Eligibility Criteria for Ukrainian Nationals Under Canada's Special Family Reunification Policy

In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Canada has implemented a special immigration policy to help Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada. This article aims to clarify the eligibility requirements of this unique opportunity for permanent residence.

Who Can Apply

Applicant Categories

There are two main categories under which one can apply:

1. Category 1: Family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada
2. Category 2: Spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national with family in Canada

Eligibility Requirements for Each Category

Category 1: Family Member of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident in Canada

Applicant must:

• Be a Ukrainian national.
• Be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, which can include a:
  • Spouse or common-law partner
  • Child (regardless of age)
  • Grandchild
  • Parent
  • Grandparent
  • Sibling (or half-sibling)
• Be in Canada both when submitting the application and when granted permanent residence.
• Hold a valid temporary resident status in Canada or have applied to restore it if expired for less than 90 days.
• Hold a passport or travel document, or provide supporting identity documents if lacking one.
• Provide a signed statutory declaration form (IMM 0191) from the Canadian family member, specifying the relationship.
• Be admissible to Canada.

The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must:

• Currently reside in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not have been granted permanent residence under this policy.

Category 2: Spouse or Common-law Partner of a Ukrainian National with Family in Canada

Applicant must:

• Be the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national who is unable to leave Ukraine, is missing, has passed away, or is presumed to have passed away.
• Meet all the conditions mentioned under Category 1 for being in Canada, holding temporary resident status, holding a passport or other identity documents, and admissibility to Canada.
• Not have remarried or entered into another common-law relationship since leaving Ukraine.
• Provide a signed statutory declaration form (IMM 0191) from the Canadian family member of the spouse or partner, specifying the relationship.

The Canadian citizen or permanent resident (related to the Ukrainian spouse or partner) must:

• Currently reside in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not have been granted permanent residence under this policy.

Additional Requirements

Intending to Live in Quebec

If you intend to live in Quebec, your application will be referred to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec (MIFI). You must obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) before being granted permanent residence or a visa.

Being Admissible to Canada

Applicants and their family members must be admissible under Canadian immigration law. Financial inadmissibility is excused under this policy.

Who Can’t Apply

You cannot apply if:

• You are outside Canada.
• You are inadmissible for reasons other than financial ones.
• Your relationship type is not included in the categories above.

Family Members Who Can Immigrate with You

Eligible family members:

• Your spouse or common-law partner.
• Your dependent child who is either:
  • Under 22 and doesn’t have a spouse or partner, or
  • 22 years old or over and financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition.
• Your grandchild (dependent child of your dependent child or your spouse’s or partner’s dependent child).

Family members can be either in or outside of Canada, but the applicant must be in Canada throughout the application process. Make sure to list these family members in your application even if they’re not immigrating with you at this time; failing to do so will make you unable to sponsor them later.

Understanding these eligibility requirements is crucial for Ukrainian nationals who wish to reunite with their families in Canada through this special immigration policy. It provides a thorough guide for both principal applicants and their family members on how to qualify for permanent residence under this policy.