Emergency visa applications for Ukrainians fleeing war to end Saturday

Canada is expected to close applications for temporary emergency visas offered to Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression Saturday but hasn't announced whether it plans to offer long-term refuge.

Canada launched the emergency visa after the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year as millions of people fled the embattled country.

The visa is available to an unlimited number of Ukrainians and allows them to work and study in Canada for three years while they figure out their next steps. Those who've come to Canada using the emergency visa aren't given refugee status in Canada, and instead are considered temporary residents.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser extended the program in March as the war stretched into its second year. The extended application period ends July 15.

More than 1.1 million people have applied and more 800,000 visas have been approved as of July 1, though only about 21 per cent of the visa holders have actually come to Canada.

Ukrainians who have already been granted the visa will still be able to come to Canada until the end of March 2024.