Ukrainian woman separated from husband living in Vancouver calls for visa changes
CTV
Many Ukrainians have loved ones in Canada and are desperately trying to come here for their own safety.
Many Ukrainians have loved ones in Canada and are desperately trying to come here for their own safety.
Ivanna Syvokon is among those who was able to flee Ukraine before the Russian invasion and has been in Bulgaria for the past two weeks. She's trying to get to Vancouver, B.C., where her husband works and lives. The last five days have been terrifying, she says.
“Now I’m not able to go back safely. I’m not sure what’s going to happen next. Apart from being anxious for my family, I’m also anxious to see my husband,” said Syvokon, adding that while her parents are still in Ukraine, they're so far safe.
The young couple met at university in Poland in 2015, before moving to Canada four years later to finish their studies and tie the knot.
“He proposed to me on the beach in Victoria and we ended up having a small wedding with some friends from school,” said Syvokon.
Syvokon had to leave Canada in January 2020 after her student visa expired. She returned to Poland and started working, while waiting for husband’s permanent residency application to get approved.
“I had to wait before I could apply for a visitor visa again because my husband was not considered a permanent resident yet,” said Syvokon.
