In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Alberta’s government is accelerating the assessment of applications for permanent residency made by Ukrainian nationals through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Application and post-decision service fees will also be temporarily waived for new and existing applications made by Ukrainian nationals.

“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.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

The government is also helping connect temporary Ukrainian residents with Alberta employers who have potential job opportunities.

Earlier this week, Minister of Labour and Immigration Kaycee Madu sent a letter to the Government of Canada calling for flexible immigration measures to help Ukrainians affected by the ongoing crisis.

“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.”

Kaycee Madu, Minister of Labour and Immigration

Quick facts

  • Alberta is home to more than 345,000 people of Ukrainian descent.
  • The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a federal-provincial program that nominates individuals for permanent residence in Alberta if they have skills to fill job shortages or are planning to buy or start a business in Alberta.
    • Individuals nominated through the program may apply for permanent residence status with their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.
    • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada manages applications for permanent residence and makes final decisions on these applications.
  • The program is prioritizing the assessment of applications from Ukrainian nationals. All program criteria must still be met.
  • As of Dec. 31, 2021, there were more than 400 Ukrainian citizens with temporary immigration status in Alberta.
  • Application and post-decision service fees for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program are being temporarily waived for Ukrainian nationals. This measure will be reviewed quarterly.
  • Fees to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program are:
    • $500 for worker streams
    • $3,500 entrepreneur streams
    • $100 for post-decision services, such as nomination extension requests, letters of support and reconsideration requests
  • Previously Alberta announced the following support for Ukraine:
    • $1 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, to help 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.
    • $5 million to the Canada Ukraine Foundation for additional humanitarian aid.
    • $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.