OTTAWA -- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress says Immigration Minister Lena Diab should open a permanent residency pathway for Ukrainians who came to Canada through a special visa program launched after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ihor Michalchyshyn, UCC CEO, says his organization presented a policy proposal to the immigration ministry in October, modelled on an active permanent residency program for Hongkongers in Canada.
Nova Scotia Independent Sen. Stan Kutcher says he has spoken to Diab about the proposal and she seemed receptive.
Almost 300,000 Ukrainians came to Canada through the emergency temporary work and study visa program the federal government put in place following the invasion almost four years ago.
The UCC estimates upwards of 100,000 Ukrainian visa holders likely would be interested in applying for permanent residency.
Michalchyshyn says many people who came to Canada on the temporary visa program are having a difficult time finding long-term work and affordable study opportunities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2025.