Ukrainian emergency visa holders need better pathway to permanent residency, expert says

Canada needs to establish an easier pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion nearly four years ago, an immigration expert says.

Evelina Shatilova, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, made the comments after Canada's immigration department said it expects Ukrainians who fled the war with Russia to return to their home country once the conflict ends.

Shatilova said many do not have homes to return to because of the conflict, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

"We cannot just say today you are welcome and tomorrow just shut the door and deport all of them. That's also very not Canadian style," Shatilova said in an interview on Wednesday.

"They came for safety. And Canada is built on immigrants. We've always been known to support those in need," she said, adding Ukrainians who came to Canada to escape the war are contributing to the Canadian economy.

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Ukrainians have established lives here, expert says

Shatilova said she understands the CUAET visa was meant to be a temporary measure, but circumstances have changed now that most Ukrainians in Canada have established lives and begun contributing to the economy.

"It would be much easier to find a permanent residence pathway for them to to help them transition from temporary status to permanent for those who are already well established here in Canada," she said.

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