(OTTAWA) Canada will extend until July 15 the emergency visa application period for Ukrainians seeking safe haven.
The deadline for applying for the three-year visa was originally set for March 31.
Federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said Wednesday that Ukrainians will still be able to apply for “regular” work, study and visitor permits to come to Canada after the application period expires, but they will be required to pay the usual fees associated with such requests.
Ukrainians who received emergency visas will have until March 31 next year to come to Canada, where the federal government will offer them a one-time income support payment and two weeks of hotel accommodation.
Those who have already arrived will also have a year to decide whether or not to extend their temporary visa if they wish to stay.
As of March 19, more than 190,000 Ukrainians and their family members have come to Canada under this emergency visa program.