{"id":5926,"date":"2025-04-30T02:35:39","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T08:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/?p=5926"},"modified":"2025-04-30T06:14:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T12:14:54","slug":"why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Canadian Citizens Returning to Russia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In recent years, an increasing number of Russian-speaking Canadian citizens have decided to return to their historical homeland. The reasons for this choice vary\u2014from nostalgia to securing a safe future for their children. But how can one combine life in two countries? And why has returning become easier now than ever before? Experts from the Central Migration Agency provided detailed insights into the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a28b8d2c84c5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a28b8d2c84c5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#The_Compatriot_Resettlement_Program_From_Decree_No_637_to_New_Opportunities\" title=\"The Compatriot Resettlement Program: From Decree No. 637 to New Opportunities\">The Compatriot Resettlement Program: From Decree No. 637 to New Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#Dual_Citizenship_Canada_Permits_Russia_Recognizes\" title=\"Dual Citizenship: Canada Permits, Russia Recognizes\">Dual Citizenship: Canada Permits, Russia Recognizes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#Benefits_That_Make_Moving_Advantageous\" title=\"Benefits That Make Moving Advantageous\">Benefits That Make Moving Advantageous<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#How_the_State_Provides_Practical_Help\" title=\"How the State Provides Practical Help\">How the State Provides Practical Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#CMA_%E2%80%93_Reliable_Support_for_Returnees\" title=\"CMA \u2013 Reliable Support for Returnees\">CMA \u2013 Reliable Support for Returnees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/articles-5926-why-are-canadian-citizens-returning-to-russia\/#Returning_as_a_New_Beginning\" title=\"Returning as a New Beginning\">Returning as a New Beginning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Compatriot_Resettlement_Program_From_Decree_No_637_to_New_Opportunities\"><\/span>The Compatriot Resettlement Program: From Decree No. 637 to New Opportunities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2006, the State Program for the Voluntary Resettlement of Compatriots Living Abroad was launched, established by Presidential Decree No. 637. Its goal was to help those who had once left Russia reconnect with their homeland. However, key changes occurred later with the adoption of Decree No. 872 in 2023. One of the main innovations was the introduction of the concept of a &#8220;repatriate.&#8221; Now, compatriots wishing to return to Russia can obtain repatriate status \u2013 gaining additional benefits that simplify the resettlement process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The updated program eliminated many bureaucratic hurdles. For instance, the requirement to prove Russian language proficiency was waived for individuals from CIS countries, and the application review period was shortened to 3 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dual_Citizenship_Canada_Permits_Russia_Recognizes\"><\/span>Dual Citizenship: Canada Permits, Russia Recognizes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the main fears for potential returnees is losing their Canadian passport. However, Canadian law permits dual citizenship, and since 2020, Russia recognizes dual citizenship without mandatory notification to the authorities. This means one can return while retaining all rights and social benefits earned during their years in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, this is a decisive factor. &#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I didn&#8217;t want to sever ties with my children and grandchildren who remained in Vancouver,&#8221; shares Irina, who returned to Moscow in 2023. &#8220;Now I can freely travel to visit them while remaining a citizen of both countries.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_That_Make_Moving_Advantageous\"><\/span>Benefits That Make Moving Advantageous<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The resettlement program offers significant support, especially for pensioners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reimbursement for relocation expenses and transportation of personal belongings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exemption from customs duties when importing a car;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A one-time &#8220;settling-in&#8221; allowance (up to 240,000 rubles);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simplified registration for Russian pension, taking Canadian work history into account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, program participants are eligible for a subsidized mortgage at 5% interest per annum and free medical insurance for the first six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_State_Provides_Practical_Help\"><\/span>How the State Provides Practical Help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many worry that the promised benefits will remain only on paper. However, statistics suggest otherwise: in 2023, 78% of returnees received their payments within a month of submitting their documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regional authorities are also actively involved. For example, Krasnodar Krai and Kaliningrad Oblast have adaptation centers that help with finding employment, enrolling children in school, or applying for utility subsidies. In the Podmoskovye region (Moscow Oblast), pensioner returnees receive discounts on public transport and admission to cultural events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CMA_%E2%80%93_Reliable_Support_for_Returnees\"><\/span>CMA \u2013 Reliable Support for Returnees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Handling the paperwork is the most challenging part of moving. This is where the &#8220;Central Migration Agency&#8221; (CMA) steps in. The company has specialized in legalizing compatriots&#8217; status in Russia for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CMA experts guide clients through every stage: from confirming eligibility for the program to obtaining a Russian passport. Their services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preparing the document package with an approval guarantee;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submitting applications to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and consular offices;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal support during the citizenship application process;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assistance after receiving the Russian passport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Our goal is to relieve people of stress,&#8221; says a CMA expert. &#8220;We handle communication with government agencies so clients can focus on what matters most \u2013 returning home.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Over several years, the agency has helped over 2,000 families. 98% of them obtained citizenship within the planned timeframe. The secret to their success lies in deep knowledge of migration law and an individual approach. For example, CMA has developed a special program for pensioners with phased payment options, and for those who are undecided, they offer free online consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Returning_as_a_New_Beginning\"><\/span>Returning as a New Beginning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, moving is not just a change of residence but an opportunity to restore lost connections. &#8220;In Toronto, I felt like a stranger, despite living there for 20 years,&#8221; admits 67-year-old Svetlana from Yekaterinburg. &#8220;But here in Russia, even the smell of rain is different \u2013 it feels like home.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are considering moving but don&#8217;t know where to start, ask yourself just two questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do I want my grandchildren to know Russian culture?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Am I ready to trade the comfort of solitude for the warmth of &#8216;my own&#8217; circle?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The answers will guide your next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Submit an inquiry on our <a href=\"https:\/\/russianroute.com\/?utm_source=calgary-future&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=smi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website<\/a> and ask questions to CMA experts \u2013 the first consultation is free. Your return to the Homeland starts here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In recent years, an increasing number of Russian-speaking Canadian citizens have decided to return to their historical homeland. The reasons for this choice vary\u2014from nostalgia to securing a safe future for their children. But how can one combine life in two countries? And why has returning become easier now than ever before? Experts from the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":5920,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1112],"tags":[3864,3852,3853,3855,3856,3860,3858,3854,3861,3865,3857,3859,3863,3862],"moimportance":[32],"motype":[1123],"moformat":[25],"class_list":{"0":"post-5926","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-other","8":"tag-choosing-canada-or-russia","9":"tag-cultural-adaptation","10":"tag-eturning-from-canada-to-russia","11":"tag-immigration-and-return","12":"tag-life-abroad-challenges","13":"tag-migrants-going-back","14":"tag-migration-trends","15":"tag-post-immigration-life","16":"tag-reasons-for-returning","17":"tag-repatriation-to-russia","18":"tag-return-motivation","19":"tag-reverse-migration","20":"tag-russian-canadians","21":"tag-russians-in-canada","22":"moimportance-reklamna-stattya","23":"motype-articles","24":"moformat-reklamna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5926"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5928,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926\/revisions\/5928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5926"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5926"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5926"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}