Ukrainian Mother’s Canada Work Visa Granted, Yet Approval for 6-Year-Old Son Remains Pending

In a heartwarming yet uncertain turn of events, Iryna Mishyna, a Ukrainian mother, was recently granted a temporary work visa to Canada. However, her six-year-old son, Nikita, is still awaiting approval for his visa application. Mishyna’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by many Ukrainian families who are seeking refuge from the war and highlights the challenges they encounter during the immigration process.

Since leaving her home in Ukraine with her son, Mishyna has found solace in helping other families in similar situations find stability. She coordinates volunteers and provides shelter for Ukrainian children at Warsaw’s central train station. However, while she helps others, her own situation remains uncertain. She applied for her visa in July, and although her visa was granted in September, she has not received any information regarding her son’s application.

Mishyna’s situation is not unique. Randall Baran-Chong, the founder of Pathfinders for Ukraine, a Canadian organization that assists people with navigating the immigration system, explains that several mothers have faced similar issues with their children’s visa applications. Some families have been waiting for a response since March or April. The unprecedented number of Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries, including Poland, has caused a massive European refugee crisis.

Canada launched an emergency program to expedite the immigration process for Ukrainians seeking refuge. Under this program, applicants can obtain temporary work and study permits to wait out the war in Canada. Of the 839,567 applications received since the program opened in March, approximately 64 percent have been approved as of February 7th. However, Mishyna’s case highlights that some applications may be more complex and therefore take longer to process.

While Mishyna considers herself lucky to have a home and job in Warsaw, she acknowledges that many others are desperate to reach Canada. Digital advertisements around Warsaw Central Station show support for Ukraine, but signs of support for refugees in Poland have begun to fade. Refugee centers have closed due to a shortage of financing from local authorities, leaving fewer beds for families in need.

Andrii Melnyk, a former Ukrainian diplomat living in Warsaw, commends Canada for swiftly opening its doors to refugees and adapting the program to meet the high demand. However, he notes that some people who were living in shelters without visas or sufficient funds to relocate have returned to Ukraine. The cost of traveling to Canada can be prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for many refugees to make the journey.

Despite the challenges, Mishyna remains hopeful. Her temporary visa is valid for three years, but time is ticking as she waits for news about her son’s application. She is currently working in Warsaw and has enrolled Nikita in school. Leaving now would mean uprooting him once again and facing more uncertainty when their visas expire. Mishyna, like other families at the train station in Poland, desires certainty about their future and hopes to bring closure to their story.

Mishyna’s story serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by refugees around the world. It highlights the importance of swift and efficient immigration processes to ensure families can find stability and security in their new homes. As Mishyna continues to wait for news about her son’s visa, she remains resilient and determined to provide a better future for her family.