How to apply for the family reunification program for Ukrainians?

The Canadian Department of Immigration begins processing applications today.

Since March 2022, Canada has granted temporary asylum under the CUAET program to more than 185,000 Ukrainians. Acceptance of applications closed on July 15, 2023, and a new family reunification program is being launched as of today.

To be eligible, Ukrainian citizens must be in Canada in temporary resident status and have a family member with Canadian citizen or resident status. We wrote about the categories of applicants in detail here, and today we tell you about the application process.

Online or offline?

By default, applications are submitted in an online format. However, if for some reason this is not possible and you require special arrangements, you can submit your application in an alternative format.

To do this you need to send a letter to IRCC with your details, your sponsor's details, a request for an alternative format and specify what kind of format — paper / braille / large print.

List of documents

Each adult applicant must complete at least five forms:

model statement;
expanded statement;
additional information about the family;
document checklist;
a statement confirming the relationship between a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a foreign citizen of Ukraine who is in Canada.

Additional documents may be required, which must be attached if they are suitable for your case. For example, a declaration of civil union or a declaration of separation of minors.

IRCC strongly advises that all electronic forms should be filled out electronically, on a computer.

To know reliably what package of documents is needed in your case, seek help from an immigration consultant.

Immigration representative services

You are allowed to use the services of immigration representatives to verify, complete, and submit documents. This requires:

fill out the form;
sign it (digitally or by hand) and ask your immigration representative to do the same;
upload the form with the rest of the documents.

All of the above (except your signature) can be done by your representative.

By default, Immigration Canada does not disclose applicant information to third parties. If you want the information on the application to be shared with someone other than you, who is NOT your representative, you must also complete the form, sign it and attach it to the application.

Submitting an application

After all the documents are prepared, you can proceed with the application. To do this, you need to log in in the system and find your program in the proposed list. Next, you will need to take the required photos, upload them and pay the application fees:

for data processing for all applicants;
for the right of permanent residence (RPRF)
for biometric data submission, if required in your case (information on where and how to submit data is sent immediately after payment).

It remains to digitally sign the application, make sure that all the specified data is correct and upload all the necessary documents.

Checking the status and waiting for a response

After receiving your data, the Immigration Department will send an acknowledgement (AOR), which will include your application number. After that, if necessary, the applicant will be asked to send additional documents (some or all of them):

medical examination reports;
no criminal record;
biometrics;
a receipt for payment of the permanent residency fee;
application to the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Franchization and Integration (MIFI) — if you intend to reside in Quebec.

It may take several weeks or even months to process your application. You can check the status of your application online on a special resource using your individualized application number (AOR). The data on the website is updated daily.

Status checks, like document preparation and verification, can also be delegated to your immigration representative.

Once your application is complete, the Department of Immigration will contact you with a positive or negative decision.