Ukrainian Family Struggles to Stay in Canada Amid War and Immigration Delays

For one Ukrainian family in Winnipeg, staying in Canada is a must.

A Family’s Plight

Oleksandra and Roman Borys have been in Canada for two-and-a-half years, and they are still waiting to find out if their family qualifies for the provincial nominee program.

The family came to Winnipeg from Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and Oleksandra said the contrast couldn’t be more stark.

“It is really unsafe there right now because Russia shells Ukraine every day,” she said. “Every single day. Every day someone dies (there), It’s like a lottery — you never know whether you will be the next one.

“You feel nice (in Winnipeg), with all these friendly people. You feel respected and cared for by people.”

The family applied for the provincial nominee program two years ago, but their application is still in limbo. Many of their friends, who applied around the same time, have been approved.

A New Life in Canada

The couple have two daughters, 9 and 18, and the youngest, Yuliana, has special needs and uses a wheelchair. Oleksandra said the education system in this country has been a revelation and one of the main reasons they’re hoping to remain in Canada.

“The most important thing that she can get some education here in Canada, and she had never (had) this choice in Ukraine,” she said.

Roman added the roots the family has put down here are too strong to leave, even if the war were to end. He feels their daughter is more supported and accepted than she ever was back in Ukraine.

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Immigration Delays

“When we came to Canada, I see that all doors, you can open with a button. So if you’re in a wheelchair, you can open any door. It’s open for anyone who is in a wheelchair,” said Roman. “You don’t have that in Ukraine.”

A statement from immigration minister Malaya Marcelino calls the situation concerning, and says she’s directed her staff to look into lengthy delays “which appear to be an outlier beyond standard processing times.” The province says they aim to process applications within months, but it often takes longer.

Cuts to the Provincial Nominee Program could mean challenges ahead for prospective immigrants to Manitoba, as well as certain labour markets, a Winnipeg immigration lawyer says.

Conclusion

The Borys family’s story highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian families seeking refuge in Canada. With the war in Ukraine ongoing, it’s crucial that the Canadian government prioritizes processing applications and providing support to those in need.

FAQs

* What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
+ The Provincial Nominee Program is a program that allows provinces to nominate immigrants who have the skills and experience needed to contribute to the province’s economy.
* How long does it take to process applications under the Provincial Nominee Program?
+ The processing time for applications under the Provincial Nominee Program can vary depending on the province and the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, the province aims to process applications within months.
* What are the challenges faced by Ukrainian families seeking refuge in Canada?
+ Ukrainian families seeking refuge in Canada may face challenges such as lengthy delays in processing applications, limited support services, and difficulties in integrating into Canadian society.

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