Can Canadian employers hire refugees coming from Ukraine?

Yes, certain people from Ukraine have the right to work in Canada. A Ukrainian national or

a family member of a Ukrainian national can apply for a work permit that is valid for up to three years. For more information and updates, check here.

A Ukrainian national or family member of a Ukrainian national who is outside of Canada will need to apply for a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or visitor visa and a work permit. For more information and updates, check here.

As an employer, you will need to complete required steps before hiring refugees. For more information and updates, check here for information on hiring a temporary foreign worker and here on the steps for hiring a permanent foreign worker.

Can employers outside of Canada hire refugees coming from Ukraine?

To check for work authorization for refugees in your country, refer to your government’s information about temporary protected status for those fleeing Ukraine.

• EU: The European Commission issued the Temporary Protection Directive to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine. As part of this directive, starting March 4, 2022, people fleeing Ukraine are provided protection and support if arriving in one of 26 member states of the European Union.* Check here for updates on the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
• UK: Click here to learn more.
• U.S.: Click here to learn more about Temporary Protected Status and here to learn more about other immigration avenues.

*The Temporary Protection Directive applies in all EU Member States except Denmark. It does not apply in Schengen associated countries (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland).

How can I prepare to hire and support refugee job seekers?

For some refugees, entering the workforce in a new country may be challenging after arrival. It’s important for employers to understand these challenges and prepare for how you will hire and support refugee job seekers. Ultimately, these challenges are surmountable with preparation and connection to the available resources.

To prepare for hiring and supporting refugee job seekers, we recommend hiring an interpreter, paying a living wage, and getting creative about the benefits you can offer.

You can receive individualized guidance and best practices for employing refugee job seekers by becoming a member of the Tent Partnership here or partnering with the employment/placement division of local refugee services providers here.

Additionally, some provinces and territories are offering services for Ukrainian nationals arriving in Canada and for the employers who want to recruit.

You’ll find an overview of the unique challenges refugee job seekers are facing below.

Limited language proficiency

Many refugees may not have English or French language proficiency. When it comes to language, employers should consider what positions are available and if there are opportunities to provide employment for individuals who aren’t proficient in English or French. Employers can also explore avenues to assist new hires with developing local language skills. For example, some employers have hired interpreters or established ESL programs with local partners to support the refugees they employ.

Access to transportation and relocation resources

If you’re located in a city with poor public transportation, consider establishing a carpool service, rideshare credits, or alternative transportation options for your refugee employees. Additionally, job seekers may need additional resources to relocate or to reunite with their families. Your company should consider what kind of relocation assistance you can provide new hires that are fleeing Ukraine.

Transferability and recognition of qualifications and skills

People fleeing Ukraine may have the necessary training and skills to perform a job for which you are hiring, but they may not hold the formal education or corresponding permit to hold that job in Canada. Consider if there are positions that do not require licenses that those fleeing Ukraine can fill, while your company assists new hires in obtaining the locally required occupational license.

Care for children and elderly family members

The vast majority of refugees from Ukraine at this time are women, children, and elderly. Adult working age women may be available for and need employment, but will need support for family care. Consider what subsidies or support you can offer these job seekers to help them to get and stay on the job.

Legal documentation (e.g., licenses, passports)

Employers should be aware that, due to dangerous circumstances, refugees may have left home quickly without their documents, including passports or licenses. Potential employees may need additional time to work with local authorities to validate their status as a result. You may consider contacting your local government to determine whether alternate forms of documentation are acceptable to establish right to work or contact relevant professional organizations for advice on documentation of specific qualifications for individuals fleeing the war.

Psychological and emotional trauma

The experience of fleeing one’s home to escape danger can create serious psychological and emotional trauma. Consider how you will accommodate and support refugees’ mental health needs in the aftermath of this trauma.

With critical evaluation of these special challenges and some preparation, employers can hire refugees and ensure their success.

How can my job postings effectively reach refugees?

As part of our response to the war in Ukraine, we’ve asked experts like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) what refugee job seekers need to know about a potential job opportunity. They’ve told us that information on language requirements and training, as well as work location or relocation assistance are some of the most useful insights for a refugee job seeker to make an informed decision about any job application.

To reach refugee job seekers, there are a number of steps you can take when crafting your job postings.

• Post jobs for free* on Indeed
• Indicate the language requirements for the job and if you offer language training
• Indicate if you offer relocation assistance
• Indicate the salary and additional benefits (such as transportation support, child care, etc.)
• In addition, Indeed is asking all employers for additional details when posting jobs. Please consider providing information where possible.

*Terms, conditions, quality standards and usage limits apply.

What are the benefits of hiring a refugee?

As an employer, you will be able to contribute to the refugee re-settlement process in a receiving country by providing a learning environment for those fleeing their home country. A learning environment includes providing opportunities to learn about your country’s culture, opportunities to communicate in the language of the receiving country, development of new skills, as well as providing financial support and autonomy to those in need. In addition, employers will benefit from the skills and talents of those coming from Ukraine.