AuthorUCPBA of Toronto
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Information for Ukrainians coming to different provinces in Canada

Settlement Support

The federal government has announced that Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the CUAET. Key services that are available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities in Canada include: language training; information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school; information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training; activities that promote connections with communities; assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies; services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons; and other settlement supports available through the settlement program.

Find out how to prepare for your journey to Canada, what you can expect when you arrive at this link.

Information is available to Ukrainians arriving in different provinces:

  • Alberta’s government is prioritizing the assessment of applications for permanent residency made by Ukrainian nationals. For more information and additional measures visit here.
  • British Columbia launched a website Welcoming Ukraine to help Ukrainians, who have come to the province in search of safety.
  • Manitoba established a reception centre for Ukrainians and offers continuous support for the new arrivals. Read more
  • New Brunswick supports for Ukraine are described here.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador launched a registration process for Ukrainians arriving in the province and are offering information in both English and Ukrainian on their government website.
  • The Province of Nova Scotia partnered with the YMCA to provide more support for Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Nova Scotia. For a full list of support measures in English and Ukrainian visit
  • The Ontario government has announced support programs for Ukrainians in Ontario. The full list of immigration measures and settlement support offered by Ontario for Ukrainians can be found here.  If you are new to Ontario, you can find answers to common questions in Ukrainian on these websites: org, Dopomoha.ca , cuias.org
  • The Government of Prince Edward Island is offering support through Immigrant & Refugee Services Association. For more details click
  • The Province of Quebec launched a dedicated telephone line and email to inform and guide Ukrainians arriving in the province. Welcoming Ukrainians to Quebec page can be accessed
  • The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to welcoming an unlimited number of individuals and families who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Read more
  • Yukon has the Ukrainian family support desk, which provides help and resources for people impacted by the ongoing situation in Ukraine. To learn more, see
  • To get more information about settlement in the Northwest Territories visit their government website here.
  • For programs and services in Nunavut visit their government website here .

UCPBA has been supporting a series of webinars, where Canadian immigration lawyers discuss various Canadian immigration programs and answer frequently asked questions. For all webinar recordings, see this link.

Compiled by Olha Senyshyn, Immigration lawyer in Toronto, UCPBA VP-Operations.

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Information for Ukrainians coming to Canada

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

CUAET allows all Ukrainian nationals and their family members to apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada and remain in Canada up to 3 years from the time of entry. Link here. 

How to Apply for the CUAET (Online only)

The first step for prospective CUAET applicants is to sign in to their GCKey account or, if the prospective applicant has not applied for a Canadian visa before, to create a new account. Here is the link to do so. 

FASKEN law firm has created a step-by-step guide for applying under the CUAET program, which can be found here. This guide is also available in Ukrainian and Russian languages. There are also video tutorials about how to apply under the CUAET program, in English and in Ukrainian. 

Jobs 

The CUAET allows Ukrainian visa applicants to apply for a free open work permit, which would allow displaced Ukrainians and their family members to be able to work in Canada. Additionally, Ukrainian nationals who are already in Canada or who arrive in Canada on a visa other than the CUAET visitor visa but are eligible for the CUAET visitor visa can apply for this open work permit online.

The federal government has also launched a Jobs for Ukraine website, which Ukrainians in Canada can use to search for jobs if they wish to work. 

The Ontario government has launched a jobs hotline (1-888-562-4769) and an email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search support and local employers in the community. Ontario has also announced that existing jobs programs in the province, such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, the Second Career Program, and the Skills Development Fund will favour Ukrainian applicants. 

The European Jobs for Ukraine website includes some job postings in Canada. Ukrainians in Canada can also search for job openings on Indeed. 

Settlement Support 

The federal government has announced that Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will soon be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the CUAET. Key services that will be available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities in Canada include: language training; information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school; information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training; activities that promote connections with communities; assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies; services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons; and other settlement supports available through the settlement program. 

The Ontario government has announced support programs for Ukrainians in Ontario who have traveled to Canada through the CUAET, including access to healthcare through OHIP, access to emergency housing, and ensuring that Ukrainian elementary and secondary school students can attend publicly funded schools for free. The full list of settlement services offered by Ontario can be found here.  

For immigration related questions, contact: 

The Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association at help@ucbanational.com 

Canadian immigration lawyers available to assist Ukrainians 

Canada Immigration Lawyers Association published a list of lawyers available to provide immigration assistance to those affected by the war in Ukraine Link 

The Canadian Bar Association has compiled a list of lawyers who may provide pro bono assistance to Ukrainians and how to request pro bono assistance 

Support and announcements from Canadian Universities 

York University: financial supports, mental health supports, academic advising, visa and immigration supports 

Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts): offering 25 full tuition scholarships for several one-year diploma programs for displaced Ukrainians 

University of Alberta: working to extend help to applicants, students and scholars from Ukraine whose lives are being affected by Russia’s invasion. 

General information and social services 

In Toronto: Canada Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society: For questions regarding helping Ukrainians, call the main office at 416-767-4595 or 416-225-0511 North York Office or email at contact@cuias.org 

In Toronto: Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) Inc. (ucsst.ca)

If you are new to Ontario, you can find answers to common questions in Ukrainian on this website: Translated Information (Українська – Ukrainian) (settlement.org) 

Published by Olha Senyshyn, Immigration lawyer in Toronto, UCPBA VP-Operations. This article was prepared with contributions from Thomas Law, J.D. candidate 2023, University of Ottawa

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Legal Information Sessions  

A series of webinars and Q&A sessions have been put together by Canadian lawyers and legal practitioners to support Ukrainians in Canada and abroad, who need immediate legal information.
The sessions are held each Thursday of April from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST via Zoom.

