Ukrainian newcomers struggle to renew passports amidst looming visa deadline [Video]

Ihor and Olena Politylo have made Richmond, B.C., their home since 2022, after fleeing Ukraine when war broke out. 

Ihor works as a building maintenance technician, and Olena as a legal assistant. The married couple’s four-year-old daughter is set to start kindergarten in September. 

But a deadline for Ukrainians to renew their Canadian visas is approaching and Ihor’s Ukrainian passport, which is required to be valid for the duration of the new visa, is set to expire next year.

It’s making their future in Canada uncertain.

“Canada is our second home now,” Ihor said.  

He is one of many Ukrainians abroad — especially Ukrainian men of military age — who are struggling to get their passports for Ukraine renewed.

WATCH | Ukrainian newcomers say passport renewal may not be possible in time for deadline: Ukrainians who fled to Canada under temporary emergency visas are facing uncertainty as their permits expire next month. To stay in Canada, they must apply for …