Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s Visit to Ukraine

Canada issued a record number of visas for Ukrainian nationals in 2012, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister, the Hon. Jason Kenney on March 4 in Kyiv, during his visit to Ukraine.

“A distinct bond exists between our two nations, thanks in part to Canadians of Ukrainian origin. That bond is growing stronger as more Ukrainians come to visit friends and relatives, study or work in Canada, while others come to Canada permanently, through our new fast and flexible immigration programs,” Minister Kenney stated.

“We plan to grow the economy and create more jobs by attracting an increasing number of visitors and the world’s best and brightest talent to Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “For this reason, we strive to issue visas and permits as quickly as possible to facilitate travel for immigrants, visitors and students.”

Canada issued a record 9,000 visitor visas to Ukrainian applicants in 2012, an increase of 67 percent compared to 2004. The approval rate for temporary resident visas in 2012 was 85 percent. Since 2006, the approval rate for temporary visas for Ukrainian nationals has averaged 83 percent, which is significantly higher than the average approval rate of only 63 percent between 2000 and 2005.

The record 787 study permits approved in 2012 represents an increase of 496 percent since 2004.

This significant increase in each of these categories reaffirms Canada as a top destination of choice for visitors and students from Ukraine.

The Government continues to move toward a fast and flexible immigration system that avoids backlogs and processes applications in a timely manner.

For example, in 2008, the government introduced the Canadian Experience Class, a path to permanent residency for international student graduates whose Canadian education and work experience helps ensure they are set for success in Canada’s economy.

In addition, in July 2011, the duration of multiple-entry visas was extended from 5 years to 10 years. This allows visitors to enter and exit Canada for up to six months at a time over 10 years.

Furthermore, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for the new Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which is also valid for up to 10 years and allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada for up to 24 months at a time.

To further facilitate applicants who want to come to Canada, it is expected that two visa application centres (VAC) will open in Ukraine this year. Visa application centres provide administrative support services to applicants before, during and after their application is assessed by a CIC officer. This helps reduce unnecessary delays due to incomplete applications.

“For over a century, Canada has benefited from the talent and hard work of newcomers from Ukraine,” Minister Kenney said. “Now a growing number of Ukrainian citizens are able to visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities, or immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.”

“More than 1.3 million Canadians of Ukrainian descent have played an important role in building our prosperous society. They have also been instrumental in fostering the close relationship that exists between Canada and Ukraine,” said Minister Kenney. “This visit was another opportunity to enhance long-standing ties between Canada and Ukraine.”

New CIDA Projects for Better Governance and Freedom

The Harper government will continue to promote democracy, rule of law and economic growth in Ukraine, through two new projects. In Kyiv on March 4, 2013, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Hon. Jason Kenney, made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of International Cooperation, the Hon. Julian Fantino.

“Freedom of expression and the presence of a strong and free media are essential in any open, democratic, transparent and accountable society,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada’s support will help strengthen these basic freedoms through legislative and regulatory reform, the expanded use of Ukraine’s public access to information law, and the promotion of ethical and professional standards among journalists.”

“Canada’s assistance is supporting initiatives that help improve the business-enabling environment in Ukraine,” said Minister Kenney. “It is very important that businesses, especially new small and medium-sized enterprises, know that they can rely on the efficiency and fairness of the courts that deal with commercial disputes. Canada is assisting the National School of Judges, by sharing Canadian expertise in the training of new judges.”

The two new projects, funded by Canada are: Strengthening Media Freedom, in partnership with the Council of Europe; and Judicial Education for Economic Growth, which will be implemented by Canada’s National Judicial Institute and the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs.

Canada continues to be concerned by the manner in which the arrest, prosecution, conviction and appeal of Yulia Tymoshenko has been carried out by Ukrainian authorities. It is without question that a legitimate and active opposition is an integral part of a vibrant and effective democracy. Canada has identified Ukraine as a priority country in the provision of development assistance, and will continue to focus on supporting its democratic development and sustainable economic growth to achieve greater freedom and prosperity for the Ukrainian people.

For more information on Canada’s international assistance to Ukraine, please visit CIDA’s Ukraine page [http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/JUD-1211102120-L23].

PHOTOS

1) Minister Jason Kenney meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Leonid Kozhara about ongoing free trade negotiations and Canada’s concerns with the decline of civil rights and rule of law in Ukraine.

2) Min. Kenney lighting a candle at the Ukrainian National Holodomor Memorial to the millions of victims killed in the Famine Genocide 1932-1933.

3) Min. Kenney presents an icon as a gift to Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk.

4) Min. Kenney meets with Ukrainian Orthodox Patriarch Filaret at the Ukrainian-Jewish Encounter event in Kyiv.

5) Min. Kenney visited the Lonsky Street Prison National Memorial Museum, where thousands suffered at the hands of occupying powers, including both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.