On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on or before March 31, 2024, will now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to three years, renew an existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit, subject to standard fees.
Those who wish to renew their status as a visitor or student can continue to apply to renew as they have.
These temporary measures will allow Ukrainians and their family members to continue to work and study in Canada during this difficult time, and eventually return home when it is safe to do so.
Access to free settlement services for all Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members in Canada are available until March 31, 2025.
Background
- The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was launched in March 2022 as a temporary special measure to provide immediate assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine.
- All CUAET clients in Canada must apply to extend their status before the expiry date of their current visitor record, work or study permit. If they apply before the expiry date, they can continue working or studying with maintained status until the IRCC makes a decision on their application.
- Ukrainians can still apply to extend their temporary status in Canada, even if their passport is not up-to-date. Each case will be assessed on an individual basis.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.