The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program provides a temporary pathway for displaced Ukrainians to enter Canada and remain for up to three years. The program provides visitor visas to an unlimited number of Ukrainians and their family with the option to apply for a study or work permit.
As of April 6, 2022, Canada had received approximately 120,000 CUAET applications and approved 32,000. There are still many uncertainties regarding the volumes and needs of displaced Ukrainian arrivals in B.C. The province expects to receive between 17-20% of all CUAET visa holders who travel to Canada.
The province recently partnered with the United Way and BC211 to launch the United for Ukraine online portal for British Columbians wanting to support displaced Ukrainians in their communities. Those wanting to offer housing and/or volunteer can register on the portal and receive an expedited criminal record check through the United Way.
Ukrainians arriving in B.C. can access referrals and government services in English and 140 languages through Service BC at: 1-800-663-7867. Information is also available through the Welcoming Ukraine web portal.
Ukrainians who arrive through CUAET are free to settle in any community of their choosing. They are also eligible for an open work permit and can seek employment in any region of the province. Employers wanting to support Ukrainians can register available jobs using the federal government’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage. WorkBC Centres across the province have extended access to services to displaced Ukrainians and have posted information for displaced Ukrainians in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
CUAET is administratively distinct from Canada’s refugee programs and does not provide permanent resident, protected person or refugee status in Canada. The federal government has announced that they will provide CUAET arrivals with access to federal settlement services (including language training), six weeks of emergency income support, and up to two weeks of hotel stay if needed. The province is working to expand eligibility for key health and social programs to displaced Ukrainians with temporary resident status where feasible and appropriate.