Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says the reason for allowing Ukrainian refugees to come to Canada in "unlimited" numbers within two weeks from their war-torn homeland is that many of them probably will not stay here. "One of the first things we heard from the Ukrainian Canadian community is that the vast majority of people who want to come to Canada do not want to stay," Fraser reportedly told CTV's "Question Period." "If we know anything about Ukrainians fleeing this conflict, it is that they love their homeland and want to return when the war ends."

Since the beginning of this year, Canada has welcomed about 6,235 Ukrainians onto its shores. That number is expected to increase significantly after March 17, the day Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hopes to open the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization pathway.

Ukrainians coming to Canada through a new work permit pathway All Ukrainians coming to Canada as part of these measures will be eligible to apply for open work permits, making it easier for employers to hire Ukrainian citizens quickly. Until this pathway is implemented, IRCC encourages Ukrainians to apply through all programs and reassures them that their applications will be the first to be processed. 

Canadian immigration announced last month that Ukrainians already in Canada temporarily can now apply to extend their status as visitors, students or workers. Among new immigration measures announced since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war: a dedicated service channel for inquiries about Ukraine will be available to clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with group calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword "Ukraine2022" to the IRCC web form with their inquiries and their email will be prioritized; expedited processing of travel documents, including issuing one-time travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports; an updated webpage to provide current information about measures. 

This page will include content in Ukrainian for easier reference; permission for Ukrainians currently in Canada to extend their stay or remain longer in Canada by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, and expanding the policy allowing individuals to apply for work permits from within Canada. This policy will allow temporary residents who receive a job offer to stay in Canada and begin working while awaiting the processing of their work permit application and the issuance of open work permits for visitors, workers, and students from Ukraine currently in Canada who cannot return home, so they can stay longer if they wish. Fees have been waived, retroactive to February 22, for some travel and immigration documents, such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proof of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits.