What you need to know before making a refugee claim
My Refugee Claim is a project supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Canada. Their website provides essential information about Canada’s refugee protection process to help persons planning to make refugee claim in Canada get informed, connected and prepared throughout the refugee claim journey.
Crisis in Gaza: Special measures for extended family
This webpage is to provide accurate information on the Canadian Government’s resettlement program and available resources for those impacted by the crisis in Gaza.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Program
On January 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary pathway for Palestinians with extended family in Canada. This measure was intended to provide a safe haven for those directly affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Program Status
- The program originally accepted 1,000 applications, later expanded to 5,000 applications.
- As of March 6, 2025, the TRV program has been closed to new applications.
Financial Assistance and Support Measures
The Canadian government continues to provide support for Palestinians arriving from Gaza.
Transitional Financial Assistance
- $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 and under)
- Originally limited to arrivals by March 31, 2025, but extended to cover arrivals up to December 31, 2025
- Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026
- TRV and biometrics fees are waived and refunded for eligible applicants
Health Coverage
- Three months of temporary health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program
Settlement Services
- Access to orientation, language training, school enrollment support, job search assistance, and help with daily needs
Study and Work Permits
- Palestinians with valid passports in Canada, and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, may apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits
- Deadline extended from July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026
These supports are available to Palestinians who have applied under the special temporary immigration pathway for extended family or as regular temporary resident visa holders.
Quick Facts
- The IRCC’s dedicated service channel remains available at 613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted)
- Exemptions at the port of entry that expired on January 9, 2025 are no longer in effect
- Special TRV holders received multiple-entry visas valid up to three years or until passport expiry, whichever came first
Family-based permanent residence pathway for people affected by the conflict in Sudan
For specific details on documents and criteria to qualify for this program, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Afghan Resettlement in London & Middlesex
This webpage is to provide accurate information on the Afghan resettlement program and available resources.
Basic information
- The federal government launched several humanitarian programs to help resettle vulnerable Afghans into Canada
- The Government will assign the number of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) that our region will receive
- Four out of the five special programs launched by the federal government have now stopped receiving applications. You can see a list of all the programs here.
- The government is still receiving applications under its Permanent residence for extended family of former Afghan interpreters’ program. Up to 5,000 people will be welcomed under this pathway. You can learn all the information about this program here.
- As of January 2024, more than 47,000 Afghans had arrived in Canada since August 2021
- While applications for some of these programs have closed, Afghans continue to arrive in Canada on a weekly basis. It is likely that a number of Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) will also continue to settle in London.
How will these newly arrived refugees be supported?
- GARs will be received by the staff of the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC)
- GARs will be provided with initial settlement needs, which include temporary housing, basic needs and addressing immediate medical needs through the RAP staff
- CCLC has teamed up with Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, to facilitate donations. Donors wishing to make a financial contribution are requested to direct their gifts to CCLC’s Highest Priority Needs fund
- Settlement agencies will provide support to all immigrants, including GARs
How is the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) offering support?
- LMLIP will share information on available additional supports;
- Support the sector by sharing information on social media outlets;
- Provide information to the established Afghan community as per need; and
- Convene information sessions as per need.
How can the community help?
- Learn about Canada’s Program for Vulnerable Afghans;
- Provide information on available housing to the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre;
- Connect with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre to volunteer;
- Check with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre for suitable donations;
- Learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program to sponsor Afghan refugees outside Canada in need of resettlement
- Be welcoming
Other Resources:
- https://london.ca/immigration/work/employment-support
- How to volunteer and donate
For Information contact: London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) at hhussein@lmlip.ca; 519-663-0774 ext.: 283
Support for Those Affected by Ukrainian Crisis
This webpage is to provide accurate information on support in London & Middlesex for those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. This webpage will be updated on a regular basis as new information unfolds. Last Update: March 5, 2025.
Government information & support:
Government of Canada
Here are the programs created by the Government of Canada to support Ukrainians fleeing the war following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
The CUAET program closed for new applications on July 15, 2023. However, Ukrainians who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, continue to have access to some temporary measures:
- They may apply for new open work permits (valid up to three years), renew existing permits, or apply for study permits until March 31, 2026. Standard application fees apply.
- Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
- Those who arrived after March 31, 2024, are not eligible for these measures and must use Canada’s regular immigration streams.
