Prince George expecting surge in Ukrainian arrivals ahead of visa cutoff

Federal officials are expecting a possible influx of tens of thousands of Ukrainians, as a Canadian visa program expires at the end of March.

So far, more than 960-thousand visas have been issued since the program began in March of 2022 for those wishing to work or study in Canada for a three-year period.

But only about 210-thousand have taken up the offer so far.

Federal officials say surveys show another 90-thousand are thinking of coming to Canada before the March 31st deadline.

Of those 90-thousand, at least 40 are expected to land in Prince George.

That is according to Share Hope volunteer Dick Mynen, who said the number expected has been changing nearly every day as the deadline draws closer.

“This is a pivotal moment in their decision making, having to decide to come to Canada – or Prince George specifically – by March 31st is a big deal for these families,” he said. “There is certainly anticipation here for the influx to exceed what we currently know.”

“If people arrive as anticipated, we would have just under 336 people that we have helped come to Prince George,” Mynen said – making note not all of them have stayed since arriving.

Share Hope tries to provide incoming Ukrainian families with accommodations and expenses covered for their first couple of months in Canada, through the use of host families or simply finding places to live.

Mynen said the organization currently does not have any active host families, thus the financial burden they are facing is causing some strain.

“We are looking at housing most in rental apartments. Our biggest challenge is generating more revenue to try and help with their first month’s rent and damage deposit,” he said.

However, Mynen added many people who have arrived recently are reunifying with family members from Ukraine, which slightly eases the housing need.

They are still accepting donations here.

– With Files from the Vista National News Wire