CIMM – Ukraine – March 3, 2022
Key Messages
- Canada stands resolute in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
- We have gone to great lengths to make it faster, safer, and easier for Ukrainians to come to Canada to be with family during this difficult time.
- We are expediting processing, waiving fees, and creating special pathways that will enable Ukrainians to stay longer, including some permanently.
- These measures will be highly effective and they are already in place today, or coming online imminently. We have mobilized immigration solutions as part of our whole-of-Government response to Ukraine.
If pressed:
- Similar to Canada’s like-minded partners, Canada considers a range of factors before lifting a country’s visa requirement.
- Our relationship with that country is indeed a key factor, but so is the safety and security of Canadians, and the importance of maintaining a well-managed migration system.
- We already have a number of effective immigration solutions that we believe will get Ukrainians the help they need, when they need it.
- Canada’s visa approach is in line with that of the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.
- Ukraine’s visa requirement is not currently under review. We are actively monitoring the situation to support the people of Ukraine.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada and Ukraine enjoy a close friendship built on shared values and strong people-to-people connections.
- Canada’s visa policy decisions are made on a country-by-country basis as each country is unique. A range of criteria are assessed when reviewing a country’s visa requirement, including border security, criminal activity, and threats to Canadian public safety.
- At this time, Canada is not reviewing Ukraine’s visa requirement, but the situation is being closely monitored.
- Government Assisted Refugee Program
Background
- Russia continues to increase its military presence at the Ukraine border prompting fears of a potential Russian incursion. Diplomatic discussions between the United States, Russia, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and key European Union countries, such as Germany and France, are ongoing.
- Should the current tensions escalate, there may be domestic and international movements of the Ukrainian population, including to Canada given our country’s strong Ukrainian-Canada community.