Permanent Residence for Ukrainians without Family in Canada

Whether you’re seeking stability in Canada through skilled work, study, or humanitarian protection, this article covers all the essential information, including:

1. Important Deadlines for Permanent Residence for Ukrainians Without Family in Canada
2. Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence for Ukrainians Without Family in Canada? 
3. Essential documents required for your Permanent Residence application
4. How to apply for Permanent Residence (PR): Step-by-Step Guide
5. What to expect during the application process
6. Accessing support and resources for new permanent residents

By following this guide, you’ll be equipped to navigate the permanent residence application process and secure your future in Canada. For personalized assistance, don't hesitate to consult Aïa, our free immigration guide, available in Ukrainian and Russian.

Explore More Articles in This Series

To support your journey towards permanent residence in Canada and ensure a smooth transition, be sure to explore the other articles in our "How to Immigrate to Canada from Ukraine: Special Measures Explained" series:

1. How to Immigrate to Canada from Ukraine: Special Measures Explained: An overview of all the special measures Canada has put in place for Ukrainian immigrants.
2. Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET): A guide to applying for the CUAET program, covering eligibility and application steps.
3. Permanent Residence for Ukrainians: How to Apply: Instructions for Ukrainians with family in Canada to apply for permanent residence.
4. Permanent Residence for Ukrainians Without Family in Canada: How to Apply (this article)
5. Work Permits for Ukrainians: How to Apply: Information on obtaining and extending work permits under special measures.
6. Study Permits for Ukrainians: How to Apply: Guidelines for applying for or extending study permits in Canada.

1. Important Deadlines for Permanent Residence for Ukrainians Without Family in Canada

For Ukrainian nationals applying for permanent residence without family in Canada, key dates include:

• March 31, 2024: Deadline for work and study permit extensions under the new temporary measures.
• March 31, 2025: Deadline to access federally-funded settlement services.
• Ongoing: Applicants should submit as soon as eligible for pathways like Express Entry, PNP, and CEC due to regular draws and nomination cycles.

There are no specific deadlines for the Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Still, applicants should submit as soon as they are eligible as draws and nomination cycles occur regularly.

2. Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence for Ukrainians Without Family in Canada? 

To apply for permanent residence, Ukrainian nationals without family in Canada must meet specific eligibility criteria for each pathway, such as skills, work experience, education, and proof of financial stability. Additionally, ensure temporary permits are extended by March 31, 2024, if necessary, to maintain eligibility. Here’s what you need to know:

Who can apply:

• Skilled Workers: Ukrainian nationals who qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) based on their skills, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Students: Ukrainian nationals who have completed post-secondary education in Canada and qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or other provincial nominee programs.
• Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: Those who do not qualify under other programs may apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds if they can demonstrate compelling circumstances.

Important points:

• Skills and Experience: Applicants must demonstrate the skills, work experience, and language proficiency required by the selected PR pathway.
• Education: For those applying through the student route, a completed Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma is required.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Applicants must show they can financially support themselves in Canada.

Tips and advice

When applying for permanent residence as a Ukrainian national without family in Canada, focus on meeting the specific eligibility criteria of your chosen pathway. Whether you’re applying through the Skilled Worker programs, the student route, or on humanitarian grounds, make sure your skills, work experience, and language proficiency align with the requirements. Proof of financial stability is also essential. For personalized guidance, consult Aïa, our free immigration assistant, to help ensure your application meets all necessary standards.

3. Essential Documents Required for Your Permanent Residence Application

Applicants must prepare and submit key documents tailored to their chosen PR pathway, including valid passports, language proficiency results, educational credentials, work experience proof, financial stability, and biometric data.

Required documents:

• Valid Passport: A current Ukrainian passport or other travel documents.
• Language Proficiency Results: Official results from a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) such as IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF for French.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For those applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program or other skilled pathways, an ECA is required to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian one.
• Proof of Work Experience: Detailed documentation, such as letters of reference from previous employers, to prove your relevant work experience for skilled worker programs.
• Proof of Funds: Documentation showing you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents in Canada.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and a photo for security checks.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Any other relevant documents as required by IRCC, including medical exams, police certificates, and proof of any previous Canadian study or work experience.

Tips and advice

When preparing your permanent residence application, ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Gather proof of language proficiency, educational credentials, work experience, and financial stability according to the specific pathway you're applying under. Organize these documents carefully to avoid any delays in processing. For personalized guidance on compiling your application, consult Aïa, our trusted immigration assistant, for tailored support.

4. How to apply for Permanent Residence (PR): Step-by-Step Guide

Ukrainian nationals without family in Canada can apply for permanent residence through various pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Start-Up Visa Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). With the new measures, consider extending your work or study permits before March 31, 2024, to maintain eligibility. Here are the main options:

1. Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is one of the most common pathways for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residence in Canada. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. Applicants are assessed based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is for skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade. Applicants must have a job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification in their trade.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. It is ideal for those who have already lived and worked in Canada under a temporary visa like the CUAET.

