Ukrainian Refugee Resources in BC
Ukrainian Refugee Resources in British Columbia
Thousands of displaced Ukrainians are expected to relocate to British Columbia in the face of the Russian invasion on their country. The federal and provincial governments, along with the Ukrainian community and the refugee and settlement sector have been working to create resources and supports to help those fleeing the devastating war and arriving here temporarily or permanently.
Here is a list of national and British Columbian resources and sources of information for displaced Ukrainians looking for help, and Canadians who want to support them.
Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel
Most Ukrainians are expected to arrive through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) federal program. The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) will help Ukrainians come to Canada as quickly as possible as temporary residents and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada.
For those outside Canada, the CUAET gives Ukrainians and their families a visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily, until it is safe to return to Ukraine. The visitor visa is valid for up to 10 years or until their passport expires, but only for up to three years at a time or until your passport expires. When your status in Canada is about to expire, you need to apply to extend your stay.
The CUAET also gives Ukrainian nationals and their families who are already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily. Visitors and workers can stay visitor for up to three more years or until their passport expires. Students can stay for the duration of their studies.
Operation Ukraine Safe Haven National Secretariat
The Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven (OUSH) National Secretariat has launched a national response hub to help support displaced Ukrainians arriving as temporary residents across the country. The website will feature a multilingual (English, French, Ukrainian and Russian) “I need help” page that will connect Ukrainians to the support available where they live in Canada. The website is live but still in development.
OUSH was established by the Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance in coordination with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.with financial support of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Welcoming Ukraine portal (BC)
This portal provides information to Ukrainians who are moving to BC, as well as for British Columbians who want to volunteer or donate to show their support. The website is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian. Ukrainians using the website can connect to free services to find housing, sign up for healthcare coverage, look for a job, sign children up for school and learn about other community services, among other supports.
Service BC phone line: 1-800-663-7867
This BC government phone line aims to help people arriving from Ukraine and their families in finding and accessing the services they need, such as employment, health care, housing and education. It also co-ordinates British Columbians who want to volunteer or donate to help displaced Ukrainians feel welcome in British Columbia. The phone line will be available with translation services in Ukrainian, Russian and 140 other languages, from 7:30 am — 5 pm every day.
BC 211 − United Way List of Resources
United Way British Columbia and its newly integrated service, 211, is providing support for displaced Ukrainians as they navigate this challenging transition.
United Way’s United for Ukraine fund
Support those arriving from Ukrainian by donating to the United Way’s United for Ukraine fund.
COVID-19 and vaccination measures for Ukrainian nationals
Learn about measures in place regarding vaccinations and COVID-19 for those fleeing Ukraine.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is a national body representing the Ukrainian Canadian community. Its website includes links to resources for displaced persons from Ukraine as well as information on how Canadians can help or donate.