As the deadline approaches for Ukrainian refugees in Canada to renew their temporary work visa applications by the end of the month, many are encountering bureaucratic hurdles that threaten their ability to remain in the country.
Among them is Mariia Nasedkyna, who witnessed the Russian invasion of her homeland while living in Kharkiv as a teenager. Fearing for her safety, she fled to Canada, where her cousin had been living for two decades.
Canada’s special temporary residency program has provided refuge to over 200,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war. However, in Quebec, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French, a requirement that Mariia fulfilled within a few months.
Despite her successful integration, Mariia faces challenges in obtaining permanent residency. Rules for family reunification only apply to immediate family members, leaving her cousin unable to sponsor her. Additionally, Mariia’s age and interrupted education due to the war complicate her eligibility for residency or work visa renewal.
Legal experts assure Ukrainian refugees that deportation back to Ukraine is unlikely amidst the ongoing conflict. Nataliya Dzera, an immigration lawyer, highlights alternative pathways to staying in Canada, including economic and humanitarian-based programs.
However, Ukrainian refugees and their supporters advocate for an extension of Canada’s temporary residency program, providing a simpler and more immediate solution to their uncertain future.