The provincial government is prioritizing Ukrainian permanent residency applications.
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is now accelerating the assessment of applications for permanent residency made by Ukrainian nationals. The application and post-decision service fees are also temporarily waived, a provincial media release said.
“Ukraine holds a deep, historical connection to Alberta, and we owe so much to the hundreds of thousands of Albertans of Ukrainian origin who have helped build this province. This action helps demonstrate Alberta’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine during their time of need,” Premier Jason Kenney said.
The provincial government is also helping connect temporary Ukrainian residents with Albertan employers with open job opportunities.
The minister of labour and immigration Kaycee Madu called for the government of Canada to implement flexible immigration measures to help Ukrainians.
“Alberta’s government will do whatever we can to accommodate Ukrainians who are fleeing their homes and country in search of safety. As the situation evolves, we will continue to work with the federal government and newcomer-serving organizations in Alberta to support Ukrainians affected by the conflict and stand up for their right to peaceful and secure lives,” Madu said.
Alberta is currently home to more than 345,000 people of Ukrainian descent, the release said.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada manage applications for permanent residence and will make the final decisions on the applications as Ukrainian nationals are being prioritized.
The province has previously announced support for Ukraine including $1 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid, $5 million to the Ukrainian World Congress to equip 5,000 members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force with defensive equipment, and $350,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council for their campaign coordinating the air shipment of first aid and defensive equipment to Ukraine.
