The Current Ukrainians who fled war, living in limbo
Jan 20, 2026
Oleh Zadoretskyy, a Ukrainian father who arrived in Halifax with his family after the invasion, shares his challenges of living on temporary permits. Elizabeth Wozniak, an immigration lawyer, discusses the complex pathways and bureaucratic obstacles many Ukrainians face while seeking permanent residency. They reveal the emotional toll of living in limbo, the mismatch between work permits and housing options, and potential solutions for a more streamlined immigration process. Both express hope for a future where families can find safety and stability.
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Hotel Manager Escaped Bombing Yet Lacks PR
- Gala Darkina fled bombing in Irpin and arrived in Canada with her two children, finding safety and appreciation for Canadian schools.
- Despite integration and work, she says she and her children are not eligible for permanent residence and face no program to secure their status.
Family Moved From Latvia To Halifax In 2023
- Oleh Zadoretskyy moved to Halifax in 2023 with his wife and two daughters after working in Latvia and fearing escalation.
- He works, pays taxes, and applied a year ago to extend his children's visitor records but still hasn't received confirmation.
Humanitarian Stream Faces Multi-Decade Backlog
- Many Ukrainians on work permits lack clear economic-class pathways and must rely on humanitarian streams with massive backlogs.
- Immigration documents estimate processing at current rates could take decades for those humanitarian applications.