The Right to Stay: Urgent Support for Ukrainians Navigating Documentation Challenges in Canada

As the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program comes to an end on March 31, 2025, thousands of Ukrainians in Canada are left in uncertainty. With government funding for settlement services being discontinued, many families are struggling to renew work permits, apply for healthcare coverage, and access essential financial benefits.

Every day, Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis receives multiple requests from Ukrainians desperate for help with their legal paperwork. Many have no experience navigating these processes and are left without support. With official settlement agencies scaling down services, the only way forward is through community-driven assistance.

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Stories of Those in Need

Oleh and his wife arrived in Canada on March 5, 2025, after escaping the war in Ukraine and spending time in Poland. Oleh, a software engineering specialist, and his wife, who continues to work remotely, came prepared to rebuild their lives. However, upon arrival, they were issued a one-year work permit—without the essential CUAET designation. At first, they didn’t realize the implications of this mistake. When they attempted to apply for provincial healthcare, they learned they were ineligible. Despite returning to the airport to request a correction, they were informed that the CUAET program had ended in December 2024, leaving them with no options.

Now, Oleh and his wife reside in a guest house provided by Grassroots Response, grateful for temporary shelter.

"We are deeply thankful for the chance to be here, but without the support systems we relied on, we don't know what comes next," Oleh says.

Oleh and Yuliia Popkov

Without healthcare coverage and a clear path to extend their work permits, their future remains uncertain. While Oleh searches for IT jobs, both he and his wife are willing to take any work just to stay afloat. Like them, thousands of Ukrainians are facing similar bureaucratic barriers with no access to support.

Vira and Olena, twin sisters from Kyiv, have faced similar struggles.

“We are two sisters from Ukraine, Kyiv. Originally, we are from Donbas, and in 2014 we had to leave our home because of the war and move to Kyiv. In 2022, again because of the war, we had to leave for Canada,” they share.

After arriving in Canada over a year ago, Vira and Olena initially worked in Toronto before recently moving to the Guest House in Hespeler. Their work permits are set to expire soon, requiring them to apply for an extension. They sought help from the Multicultural Centre and began their application with a specialist. However, just a few days into the process, the specialist left their position, leaving the sisters stranded mid-application.

They were then referred to the YMCA, but due to overwhelming demand, they were given an appointment for the end of March—when all free services for Ukrainians will be discontinued. They felt lost with no prior experience filling out such applications and no clear guidance. While there are Facebook groups offering advice, it’s difficult to know whom to trust. Paid services are available, but having just started new jobs two days ago, they cannot afford them. They fear making mistakes if they attempt the application alone and urgently need support from a knowledgeable specialist.

How You Can Help

Grassroots Response is launching an emergency fundraising campaign—The Right to Stay—to raise $30,000 to provide critical assistance for Ukrainians facing these challenges. These funds will allow us to hire experienced Ukrainian professionals, recently laid off from settlement agencies, to continue offering vital services.

With your support, we can:

✅ Help Ukrainians renew work and study permits

✅ Assist with applications for child benefits and carbon rebates

✅ Provide tax filing support

✅ Guide individuals through visa extensions after obtaining new work permits

The demand is overwhelming, and we receive two to three new requests every day. Without these services, many Ukrainians risk losing their legal status, healthcare access, and financial stability.

We have gathered testimonies, social media posts, and direct appeals from those affected—stories that show just how urgent this need is.

🛑 Now is the time to act! Ukrainian newcomers are losing the last remnants of government support. Your donation can make a tangible difference.

📩 Donate today and help ensure that Ukrainians in Canada can remain safe, secure, and supported: https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/donate

Please add to the comment of donation the name of the campaign, "The Right to Stay." Every dollar you donate will be matched dollar-for-dollar.