Family reunification for Ukrainian nationals: Eligibility, Requirements, Documents, Timelines, and Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Complete Guide: Eligibility, Requirements, Documents, Timelines, and Step-by-Step Application Instructions

General Information About the Program

The Family reunification for Ukrainian nationals program is a special immigration initiative introduced by the Government of Canada in October 2023. It allows Ukrainian citizens to apply for permanent residence in Canada if they have close family members who are already living in Canada as Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The program’s purpose is to provide humanitarian support to Ukrainians seeking safety in the context of the war, by facilitating family reunification. Applications must be submitted from within Canada, and the applicant must be physically present in Canada both at the time of application submission and at the time of final decision.

The program is currently active for one year from October 2023. However, IRCC has officially confirmed it is considering an extension. Any announcement regarding continuation or termination will be published at www.canada.ca.

Who Can Apply?

1. Ukrainian Applicant (Principal Applicant)

Must meet all the following conditions:

• Is a citizen of Ukraine;
• Is physically present in Canada;
• Holds a valid temporary resident status (e.g., TRV, OWP, SP, maintained status) or has submitted an application to restore status (if lost less than 90 days ago);
• Has a close relative in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Submits an application based on a family relationship, supported by official documentation;
• Can provide a passport or travel document, or, in exceptional cases, alternative identity documents;
• Submits a signed IMM 0191 Statutory Declaration of Family Relationship completed by the Canadian relative;
• Meets admissibility requirements to Canada (e.g., no serious criminality or threats to national security).

2. Canadian Relative

Must:

• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Be physically residing in Canada at the time of Acknowledgment of Receipt (AoR) and at the time of Final Decision;
• Have a genuine family relationship with the applicant;
• Be willing to provide support to the applicant, including financial support if necessary;
• Submit a signed IMM 0191 declaration, confirming both the relationship and the intention to support the applicant.

Who Qualifies as a “Close Relative”?

For the purposes of this program, “close relative” includes:

• A spouse or common-law partner
• A child (regardless of age)
• A grandchild
• A parent
• A grandparent
• A sibling (biological or step)

All family relationships must be documented and supported by official records translated into English or French, with notarization if the translation is not performed by a certified translator in Canada.

Required Documents

For the Applicant:

1. Completed permanent residence application form
2. Passport or travel document
3. Birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate
4. Proof of identity (if no passport)
5. Copies of Canadian relative’s identity/status documents (passport or PR card)
6. Signed IMM 0191 – Statutory Declaration
7. Proof of temporary status in Canada (TRV, WP, SP, maintained status, or restoration application)
8. Photographs meeting IRCC specifications
9. Documents supporting family relationship
10. Financial documents (if applicable)
11. Medical documents (if directed by IRCC)
12. Police clearance certificate (if required)

For the Canadian Relative:

1. Copy of passport or PR card
2. Signed IMM 0191 declaration
3. Proof of family relationship
4. Optional letter of support
5. Proof of financial capacity (e.g., tax return, employer letter — if needed)
6. Proof of residence in Canada (e.g., utility bills, lease agreement)

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

1. Check eligibility
   Confirm you meet the program’s requirements (Ukrainian citizenship, status in Canada, close relative, supporting documents).
2. Obtain IMM 0191 from your Canadian relative
   Your relative must download, complete, and notarize the IMM 0191 declaration.
3. Gather your full documentation package
   All certificates, copies, translations, proof of status, photos, etc.
4. Create an account on the IRCC PR Portal
   If applying independently. If applying via representative, ensure proper authorization is in place.
5. Complete the PR application electronically
   Select the appropriate stream: Family reunification for Ukrainian nationals.
6. Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
   Currently CAD $570. Upload proof of payment to your portal.
7. Submit biometrics (if required)
   Only if not submitted in the past 10 years.
8. Receive Acknowledgment of Receipt (AoR)
   Typically 2–6 weeks after submission.
9. Complete medical exam (if requested)
   Only with an IRCC Panel Physician.
10. Submit police clearance certificate (if requested)
    Include certified translation and legal verification if applicable.
11. Respond to any Additional Document Requests (ADR)
    Typically within 7–30 days. Failure to comply may result in refusal.
12. Wait for Final Decision
    If approved, you will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).
13. Receive your PR Card by mail (within Canada)
    Do not leave Canada until you receive your PR card.

Processing Timelines

• AoR: 2–6 weeks after submission
• Final Decision: 3–6 months depending on case complexity
• Medical exam window: 30 days from date of instruction
• PR Card issuance: 2–8 weeks following CoPR

Important Notes:

• The applicant must be physically present in Canada at both the AoR and Final Decision stages.
• Absence from Canada at the time of decision may result in CoPR cancellation and automatic refusal.
• If you meet the requirements and hold valid status, do not delay your application.

Conclusion

The Family reunification for Ukrainian nationals program is a humanitarian initiative of Canada, designed to provide Ukrainian citizens with the opportunity to reunite with close family members during wartime conditions. Its implementation is based on clear eligibility criteria, a simplified application procedure, and the requirement of physical presence in Canada during the processing of the application.

Successful submission requires thorough preparation of documents, timely filing of all required forms, and compliance with procedural steps outlined by IRCC. Crucially, the process demands not only proof of family ties, but also the ability of both the applicant and the Canadian relative to meet all conditions — from completing IMM 0191 to passing medical and identity verification procedures.

Given that the program is time-limited and may be suspended or modified at any time, eligible individuals are advised not to delay submission. This program offers a real and legal pathway to permanent residence in Canada, allowing Ukrainian families to maintain unity in a safe environment.