Key Takeaways
- The Canadian government is facing criticism for the lengthy processing times for permanent residency applications, with some Ukrainians facing waits of up to 55 years.
- The humanitarian and compassionate stream was created to help Ukrainians flee the war, but many are now facing uncertainty and limbo as they wait for their applications to be processed.
- The government has stated that the number of Ukrainian applications outnumber the available spots in the immigration levels plan, but many are calling for a plan to help Ukrainians stay in Canada.
- The lengthy processing times are causing stress and uncertainty for families, including children who are unable to access healthcare and education due to their uncertain immigration status.
- Immigration lawyers are advising clients to apply through different pathways to try to stay in Canada, but this can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Introduction to the Issue
The Canadian government is facing criticism for the lengthy processing times for permanent residency applications, with some Ukrainians facing waits of up to 55 years. This issue has been highlighted by the story of Oleh Zadoretskyy, a Ukrainian who arrived in Halifax with his family in March 2023. Zadoretskyy’s family is part of an online community of Ukrainians who used the humanitarian and compassionate stream to flee the war in Ukraine. However, they are now facing uncertainty and limbo as they wait for their applications to be processed.
The Humanitarian and Compassionate Stream
The humanitarian and compassionate stream was created to help Ukrainians flee the war, but many are now facing uncertainty and limbo as they wait for their applications to be processed. Zadoretskyy’s family is one of many who are affected by this issue. They were working in Latvia when the war broke out and applied to come to Canada, where Zadoretskyy’s brother-in-law is a citizen. Zadoretskyy works as a software developer, while his wife has a job at a charity, and their daughters, who are now nine and 14, go to school and consider Halifax home.
The Impact on Families
The lengthy processing times are causing stress and uncertainty for families, including children who are unable to access healthcare and education due to their uncertain immigration status. Zadoretskyy’s daughters are on visitor permits that expire in March, and he applied for their renewal a year ago, but still, there’s no update. Without paperwork, the girls cannot get health cards or go to school. Zadoretskyy is concerned about his daughters’ future and wants them to grow up in a place where they’re not at risk of being bombed and don’t have to worry about being bombed.
The Government’s Response
The government has stated that the number of Ukrainian applications outnumber the available spots in the immigration levels plan. However, many are calling for a plan to help Ukrainians stay in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that "Canada is regaining control of its immigration system in order to restore balance and sustainability, while continuing to meet its humanitarian commitments." The statement also said that the 55-year estimate for processing times represents how long someone applying today might have to wait, and it hopes to process 80 per cent of the applications within service standards.
The Need for a Solution
Zadoretskyy said he has no idea what his family will do if they can’t stay in Canada permanently — but waiting decades in limbo isn’t an option. He wants the government to provide a plan to help Ukrainians stay in Canada, especially considering the Liberals were in power when the immigration pathway was announced and continue to be the governing party. Zadoretskyy believes that the government should prioritize the applications of Ukrainians who are already in Canada and have established themselves in their communities.
The Role of Immigration Lawyers
Immigration lawyers are advising clients to apply through different pathways to try to stay in Canada, but this can be a costly and time-consuming process. Elizabeth Wozniak, an immigration lawyer in Halifax, said that many of her clients are feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future. She is advising them to apply through different pathways, but notes that this can be a costly and time-consuming process. Wozniak believes that the government needs to provide more clarity and transparency about the processing times and the options available to Ukrainians who are waiting for their applications to be processed.
Conclusion
The issue of lengthy processing times for permanent residency applications is a pressing concern for many Ukrainians who are waiting for their applications to be processed. The government needs to provide a plan to help Ukrainians stay in Canada, especially considering the humanitarian and compassionate stream was created to help them flee the war. The lengthy processing times are causing stress and uncertainty for families, including children who are unable to access healthcare and education due to their uncertain immigration status. It is essential for the government to prioritize the applications of Ukrainians who are already in Canada and have established themselves in their communities.