Understanding Immigration Status: Permanent Residency and Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel

NAC TV recently had the opportunity to speak with Laarni Santos, a dedicated Settlement Worker at the Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services (NAISS). In her role, Laarni plays a crucial part in assisting newcomer Permanent Residents, Refugees, and holders of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) with their transition to life in Canada.

Laarni explained that her primary responsibility is to help these individuals navigate the basic requirements needed for successful settlement. This includes assisting with essential documentation and guiding them through the various processes involved in establishing themselves in their new home.

In addition to administrative support, Laarni highlighted the array of services NAISS offers. Newcomers can benefit from English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes, employment assistance, and more. These programs are designed to enhance language skills and improve employability, crucial factors for successful integration.
Recognizing that every newcomer’s journey is unique, Laarni also emphasized the importance of referrals. NAISS collaborates with various organizations to ensure that newcomers receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs. This includes guidance on legal matters, counseling services, housing, and other concerns that fall outside the local settlement mandate.

In her role at the Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services (NAISS), Laarni Santos often works with two primary groups: Permanent Residents and holders of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). Santos explained that Permanent Resident Status is granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to individuals who meet specific criteria, allowing them to live and work in Canada permanently from the moment they arrive.

One key point she highlighted is that the rights of Permanent Residents is almost the same with the  Canadian citizens, with notable exceptions such as the right to vote in elections or run for government office. However, Santos emphasized the importance of understanding the Residency Obligation that Permanent Residents must adhere to in order to maintain their status. Specifically, they are required to reside in Canada for at least two out of every five years.

When asked about the issues and concerns that the Permanent Residents would usually raise to them, Santos answered “Our Permanent Residents have lots of issues and concerns especially when their family arrives here in Canada. The first thing that they usually raise is housing- on how they can look for proper housing for their family. The second one is transportation cause like in the Philippines, we are used to having lots of public transportation but here in Neepawa, there is none. So those are the usual concerns, that they have and also another thing is Job because there is a competitive job market here in Canada. The other thing is the language barrier. Although in the Philippines, we are taught how to speak in English but the manner of speaking or the pronunciation is different. And also the parenting style here is different since we have different cultures too.”

Aside from the Permanent Residents, they also assist Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) permit holders. Santos mentioned “Actually, this started in 2023. This CUAET was a special measure created by Canada for the Ukrainians. Most of us are aware about the war in Ukraine so the Government of Canada opened up the opportunity for Ukranians to come to Canada as soon as possible in order for them to work here, study and live normally.”
* Correction: Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was launched on March 17, 2022.

Santos mentioned that according to Immigration Refugees and Citizenships Canada (IRCC), the services that the Settlement provide to CUAET permit holders is set to end on March 31, 2025. However, they can apply for Permanent Residency Status only if they have family members who are Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens. “Actually for that special measure that I was saying, they have this at the provincial level where they can apply during their stay here, we have the Manitoba for Ukraine. They have the website canada/ukraine-measures where they can apply.”, said Santos.   

Neepawa & Area Immigration Settlement Services plays a crucial role in helping immigrants settle and integrate into the community. Understanding the ultimate support available is essential for newcomers to thrive in their new environment.