Rules Strengthened: What Challenges Ukrainian Refugees Face in the USA and Canada.

Ukrainians in the USA and Canada are facing new challenges in 2025

According to research, over 6.8 million Ukrainians continue to be refugees three years after the war began. Of these numbers, over 300 thousand reside in Canada, while 270 thousand are in the USA. However, in 2025, immigration policies changed in both countries, creating new problems for Ukrainian refugees.

Canada Tightens Rules

The Canadian government ceased accepting new applications under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program in March 2024. Instead, Ukrainians who entered the country before March 31, 2024, may extend their stay until March 31, 2025, but must apply for work or student visas through regular procedures.

It has been noted that permanent residency (PR) has not been granted to 300 thousand Ukrainians. Migrants are encouraged to utilize standard immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class, with priority given to healthcare and trade workers.

Canada also plans to reduce the number of immigrants from 485 thousand in 2024 to 395 thousand in 2025. About 40% of spots will be reserved for those who are already temporarily residing in the country.

USA Suspends Support Program

In the USA, on January 28, 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump suspended the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program in accordance with the 'Border Protection' decree. This led to the loss of legalization opportunities for Ukrainians via sponsorship.

Although the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will continue until 2026, it applies only to those who are already in the country. New refugees are forced to apply through general visa programs, such as work (H-1B) or student (F-1) visas, which are offered in limited numbers.

Consequences for Refugees

This situation leads to serious problems for Ukrainian refugees:

• Over 100 thousand Ukrainians in Canada risk losing their legal status in 2025.
• Over 20 thousand Ukrainian families in the USA are in legal uncertainty.
• The number of illegal migrants is increasing.
• Social support, including food stamps and medical assistance, is decreasing.

Long-term Trends

According to the UN, only 65% of refugees plan to return to Ukraine, which is 12% less than in 2023. The main reasons for this are economic instability, housing destruction, and the continuation of the war.

In Canada, the integration process is more successful: 45% of Ukrainians have found permanent jobs, and 30% have applied for permanent residency. In comparison, in Germany and Poland, these figures stand at 20-25%.

The National Bank of Ukraine predicts that by 2026, only 400 thousand refugees plan to return home. This deepens the demographic crisis in the country and may lead to an annual GDP decrease of 3.9-6.3%.

Experts recommend that the Ukrainian government intensify negotiations on simplifying labor migration to the EU and support the reintegration of refugees through infrastructure restoration. Without these measures, the demographic situation in the country may become critical.

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