Alberta is giving priority processing to Canada immigration applications from Ukrainians through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

The province is also reimbursing application fees to candidates who applied on or after February 24, when Russian forces invaded and sparked a brutal war in the eastern European country.

Candidates are also being allowed to submit incomplete applications if they cannot access the required documents due to the ongoing conflict. New candidates from the Ukraine are only required to have valid language test results and, if applicable, Educational Credential Assessments.

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Alberta is the latest of a number of Canadian provinces to introduce special immigration measures for Ukrainians, with others including Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, temporary processing measures are now in place to assist Ukrainian nationals who apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program,” an AAIP statement said.

“These measures will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.”

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: Temporary Measures For Ukrainians

Temporary measures apply to Ukrainians by birth and citizenship.

• Priority processing for applications and post-decision services.
• Exemption from application fees and post-decision service fees as of February 24.
• New candidates must continue to have valid language results and, if applicable, Educational Credential Assessments. Candidates missing any other required documents may submit an incomplete application if they still meet all selection criteria. Candidates who submit an incomplete application must:
  • provide a written explanation of why the document(s) cannot be acquired, and
  • provide evidence that they have requested the document(s).
• If a current candidate or nominee cannot provide documents due to the conflict, they must:
  • provide a written explanation of why the document(s) cannot be acquired, and
  • provide evidence that they have requested the document(s).

Alberta highlighted that there are no changes to AAIP criteria, and Ukrainian nationals must continue to meet program criteria to qualify.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel Now Open and Accepting Applications

Canada’s special pathway for Ukrainian refugees, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway, is now accepting applications.

Under the pathway, those fleeing the war can stay in Canada for up to three years and are eligible for free open work and study permits.

Canada is upping its immigration application processing capacity in Europe and has sent mobile biometrics kits to Warsaw, Vienna and Bucharest to take the fingerprints and portrait photos of prospective Ukrainian refugees in its bid to ensure proper security precautions are taken ahead of the anticipated surge in applications.

Ottawa is setting up temporary pop-ups for biometrics collection in addition to IRCC’s pre-existing Visa Application Centre network.

Ottawa has already welcomed about 8,500 Ukrainians since the start of the year, including many people who applied to come to Canada before Putin declared war on Ukraine on Feb. 24.

With the new pathway for Ukrainian refugees starting to take applications, Canadian businesses and employers can now add jobs for Ukrainians on Canada’s online job bank.

Canada has vowed to accept an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees – and could see a massive influx of newcomers.

Among the new immigration measures announced since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war are:

• a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries that will be available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC Webform with their enquiry and their e-mail will be prioritized;
• urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports;
• an updated web page to provide current information on measures. This page will include content in Ukrainian for ease of reference;
• permission for Ukrainians currently in Canada to extend their stay or stay longer in Canada by prioritizing the renewal of work and study permits, and extending a policy that allows individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This policy would allow temporary residents who receive a job offer to remain in Canada and start working while they wait for their work permit application to be processed, and;
• the issuance of open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home, so they can stay longer if they wish. Fees are being waived, retroactive to Feb. 22, for certain travel and immigration documents, such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits.

New Special Family Reunification Pathway Expected In A Few Weeks

IRCC is also planning to soon put in place a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residents for the immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who may want to start a new life in Canada.