We at St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership have created this page for community members like you who are willing to support Ukrainian families. Find below a list of resources and opportunities to connect Ukrainians to housing, jobs and language supports.
Immigration Pathways
The Government of Canada has announced two new streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
- The CUAET is a pathway for temporary residence and is not a refugee stream. There is no limit to the number of Ukrainians that can apply
- This is currently the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements
- All Ukrainian nationals can apply and stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years with a free, open work permit
- Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, have been extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under CUAET
Special Reunification Sponsorship Pathway (permanently)
- Immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can be sponsored to immigrate to Canada
General Supports
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress represents the Ukrainian Canadian community before the people and Government of Canada. Visit their website to learn more about their efforts in response to the crisis.
Red cross information package
Information that helps support the initial settlement process of Ukraine newcomers. These links consist resources in 4 different languages:
Employment
- JOB BANK opened a new page on the government platform to help match employers and newly arrived displaced people from Ukraine https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report_note.do?cid=18538
What is a SIN and why is it needed ?
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes. However, some organizations ask for the SIN for other reasons. The SIN is important to privacy protection. It can open the door to your personal information and can put you at risk of fraud and identity theft.
Learn more about how to protect your SIN
You can follow the link below and apply for your social insurance number
The Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada Tool provides newcomers with information on job requirements such as:
- if your job is in a regulated occupation
- who is the regulatory body
- what kind of alternative job in your field you could work in while you wait for the review of your credentials
- if there are available jobs
- what is the pay, and more
To get your credentials recognized you can click on the link below
Community Connections
Ukrainian Churches in London Ontario
Ukrainian Catholic Church
Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church
Українська Католицька Церква Христос Цар
707 Nelson St
London, ON N5Z 1J8
(519) 434-6593
https://www.facebook.com/ctkucc/
Sunday services:
9:00am English Service
10:45am Ukrainian Services Літургія по-українському
Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Church of the Holy Trinity
Українська православна Церква пресвятої Трійці
151 King Edward Ave
London, ON N5Z 3T5
519-681-6173
https://www.ukr-orthodox-church-london-on.com/
Sunday Service 10 am
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development – Provincial Support
Ontario Health Insurance Plan including access to health care and mental health services. Dedicated refugee helpline. Emergency income assistance for up to six months; includes drug benefits.
Coordination of offers of accommodation including vetting hosts,viewing the accommodations, conducting police checks, and matching Ukrainian newcomers with appropriate accommodations in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as providing orientation to hosts and Ukrainian families, through funding to COSTI Immigrant Services.
Ontario.ca/Ukraine – Dedicated Ontario government portal with settlement support information for Ukrainians arriving to Ontario
Dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769) and email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search supports and local employers in the community
Employment Standards and Occupational Health and Safety information has been translated into Ukrainian –https://www.ontario.ca/page/posters-required-workplace
Settlement Services
Settlement workers are funded by the federal and provincial government to provide supports for immigrants and newcomers. Many services are offered at no cost. To learn more about how they can help check out this resource: Serving Immigrant and Newcomer Clients
YWCA St Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services
16 Mary Street West
St. Thomas, ON N5P 2S3
Phone: 519-631-9800
Toll Free: 1-800-461-0954
Email: settlement@ywcaste.ca
MCS Aylmer Resource Centre
16 Talbot Street East
Aylmer, ON N5H 1H4
Phone: (519) 765-3020
Email: arc@mcson.org
To start a new life in Canada as a newcomer, one can find more settlement information in English and Ukrainian from the CUIAS, based in Toronto.
Information On life in Canada
Housing
- This “Shelter” platform is currently leading, which is also recommended by the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada.
Прихисток – прихисти своїх (prykhystok.gov.ua) - Also, Airbnb has some initiatives with housing offers for displaced Ukrainians
Airbnb.org – Host people fleeing Ukraine
Healthcare
Applying for OHIP
Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The province pays for medically-necessary health services covered by OHIP.
Learn how to apply for OHIP, including what documents are needed, or call ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).
Other Healthcare considerations
The Ontario Drug Benefit Program helps cover the cost of about 5,000 prescription drugs. Learn how to get help paying for prescription drugs.
If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.
School for Youth
Elementary or secondary school students who have been approved to come to or remain in Canada for humanitarian reasons can attend publicly funded schools without paying fees. This includes children who are in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel.
Learn more about enrolling your children in school.
Language training for adults
Contacting the Government of Canada
A dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries is available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.