Steps to Apply

• Create an Express Entry profile and provide details about your skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other personal information.
• Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your foreign education.
• Take a language test approved by IRCC, such as IELTS or CELPIP.
• If eligible, enter the Express Entry pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
• Once you receive an ITA, submit your application for permanent residence.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. Each province has its own streams targeting specific groups, such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, or entrepreneurs.

Steps to Apply

• Research the PNP streams available in the province where you want to live.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a direct application to the province’s PNP stream.
• If nominated, you can apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system or a non-Express Entry stream, depending on the program.

3. Start-Up Visa Program

This program is for entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada. The business must be supported by a designated organization (business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund).

Steps to Apply

• Secure a commitment from a designated organization that agrees to support your business idea.
• Demonstrate that your business meets the program’s criteria and that you have sufficient settlement funds.
• Apply for permanent residence as an entrepreneur under the Start-Up Visa Program.

4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The RNIP is a community-driven program that aims to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers.

Steps to Apply

• Find a job in one of the participating communities.
• Receive a community recommendation.
• Apply for permanent residence through the RNIP.

5. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is designed to help skilled workers and international graduates move to one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.

Steps to Apply

• Obtain a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Get an endorsement from the province.
• Apply for permanent residence through the AIP.

5. How to apply for Permanent Residence (PR): Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a Ukrainian national without family in Canada and you’ve identified the right pathway to permanent residence, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Application steps:

1. Select the Appropriate Pathway

• • Determine which pathway best suits your situation (e.g., Express Entry, PNP, Start-Up Visa, RNIP, or AIP).
  • Review the eligibility criteria for your selected pathway.

2. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents based on your chosen pathway. This may include educational credentials, work experience letters, language test results, proof of funds, and others specific to the pathway.
3. Create an Online Profile: For pathways like Express Entry, create an online profile through the IRCC portal. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.
4. Submit Your Application

• • Complete the application form for your selected pathway. Upload all required documents, and double-check for any errors.
  • Pay the required application fees and submit your application through the designated platform (IRCC portal or provincial websites for PNP).

5. Schedule and Attend Biometrics: After submitting your application, schedule an appointment to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
6. Track Your Application: Monitor the status of your application through the IRCC portal. You may receive updates or requests for additional documents.
7. Prepare for the Next Steps: If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Prepare for your move to Canada by securing housing, booking travel, and arranging for any additional documentation needed upon arrival.

Tips and advice

Before submitting your application, ensure all documents are complete and accurate; errors can cause delays. Schedule your biometric appointment promptly and keep copies for your records. To avoid risks and misunderstandings, use our Permanent Residence services for expert guidance and a smoother process.

6. What to Expect During the PR Application Process

Once you have submitted your permanent residence application as a Ukrainian national without family in Canada, it’s important to understand the key stages and what to expect as your application is processed:

Post-submission steps:

1. Application Review: After submission, your application will be reviewed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes verifying your documents and ensuring all provided information is accurate.
2. Invitation to Apply (for Express Entry): If you are applying through Express Entry, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This is a crucial step where you’ll be required to submit additional documents and pay the processing fees.
3. Medical Examination: You might be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet Canada’s health standards. IRCC will notify you if this step is necessary.
4. Background and Security Checks: A thorough background check will be conducted, including criminality and security screenings. Make sure you have no criminal record and that all your documents are in order.
5. Decision Notification: Once all assessments are complete, IRCC will make a decision on your application. You’ll receive a notification through your IRCC account or via email. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
6. Final Steps for Permanent Residence: After approval, you must finalize your PR status. This may involve travelling to Canada

Tips and advice

Stay on top of your application by regularly checking your IRCC account and email for updates or requests for additional information. Organize your documents to ensure you can respond quickly to any IRCC requests. If your application is approved, be clear on the next steps for confirming your permanent resident status. For guidance, you can always ask Aïa, your trusted immigration assistant.

7. Accessing Support and Resources for New Permanent Residents

Navigating your new life in Canada as a permanent resident is smoother when you know where to find support and resources tailored to your needs.

Key resources:

• IRCC Website: The IRCC provides a wealth of information and services for newcomers, including guides on settling in Canada, language learning resources, and access to government benefits.
• Settlement Agencies: Local settlement agencies offer a wide range of services, from helping you find housing to providing employment support and cultural orientation programs. These agencies are invaluable for new immigrants adjusting to life in Canada.
• Healthcare Enrollment: Registering for provincial healthcare is one of the first steps you should take. Depending on the province, there might be a waiting period before you’re covered, so it’s advisable to secure temporary health insurance for the interim.
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC): This government-funded program offers free language classes in English and French to help newcomers improve their language skills, which is crucial for integration and employment in Canada.
• Job Bank Canada: The official government job site offers a comprehensive resource for finding employment in Canada. It provides tools for resume writing, interview preparation, and a database of job postings.
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB):  If you have children, you might be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, which provides monthly payments to help with the cost of raising children. This can be a significant support for families adjusting to a new life in Canada.

Becoming a permanent resident in Canada is a significant milestone. To help you succeed, access these essential services and resources. For personalized assistance, Aïa, our trusted immigration assistant, is always available to guide you with the latest updates in Canadian immigration legislation. Welcome to your new home!