As the war in Ukraine rages on, the clock is ticking for more than 100,000 Ukrainians in Canada with temporary resident documents that are set to expire this year.
Many fled the war-torn country three years ago when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. For some, the thought of going back to Ukraine is no longer on the table with no clear end to the fighting in sight.
Maryna Shum still feels the painful memory of fleeing her home country of Ukraine three years ago.
“The first year was very challenging because at the beginning the emotions were prevailing. I couldn’t understand, like, am I staying here for a long time? or is it a short time and I’m going to come back home? I wanted to go back home very quickly,” Shum said.
Shum did stay in Ottawa, building a new home with her daughter as the Ukraine-Russia conflict dragged on. In Canada, nearly 300,000 Ukrainians were granted three-year visas to live and work, known as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Program.
Shum’s visa was extended to 2027, but her future in Canada is still unclear.
“I’m always living here like on some kind of bomb, I don’t know when it’s going to explode just because of the uncertainty. It’s a huge burden that I’m carrying with me every day,” she said.
Other Ukrainians are also trying to build a life, not knowing if they can stay in the country long-term.
“It’s difficult for all Ukrainians here because it’s temporary so we do not know,” said Ksenia Zubriy, a Ukrainian living in Ottawa. “It’s not permanent residency.”
Last week, the federal government announced it was extending the renewal application deadline by one year until March 31, 2026, for Ukrainians work and study permits.
While Zubriy says she loves her home country, it’s difficult to see what’s happening overseas and she doesn’t know if she wants to go back.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Canada says anyone with an urgent or exceptional case can contact their nearest Ukrainian Diplomatic Mission.
