We have summarized some helpful information and links relating to immigration concessions below:
2022-03-01
Countries across the EU and world continue to update their policies and are adding additional visa concessions for Ukrainians affected by the conflict. Countries such as Italy, Germany are offering free accommodation and transport to Ukrainian Passport holders. The Deutsche Bahn announced it here.
Canada
What support is Canada providing?
Canada has announced visa concessions for Ukrainians. The government is working hard to allow Ukrainians working, studying, and living in Canada to stay there. This work includes developing new measures to support Ukrainian nationals in Canada.
For Ukrainian nationals already in Canada
Canada is looking to support Ukrainian citizens already in Canada. The government has announced the following measures that they are working on urgently processing new and replacement passports and travel documents for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Ukraine so they can return to Canada at any time. This includes immediate family members who will come with them. Prioritizing applications from people who currently live in Ukraine for
- permanent residence
- proof of citizenship
- temporary residence
- citizenship grant for adoption
- Adding new ways to make sure people who contact us get answers as fast as possible
- Extending temporary public policy that lets some visitors in Canada, including Ukrainians, apply for a work permit from within Canada. This means people who get a job offer can stay in Canada and start working while their work permit application is processed.
Useful information for those already in Canada:
Extend or renew your status as a
- visitor
- worker
- student
- You may be able to apply for a work permit as a temporary resident
For Ukrainian nationals outside of Canada
Family visa
Canada offers immigration options that let Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada. Applications will be prioritized for a family member who is a Ukrainian national outside Canada and one of the following family members:
- your spouse or common-law or conjugal partner
- your dependent child (including adopted children)
Suggested Supporting Documents
If possible, it is advised to carry the following documents:
- Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
- COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
- If possible, other important documents such as; birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education
Important information
Commercial routes out of Ukraine remain closed and extremely limited. The Ukrainian Air Space remains closed, citing high risk to safety. Russia has also closed its airspace for civilian flights on its western border. To get access to Canada, individuals will likely have to travel via another country. All options should be safely considered and planned.
Ireland
What support is Ireland providing?
Ireland has announced that they have lifted the visa requirements between Ukraine and Ireland. This is to support the swift exit of both the Ukrainian family members of Irish citizens and the family members of people from Ukraine who are residents in Ireland. This applies to all visa requirements, meaning Ukrainians can travel to Ireland visa-free. This also applies to Ukrainians already in Ireland who might need to have their visas temporarily extended. All Ukrainians who are currently on work, student, or visitor Visa in Ireland will have their visas temporarily extended or be provided with the opportunity to pursue other visa categories. For more information, visit here.
Suggested Supporting Documents
If possible, it is advised to carry the following documents:
- Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
- COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
- If possible, other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education
Important information
Commercial routes out of Ukraine remain closed and extremely limited. The Ukrainian Air Space remains closed, citing high risk to safety. Russia has also closed its airspace for civilian flights on its western border. To get access to Ireland, applicants will likely have to travel via another country. All options should be safely considered and planned.
For more information visit here.
United Kingdom
What support is the UK Government providing?
The United Kingdom has announced visa concessions to support Ukrainians. These concessions mainly apply to Ukrainian citizens already in the UK. However, additional concessions, such as for those applying for a Family Migration Route visa, also apply.
For Ukrainian nationals already in the UK
A Ukrainian citizen in the UK now has the right to have their UK visa temporarily extended. All Ukrainians who are currently working, studying, or visiting the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be provided with the opportunity to pursue other visa categories. More information can be found here.
For Ukrainian nationals outside of the UK
Family migration visa
Ukrainians can apply for a Family Migration visa for free if they are family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine. The criteria for what is defined as a British family member is as follows:
- a spouse or civil partner
- an unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
- your parents if you are under the age of 18
- your child under the age of 18
- an adult relative you provide care for who lives with you due to a medical condition
The UK government has advised that the UKVI should be contacted before making an application. Candidates will be required to provide information about themselves and their family members. Applications for this visa must be submitted at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VAC in Kyiv is now closed. For those still in Ukraine, applications can be made at the temporary location in L’viv. Alternatively, applications can be submitted at a VAC in a nearby country. These currently operate in:
- Poland
- Romania
- Hungary
- Moldova
All other visa applicants will be unable to apply through a VAC in Ukraine. For more information on the various visa concessions offered by the UK government, visit here.
Suggested Supporting Documents
If possible, it is advised to carry the following documents:
- Identification such as an ID Card or Passport
- COVID-19 vaccination / recovery certificate (if applicable)
- If possible, other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, property certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to education
Important information
Commercial routes out of Ukraine remain closed and extremely limited. The Ukrainian Air Space remains closed, citing high risk to safety. Russia has also closed its airspace for civilian flights on its western border. To get access to the UK, individuals will likely have to travel via another country. All options should be safely considered and planned.
Globalaw lawyers Help Ukrainian Refugees and Asylum Seekers
To help deal with the huge influx of Ukrainian refugees, the law firms of Globalaw, the international law network are joining forces to advise refugees how to best and most efficiently legalize their stay and complete all underlying formalities. Watch this space for information on the opening of help desks in Globalaw member firms.
In Poland, with over 120,000 refugees already while 1 million expected, DeBenedetti Majewski Szcześniak has already started over the past weekend. The contact points for Poland are Magdalena Małocha and Anna Stasiewicz.
If you require further immigration advice on visas that may be required, please do not hesitate to contact us.