These virtual sessions are free and open to public. The information is provided in English and Ukrainian.

Topics to be covered:

Thursday, April 7 (6 – 7 PM EST) – work permit applications for Ukrainians inside and outside Canada;

Thursday, April 14 (6 – 7 PM EST) – CUAET program FAQ;

Thursday, April 21 (6 – 7 PM EST) – Study permits and educational programs for students;

Thursday, April 28 (6 – 7 PM EST) – H&C Applications

Register in advance to receive a Zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5QHtDvypTSKJBMMCjQ9J0g

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Yalynka 2021 was a success!

Thank You for taking part in Yalynka 2021 at the Old Mill, Toronto.
We hope you have enjoyed it and we look forward to seeing you back next year.

We are grateful and extend special thanks to our sponsors:
✭✭✭ Platinum – BCU Financial Group
✭✭ Gold – Ukrainian Credit Union
✭✭ Gold – Myhal Family Foundation
✭ Wine – Rosewood Estates Winery
✭ Zirkova Vodka

Христос Рождається! Happy Holidays! Veselych Sviat!

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Yalynka 2021

Yalynka 2021 is here!!! Get your tickets today at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/yalynka-tickets-205787845987

Join us on Saturday, December 4, 2021 for the best party of 2021!

When: Saturday, December 4, 2021. Doors open at 9 pm.

Where : Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Road

What to expect: Cash bar, Appetizers, Entertainment

Tickets are ON SALE NOW:
– $30 for UCPBA members
– $40 for non-members

Purchase tickets through Eventbrite at THIS LINK

Entrance requires full vaccination

Special thanks to our sponsors:

✭✭✭ Platinum – BCU Financial Group
✭✭ Gold – Ukrainian Credit Union
✭✭ Gold – Myhal Family Foundation
✭ Wine – Rosewood Estates Winery

Contact Organizers at 416-906-2412 

Hope to see you all there!!!

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UCPBA Beer Tasting Night

Please join us at Black Lab Brewing on Wednesday September 8, 2021, at 6:00 pm, for our first in-person social event of the year! Cost is $30 and includes beer (a flight or two pints), snacks, a presentation of the beers from a senior brewmaster and small group tours of the brewery. The event will go on rain or shine. We have a private area in the beer garden, as well as dedicated indoor space (if required).
Number of spots is limited, so please get your tickets in advance at the following link : https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ucpba-beer-tasting-night-tickets-167654682669

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The UCPBA Women’s Mentorship Program

Mentorship Program aims to provide female Mentees the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge of their industry, career development and advancement, and work-life balance from their Mentors. During this inaugural year of the Mentorship Program, Mentors and Mentees will be paired on the basis of their professional backgrounds and career goals in the following professions: law, accounting, finance, business and medicine. The UCPBA Committee will support and coordinate the program throughout the year, as well as provide guidelines and modules to promote effective mentorship.

Mentor Responsibilities

As a Mentor, you will have the opportunity to coach, motivate, empower and give back to the community by helping shape future female leaders. Mentors are asked to attend monthly meetings with their assigned Mentee. Mentors are expected to come to meetings prepared to discuss either the suggested module topic or engage in productive discussions to support the Mentee’s career development. The expected time commitment is at least two hours per month. Mentors are not expected to facilitate job offers or provide reference letters.

Mentees Will Be:

  • screened to ensure serious commitment to the program and the mentoring relationship;
  • required to have at least 3 years of work experience;
  • required to be a member of UCPBA (and pay applicable yearly member fee);
  • responsible for scheduling monthly meetings with the Mentors

Important Dates

The Mentorship Program will run from October 1st, 2021 to September 31st , 2022. A virtual event kick-off hosted by the UCPBA Committee will be held on the evening of September 30th, 2021, and attendance is mandatory to be eligible for the program. The UCBPA Committee will also organize two additional group events throughout the year. The deadline to submit your application is August 31, 2021.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentee, please back reply to womensmentorship@ucpba.ca with the following information:

  1. Your profession, title and industry
  2. How long you’ve been in the workforce (full-time)
  3. Why you want to be part of this program (1-2 sentences)

Our committee will review your request and contact you directly with a decision and next steps.

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UCPBA Bingo Night June 24 at 7:30 pm

UCPBA invites you to join us for a fun virtual Bingo Night, on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 7:30 pm.
Please note that registration is required and it will close on June 22 (midnight). Here is the registration link: https://forms.gle/SgTtcYiwEGMWBxc57
Only individuals registered will receive the game instructions, bingo cards and zoom codes. Space is limited so reserve your spot early.

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Covid-19 Relief and the Federal Budget: A Guide for Business

Covid-19 Relief and the Federal Budget: A Guide for Business (Online Webinar on May 5, 2021)

UCPBA invites you to join us for a special presentation on Covid-19 Relief and the Federal Budget: A Guide for Business on Wednesday May 5 at 12 pm eastern. Special guest Chris Mazur (,CIRP, LIT), Partner & Senior Vice-President – BDO Canada Ltd.  Register in advance for this webinar today: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XVHlRuwSTFmCwKEjK7N7aw

Presented by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation, and the Ukrainian Canadian Profession and Business Association of Toronto. 

Hosted by Alex Ilchenko, UCC National Vice President.