Ukrainians can still apply to extend temporary status even with expired passports; cases are reviewed individually. If applications are submitted before the expiry date of a visitor record, work, or study permit, applicants benefit from maintained status and may continue to work or study until a decision is made.
The Canada Border Services Agency’s Administrative Deferral of Removals for Ukraine remains in place.
Settlement Program Services
IRCC-funded settlement services ended on March 31, 2025 for CUAET holders, Ukrainian nationals with temporary resident status, and their dependents. These services include language training, employment support, case management, and community programs.
After this date, affected individuals will need to rely on non-IRCC funded service providers and local community supports.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The special permanent residency program for Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada closed on October 22, 2024.
- No new applications are being accepted.
- Applications submitted before the deadline are still being processed.
- This program required applicants to have immediate or extended family ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Special Reunification Sponsorship Pathway
The reunification sponsorship pathway was integrated into the permanent residency program that ended in October 2024. There is no longer a separate active program. Ukrainians seeking permanent residency must now apply through Canada’s regular immigration programs, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Dedicated Service Channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries:
- Call 613-321-4243, collect calls accepted
- Use the IRCC crisis web form and add the keyword "Ukraine2022"
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Stay up to date on immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine.
Ontario Government
The Ontario government provides a range of supports to Ukrainians arriving under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This page outlines current provincial programs and services available.
Health Care
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP): Immediate eligibility upon arrival with no waiting period.
- Access to health care, mental health services, and prescription drug coverage through the Emergency Assistance program.
- The Refugee Health Line remains active at 1-866-286-4770.
Emergency Income Assistance
- Up to six months of financial support for those demonstrating financial need (e.g., $733/month for a single person, higher amounts for families).
- Includes prescription drug benefits.
Education and Scholarships
- Elementary and secondary school enrollment without fees.
- Trauma-informed counselling and culturally responsive supports for students.
- Eligible families may apply for licensed child care fee subsidies.
- The Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship continues for the 2024–25 academic year, offering $10,000 awards at publicly assisted colleges and universities.
Employment and Training
- Employment Ontario services available for job seekers.
- Better Jobs Ontario program provides up to $28,000 in support for eligible retraining.
- Ukrainian arrivals remain eligible for retraining and employment programs.
Driver’s Licenses
- Reduced barriers for Ukrainian nationals: Ontario credits foreign driving experience through self-declaration and presentation of a Ukrainian driver’s license, without requiring foreign authentication letters.
Immigration and Work Permits
- Ukrainians who arrived under CUAET on or before March 31, 2024 may apply for new work or study permits until March 31, 2026. Standard fees now apply, as fee exemptions ended December 31, 2024.
- Applications are prioritized when marked with “Ukraine 2022.”
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues, but priority processing for Ukrainians is not currently confirmed.
Housing and Settlement
- Ontario continues to engage with municipalities on temporary housing options.
- Important Change: Federal IRCC-funded settlement services (e.g., free language classes, employment support, orientation) ended March 31, 2025. Ukrainians must now rely on provincial programs, non-IRCC funded community services, and online resources.
- Community organizations such as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and local settlement agencies provide alternative supports.
City of London
The following documents are available in English, Ukrainian and Russian. They provide information on support available through the City of London.
Community needs & support for Ukrainians:
There are several ways our community can help Ukrainians. The links below provide information on area-specific needs in our community, as well as provide information to Ukrainians seeking to access support in these areas.
Donations
The London Ukrainian Centre is accepting medical supplies and monetary donations.
The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre has set up a Newcomer Fund for community donations. This short-term fund will support the immediate needs of those living and studying in London who have been affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Newcomers, including refugees and/or claimants, as well as those who hold a valid visitor visa, or open work and study permit holders issued because of the crisis in Ukraine will be supported.
The Canadian Government has launched the new Canadian Industry for Ukraine donation portal. Through this online portal, Canadian businesses can provide offers of high-priority goods and services to supported displaced Ukrainians and the organizations providing aid and resettlement services. At this time, the focus is on large-scale donations, including temporary housing, gift cards for the purchase of priority items, transportation and jobs for those arriving in Canada.
The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) is currently accepting various supports through their donations portal in the areas of housing, employment, services and goods.
If you are interested in hosting a newcomer family from Ukraine, you can complete this intake form with London Ukrainian Humanitarian Action (LUHA).
Housing
If you are interested in hosting a newcomer family from Ukraine, you can complete this intake form with London Ukrainian Humanitarian Action (LUHA).
