A Ukrainian family residing in Halifax is urging the Canadian government to address the concerns of thousands of Ukrainians facing a potential delay of over 50 years in processing their permanent residency applications. Oleh Zadoretskyy, who is part of a community of Ukrainians that fled the war through a special humanitarian stream, expressed shock and disbelief upon learning about the lengthy processing times.
Zadoretskyy, along with his wife and two daughters, arrived in Halifax in March 2023 after leaving Ukraine and working in Latvia. Concerned about the safety of their family amidst the war, they applied for permanent residency in Canada. However, with their daughters’ visitor permits expiring soon and no updates on their renewal application, they are facing challenges accessing essential services like healthcare and education.
The family’s immigration lawyer, Elizabeth Wozniak, highlighted the uncertainty faced by many applicants, suggesting that alternative pathways to remain in Canada are being explored while waiting for updates. Despite the processing time estimator indicating a wait of over four years for Zadoretskyy’s file alone, they remain hopeful for a resolution.
In response to the backlog, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated that they aim to process 80% of applications within service standards, acknowledging the imbalance between the number of Ukrainian applications and available spots in the immigration plan. Zadoretskyy emphasized the need for a sustainable plan to support Ukrainians seeking permanent residency, emphasizing the importance of stability for his family.
As they navigate the uncertainties of their immigration status, the family remains hopeful for a resolution that ensures their long-term stay in Canada while also acknowledging the challenges and anxieties brought about by the lengthy processing times.