On April 22, 2022, the government of Canada introduced new instructions for Ukrainian nationals on how to get their visas after getting approved for Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET).
In general, all applicants have to send their passports to get a physical visitor visa (a counterfoil), however, as part of the special measures for Ukraine, Ukrainian nationals qualify for a foil-less visa and can travel to Canada with the decision letter, without getting a physical visa.
Nevertheless, applicants travelling to Canada with a foil-less visa can fly to Canada only from certain countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Those whose flight is not departing from the countries listed above must get a physical counterfoil before travel.
Families that are not Ukrainian nationals are not eligible for foil-less visas. Even if they are accompanying them to Canada, they must have a physical counterfoil. The foil-less visa will be recorded in the immigration system and verified by airlines. Therefore, it is important to know that, you will still need the letter when you check in for your flight and to show the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when you arrive in Canada.