
Stalled Nomination Application for Ukrainian Family in Winnipeg Sparks Frustration
For two years, a Ukrainian family in Winnipeg has been waiting for a nomination from the Province of Manitoba to move to Canada under the family sponsorship program. The family, comprising of a husband, wife, and their three children, have been caught in a bureaucratic limbo, with no clear explanation for the delay.
The family, who wishes to remain anonymous, was originally approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to move to Canada in 2020. However, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination from the Province of Manitoba, which is required to finalize their immigration, has yet to materialize.
"We’re feeling frustrated, worried, and exhausted," said the family’s wife, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We’ve been waiting for so long, and every time we contact the immigration authorities, we’re told to wait a little longer. We’re not sure what’s causing the delay."
The family, who have strong ties to Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community, had planned to settle in the city after years of living in Ukraine. They had secured employment and had purchased a home in the area, but their dreams of a new life in Canada have been put on hold.
The family’s husband, a skilled professional in his field, had applied for a nomination under the International Student category, as he had studied in Manitoba before returning to Ukraine. His wife, who had also lived in Winnipeg briefly, had planned to join him with their three children.
Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community, known for its rich cultural heritage and strong connections to Ukraine, has rallied behind the family. "We’re all very worried about this family and the impact the delay is having on them," said Anna Cherniavska, president of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada. "They’re good people who just want to build a new life here, and we want to help them get settled."
Manitoba Immigration, which is responsible for the Provincial Nominee Program, has come under criticism for the lack of transparency surrounding the nomination process. "The family has been asking for a nomination for over two years, and we’ve been told there’s no guarantee that it will come through," said the family’s wife. "It’s hard to plan a future without a clear understanding of when or if we’ll be able to come to Canada."
The Provincial government has announced plans to review and streamline the PNP process, but critics say more needs to be done to address the long wait times and lack of communication with affected families.
For now, the Ukrainian family remains in limbo, waiting for a nomination that never seems to arrive. Their hopes of starting a new life in Winnipeg continue to be put on hold, a frustrating and worrisome situation that shows no signs of improving anytime soon.