CUIAS Immigrant Services

Family Law Webinar Series has come to an end, and we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our speakers – Olha Senyshyn, Immigration, Refugee and Family Lawyer, and Olga Lepikhina, Family and Inheritance Lawyer in Ukraine.

Thanks to their knowledge and generosity in sharing their expertise, participants gained practical information on marriage in Canada and the recognition of foreign marriages, common-law relationships, marriage contracts, separation and divorce, parenting and property division, and the immigration implications of changes in family status.

We would also like to thank all participants who joined us throughout the series, asked thoughtful questions, and made these webinars so engaging. We hope the knowledge and information shared during this series will help you feel more confident when making important decisions for yourself and your family.

Missed the live sessions? You can still request the recordings of all three webinars.

Simply complete the registration form below and select the topics you’re most interested in.

https://forms.gle/xk29gX8wd3UVTMFY9

Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to bringing you more webinars and opportunities to connect with trusted experts.

The webinar recordings provide general legal information only and do not replace individual legal advice.

📢 Fair Pass update: annual eligibility reviews return August 1, 2026

Beginning August 1, 2026, the City of Toronto’s Fair Pass Transit Discount Program is returning to its pre-pandemic eligibility review process. During COVID-19, Fair Pass discounts were renewed automatically as a temporary measure. As that temporary process ends, the City will resume confirming eligibility each year for every Fair Pass client.

This change is part of the City’s ongoing responsibility, outlined in the Fair Pass Notice of Collection, to verify that clients receiving the discount continue to qualify for it.

✅ IF YOU RECEIVE ONTARIO WORKS, ONTARIO DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM, OR CHILD CARE FEE SUBSIDY
- The City will review, verify and renew your Fair Pass discount for you. You do not need to reapply.

⚠️ IF YOUR ELIGIBILITY CAN’T BE VERIFIED THROUGH EXISTING CITY RECORDS
- You will need to submit a new application to keep receiving your Fair Pass discount. The City will notify you approximately 45 days before your discount expires, using the contact information on file, and will let you know what steps to take next.

HOW YOU’LL BE NOTIFIED
- Notifications may come by email, phone and/or mail. Updates will also be shared on the Fair Pass website and through other program communications. Because of this, it’s important to keep your contact information up to date with the City so you don’t miss a required notice.

WHAT’S NOT CHANGING
- There are no changes to the Fair Pass benefit amount, the eligibility criteria, or the application process. If you do need to reapply, it follows the same steps as a new application.

HOW TO APPLY OR REAPPLY
🖥 Online: toronto.ca/transitdiscount
📞 By phone: 416-338-8888
🏢 In person, by walk-in or appointment

Check out our story to find the link as well!

Not sure whether you need to take action, or need help completing an application? CUIAS is here to support you, reach out to our team and we’ll help you.

🎨 Art Workshop: “Yellow & Blue Heart” 💙💛

Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day with us by creating your own unique T-shirt featuring Ukrainian-inspired artwork!

Join us for a creative afternoon where you’ll paint a T-shirt with acrylics, explore the meaning behind Ukrainian symbols, and connect with others in a warm, welcoming environment.

📅 Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 540 Finch Ave W, ON, M2R 1N6

✨ What to expect:
🎨 Acrylic painting on T-shirts
💙 A conversation about Ukrainian symbols, their meaning, and staying connected to our culture and home

🤝 A supportive space to create, connect, and enjoy meaningful conversation

✅ Free to attend
📝 Registration is required
👥 Only 14 spots available

Language of instruction: Ukrainian

Registration link: https://forms.gle/XsmGK97frpkjff9n7

Family Law Webinar Series - Session 3: Family status changes and Immigration Implications

This is the LAST SESSION of this series, register as soon as possible!

Changes in family relationships can have important immigration consequences. This session will explore how divorce, separation, and family violence may affect immigration status and applications in Canada.

Join Session 3 with Olha Senyshyn, Immigration, Refugee and Family Lawyer, where we will discuss:

How family status changes affect immigration

Considerations for temporary residents, PRs, and refugee claimants

When to report family status changes to IRCC

Family violence: immigration implications and available support

Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar.

