario has ensured that elementary and secondary school students can attend publicly funded schools for free. Parents of children between six and 18 must contact their local school board for requirements. To find which school board provides service in your location, please visit Find a school board or school authority.
Post-secondary education in colleges and universities is also open to Ukrainians. Ontario has dedicated $1.9 million to the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship, which will help students with tuition costs. The International Student Connect website provides information online and in-person to support international students in Ontario. Eligible Ukrainians can access the Ontario Second Career Program. This gives them financial support of up to $28,000 for basic living allowances, tuition, transportation, and other critical needs.
How will Ukrainians arriving in Ontario receive health care?
The Health Insurance Act has been amended to provide Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage to individuals arriving under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). They need to present themselves to the nearest ServiceOntario centre and register for OHIP. They will receive a transaction record that confirms their eligibility and contains their health care number and version code. They can use this information to receive health care, including mental health services, until they receive the physical card in four to six weeks.
If you are a new community member of Lanark County, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has created a helpful overview document of the health services available in your area.
Are there any official settlement services nearby?
Though many grassroots agencies can help settle newcomers, there are no official settlement agencies in Renfrew County and Lanark County. However, many settlement services are available online and can be used wherever a person or family decides to settle. The closest official settlement agencies can be found in Ottawa, and a list of agencies can be found here.
Different provinces have started to offer programs to help displaced Ukrainians; what does Ontario offer?
Ontario is currently looking at different programs and services and has created the Coming to Ontario from Ukraine website that is routinely updated as the situation changes.
I heard that some banks are waiving fees; is this true?
Yes. Certain banks and credit unions have agreed to waive fees for wire transfers to Ukraine. This currently includes TD, Ukrainian Credit Union, Carpathia Credit Union, Buduchnist CU, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Scotiabank, Desjardins and Vancity. Some of these organizations are also offering fee-free accounts for Ukrainians.
I do not speak Ukrainian; are there any translation services?
Yes. There are many different translation services available. For official documents or job postings, you may want to look into professional, certified translation services such as Rush Translate, DocsBase Canada and the Translation Agency of Ontario. There will be fees for most certified professional translation services.
How can newly arrived Ukrainians find a job in Ontario?
Ukrainians have been permitted to seek work as soon as they arrive. In addition to using employment centres, newspaper classified, job search websites and word of mouth, Ukrainians who desire a job can use this dedicated hotline, 1-888-562-4769, and email address, ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca, to connect with job search support and local employers in the community. Employers are also encouraged to complete the Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada Employment Opportunity Form.
FAQ - Volunteers Supporting Displaced Ukrainians
How long am I obligated to house my Ukrainian guests?
Upon the arrival of the Ukrainian family, you have to host your Ukrainian guest for a minimum of 90 days. Both parties will have to sign a legal agreement that protects them. Housing Hosts must provide Ukrainians with a place to live, food, and essential transportation (i.e. medical appointments, job interviews, etc.) for 90 days and submit to a vulnerable sector police background check. The Ukrainian side must respect the rules and property of the family they are going to live with, put real effort into finding a job/ways to support themselves as well as leave by the time the agreement ends unless the host family and Ukrainian family decide otherwise.
I want to open my home to a Ukrainian family; how do I do that?
That is amazingly generous of you. Currently, the Province of Ontario has created access to emergency housing through settlement service agencies and Ukrainian community organizations. The Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada is one of those groups. Please complete the Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada Canadian Intake Form.
I am an employer, and I want to offer a job to a Ukrainian; how do I do that?
You can reach out to local groups and settlement agencies like the Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada. If you are an employer willing to hire a displaced Ukrainian, please complete the Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada Employment Opportunity Form or the Canadian government also asks employers to post it on the Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage.
Where can I drop off physical donations for Ukrainians arriving in the Ottawa Valley?
Many Ukrainians leave their homes with very little and may require donations of physical objects to make their transition smoother. Many churches, temples, cultural centres, and mosques open their doors to donations. Still, it is always best to ask directly if they are providing help to Ukraine before dropping off bags. The St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place, located at 225 Edmund St, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3E7, has opened a boutique by appointment for those displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They can be reached at 613-257-3178, option 9 or by email at ukrainesupport@stjamescarletonplace.ca.
Where can I give financial donations?
Though physical donations are always welcome, financial donations can make the biggest impact. Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada accepts donations to help pay for flights to Canada. You can write a cheque out to ‘Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada’ and send it to 193 Morris Street, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 4M8, Canada. You may also e-transfer donations to donations@uadsc.org. They also accept wire transfers, so please email donations@uadsc.org for instructions. Other charitable organizations include Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal; Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund; Help Us Help; and Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
