Information for Ukrainian nationals coming to Newfoundland and Labrador

The ANC’s Ukrainian Support Team offers help and information to Ukrainian nationals arriving and living in the province.

Reach us at [email protected] or 709-325-0881.

Settlement Services


The Association for New Canadians provides settlement services and supports for newcomers to Canada. This includes anyone arriving under the CUAET pathway. These services can help you settle and adjust to your new life in Canada. 

We will help you — at no cost to you! — with information, support, and referrals on many different aspects of living in Newfoundland and Labrador including:

The ANC’s Ukrainian Support Team offers help and information to Ukrainian nationals arriving and living in the province. Reach us at [email protected] or 709-325-0881.

Health

Newfoundland and Labrador provides health care coverage for Ukrainians arriving in the province. If you arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or special family reunification sponsorship pathway you are eligible for the provincial Medical Care Plan and  the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. 

Housing

Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the most affordable housing in Canada. Rental (or purchase) cost will depend on the size (number of bedrooms), town and neighbourhood where it is located, the age and condition it is in. There are several ways you can look for an apartment or house to rent.

School Enrollment

Children arriving under the CUAET pathway can attend publicly-funded schools in Newfoundland and Labrador for free. The ANC’s Children and Youth Programs team helps children and their families transition into the Canadian school system. 

Learning English or French

Canada has two official languages, English and French. When you arrive in Canada, there are programs that can help you learn either language, including the English as a Second Language classes at the ANC’s ESL Training Centre.

Employment

It can be challenging to find work, especially when you are new to Canada. Learn what to expect, where to find information about jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador from the ANC’s Career Services Division, AXIS. 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador  is also working to match people displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine with employers in the province. Find more information here. 

Translation Tools Available

Google Translate offers free translation tools for text documents and websites. If using the app on your smartphone you may also be able to use it as a real time interpreter for voice. Google Lens is also available on some platforms and allows you to translate text using your phone’s camera. You can also access Ukrainian interpreters and translators through the ANC Ukrainian Support team.

The ANC’s Ukrainian Support Team offers help and information to Ukrainian nationals arriving and living in the province. Reach us at [email protected] or 709-325-0881.

Government Resources

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is eager to welcome you.  The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Ukrainian Family Support Desk will help you find employment and give you information about the province and immigration pathways specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. The provincial government has an office in Warsaw dedicated to helping Ukrainian nationals move to Canada.
Register with the province for government services (including job and accommodations matching) using this form.
Reach the province by e-mail: [email protected]

The Government of Canada regularly updates information on immigration measures and Canada’s response. Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada has established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries. It is available both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243; your collect call will be accepted. In addition, you can add the keyword Ukraine2022 to the IRCC Web form with your questions and your email will be prioritized.

For People Outside of Canada

IRCC is prioritizing applications from people with a primary residence in Ukraine for:

  • Permanent Residence (PR)
  • Proof of Citizenship
  • Temporary Residence
  • Grant of Citizenship for Adoption

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is available to Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply through this pathway and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements. All eligible Ukrainian nationals may be able to stay in Canada for up to 3 years as long as they meet the criteria of the CUAET.

IRCC is waiving many fees for eligible travel and immigration documents, such as Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas, and work and study permits.

The Government of Canada is granting exemptions for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals to enter Canada temporary resident permit or written notice of approval for an application for permanent residence in Canada.

Read the details about federal government measures in Ukrainian (Українська) on the IRCC website.

For People in Canada

Ukrainians, and their families currently in Canada can apply to extend their stay for up to 3 years with the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway. This includes the temporary resident (visitor) status, work and study permits, and allows people to leave and return to Canada at any time while their visa is valid. School aged children are eligible to attend elementary and secondary school during this time.

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has committed to prioritizing pending Ukrainian files.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has an Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR) in place for Ukraine. An ADR is a temporary measure that can delay a removal order that would normally require a person to leave Canada immediately. 

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply to sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada. Applications should be submitted through the regular process. IRCC will prioritize applications if the family member you’re sponsoring 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)

For these families, IRCC created a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence in consultation with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and other stakeholders.

The ANC’s Ukrainian Support Team offers help to people applying to sponsor eligible family members coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. Reach us at [email protected] or 709-325-0881.

Senior Supports

Many seniors in Canada get support and services through both federal and provincial government programs. Most programs have a minimum age limit, usually between 55 – 65. You may qualify for these services and financial programs, even if you are living with family.

Financial Assistance

You might be eligible for benefit and credit payments even if you just arrived and have no income in Canada. You may be eligible for short term financial support if you are in a crisis or an emergency and don’t have enough money for things like food and housing.

For More Information

IRCC Immigration Measures – The latest news on measures in place to help people affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine from IRCC.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is the voice of Canada’s Ukrainian community. The Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations.
Ukraine – UNHCR Canada – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is on the ground providing assistance for refugees and internally displaced people.
Canadian Red Cross – Helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.