Date: July 28
Time: 12:00 pm EDT
Format: Online / Zoom
Language: Ukrainian

Register here: https://forms.gle/ymi5fQxQnF4PviKq5

Registered participants will receive the webinar recording after the session.

Please note: This webinar provides general legal information only and does not replace individual legal advice.

As we approach International Self-Care Day, let’s remember caring for yourself is not something we do only on one special day. Self-care is a daily practice that supports our mental wellness, emotional balance, and connection with ourselves.

Small practices can make a big difference:

Pause and take a few mindful breaths.
Ask yourself: “How am I feeling today? What do I need?”
Spend a few moments in nature or in silence.
Allow yourself to rest without guilt.
Write down something you are grateful for.
Set healthy boundaries and protect your energy.

Self-care is not about being perfect. It is about creating small moments of kindness, connection, and support for yourself every day.
What is one small act of self-care you can offer yourself today?

On our support groups, we help participants discover their inner resources, strengthen their well-being, and find their own path toward balance and resilience.

We also remind you that you can book an individual consultation using this link: https://forms.gle/YyhZ9j9NnbQaEDVHA

📚 Looking to improve your English? Join our FREE English classes!

Whether you’re new to Canada or looking to strengthen your English skills, CUIAS Immigrant Services is here to help!

We offer FREE LINC and ESL classes designed to help you improve your:
✅ Speaking
✅ Listening
✅ Reading
✅ Writing

Our programs include:
🔹 LINC – for Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees
🔹 ESL – for Temporary Residents, CUAET holders, and Refugee Claimants

Available:
📖 Levels 1–4
🕘 Daytime, Evening, and Saturday classes (depending on the program)
🏅 Certificate upon successful completion

Our experienced instructors provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment to help you build confidence in English and succeed in your daily life, work, and community.

📍 CUIAS Immigrant Services
2383 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor, Toronto
📞 416-767-0870
📧 [email protected]

Find more information on our website: https://cuias.org/en/services/english

📢 Know someone who could benefit from free English classes? Share this post with your friends, family, or anyone who is new to Canada!

We look forward to welcoming you to our classes! 🇨🇦📚

Family Law Webinar Series - Session 2: Separation and Divorce in Canada

Separation and divorce involve important legal decisions that can affect your family, children, finances, and future. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions during this process.

With guest appearance exclusively for this session from Olga Lepikhina, lawyer, family and inheritance law in Ukraine

Join Session 2 with Olha Senyshyn, Immigration, Refugee and Family Lawyer, where we will discuss:

• The difference between separation and divorce in Canada
• Divorce procedures in Canada and Ukraine
• Separation Agreements: what they are and why they matter
• Parenting and child-related issues after separation or divorce
• Property division and assets located outside Canada

Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar.

Date: July 21 Time: 12:00 pm EDT Format: Online / Zoom Language: Ukrainian

Register here: https://forms.gle/ymi5fQxQnF4PviKq5

Registered participants will receive the webinar recording after the session.

Please note: This webinar provides general legal information only and does not replace individual legal advice.

The City of Toronto’s Financial & Social Support for Me website brings information about municipal programs and benefits together in one convenient place.

Visit the website here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/financial-social-support-for-me/

Through the website, Toronto residents can explore support related to:

- Public transit discounts

- Recreation programs and subsidies

- Child care fee subsidies

- Housing assistance

- Financial and social supports

- Employment services

- Free or low-cost dental services

- Free public Wi-Fi

- Other provincial, federal and community resources

The Programs & Benefits section allows users to browse available supports, create a customized list and print a record of the programs they have selected.

The website also includes Support Service Maps, which can help residents find nearby child care programs, recreation centres, housing services, Toronto Employment and Social Services locations, dental clinics and other resources.

In addition, visitors can access links to provincial and federal benefit finders, employment resources, tax support, community services and other helpful information.

Eligibility requirements are different for each program, so residents should review the individual program information carefully. Even when you are uncertain whether you qualify, it may be worth exploring the available options.

Visit the City of Toronto’s Financial & Social Support for Me website to learn what support may be available to you or someone you know.