The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) is currently accepting various supports through their donations portal including in the area of housing.
Employment
The Employment Standards and Occupational Health and Safety information has been translated into Ukrainian.
There is an Ontario-led 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.
The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) is currently accepting various supports through their donations portal including in the area of employment.
The Government of Canada has a Job Bank for both Ukrainian job seekers and employers interested in hiring Ukrainian talent.
English language trainning
Before accessing English as a Second Language classes, newcomers need to have their English skills assessed.
This can be done at the London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), where newcomers can also receive information about all available training programs in the city, including those offered by the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, College Boreal and the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB).
Appointments for a language assessment can be booked on the CCLC’s website or by calling 519-432-1133.
Supporting International Students
If you are an international student studying in London that is facing financial hardships as a result of bank sanctions, you may be eligible for support from your institution. Find contact information below:
International Office
international@fanshawec.ca
Lissette Ochoa
Lochoa2@uwo.ca
519.432.8353 x28012
Jane Parker, Financial Aid Officer
mjparker@huron.uwo.ca
international@kings.uwo.ca
Ukrainian Organizations
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.
Local Ukrainian Churches
Ukrainian Catholic Church of Christ The King
707 Nelson Street
519-434-6593
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity London
151 King Edward Ave
519-681-6173
Additional Resources
For newcomers interested in learning more about Ontario and services available, COSTI's Orientation to Ontario (O2O) workbook has been translated into Ukrainian.
The site settlement.org helps newcomers find information on settling in Ontario including what to do in their first days and connections to services in their area.
London Ukrainian Humanitarian Action (LUHA) is a working group of dedicated volunteers coordinating humanitarian needs in London and the surrounding area by helping those affected by the Ukrainian crisis. Both community members wanting to help and Ukrainians looking for support can find information through this site.
Ontario will credit foreign driving experience for protected persons, refugees, and people from Ukraine to help them get their driver's license sooner. You can learn more through the Ontario government DriveTest website.
Settlement Support
All Ukrainian temporary residents are their dependents may access IRCC-funded Settlement services in Canada. They may have come to Canada either through the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or through the regular Temporary Resident Program as visitors, students or workers.
The following settlement brochures are available in English and French and provide information about the settlement organizations in London & Middlesex and the support they can provide to Ukrainian newcomers:
Be welcoming
Contribute to creating a welcoming community for all newcomers by promoting that #AllAreWelcomeHere and performing acts of welcome. Find out where to pick up #AllAreWelcomeHere materials.
Wind-down of Settlement Services
- From October 1, 2024, newcomers will be informed about the upcoming end to their eligibility for settlement services.
- Between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2025, urgent and immediate needs will be prioritized.
- By January 31, 2025, all existing clients will have their settlement plans updated and be informed of non-IRCC funded service options.
- Clients with longer-term needs will be referred to non-IRCC funded organizations, including charities, faith-based organizations, ethno-cultural groups, community organizations, and provincially-funded programs.
Ongoing Support
While IRCC-funded settlement services for CUAET holders will end on March 31, 2025, the London & Middlesex community remains committed to supporting Ukrainian newcomers. We encourage community members to continue offering support through local initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and non-IRCC funded programs.
- From October 1, 2024, newcomers will be informed about the upcoming end to their eligibility for settlement services.
- Between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2025, urgent and immediate needs will be prioritized.
- By January 31, 2025, all existing clients will have their settlement plans updated and be informed of non-IRCC funded service options.
- Clients with longer-term needs will be referred to non-IRCC funded organizations, including charities, faith-based organizations, ethno-cultural groups, community organizations, and provincially-funded programs.
Further Information:
Key Figures
National
Between January 1st 2022 and February 19th, 2023, 23,385 Ukrainians arrived in Canada by land and 144,200 arrived by air.
Between March 17th 2022 and February 16th, 2023 approximately 862,386 applications for the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel temporary resident pathway were received and 559,868 were approved.
Learn more about these figures here.
Information Session
If you were unable to attend our information session at the beginning of April and are interested in viewing the presentations, please visit this link & use the passcode 3@bEqL!C to access. Please note that this information was up to date as of the beginning of April when the session occurred.
For information or to request support from the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP), contact Huda Hussein, Project Coordinator at hhussein@lmlip.ca or 519-663-0774 x283.
To share information or local initiatives that could be added to this page, contact the Communication Officer at 519-663-0551 x243.