The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the application deadline for work permits under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Participants who are currently in Canada as temporary residents now have until March 31, 2025, to apply for an open work permit. However, unlike previous CUAET measures, these applications will no longer be exempt from fees.
Open Work Permit Details
Eligible CUAET participants can obtain an open work permit valid for up to three years, depending on the expiry of their passport and completion of biometrics. To qualify, individuals must have been approved under the CUAET measures and arrived in Canada by March 31, 2024. It’s important to note that CUAET stopped accepting new applications on July 15, 2023. Those who were approved had until March 31, 2024, to arrive in Canada and fully benefit from the program’s supports, including fee exemptions.
Settlement Services for Ukrainians
CUAET participants currently residing in Canada continue to have access to various free settlement services until March 31, 2025. These services are designed to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society and include assistance with employment, language acquisition, and citizenship preparation. Special programs are also available for targeted groups such as women, seniors, and members of the 2SLGBTQI community.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
For Ukrainians seeking permanent residence in Canada, a dedicated pathway is available for those with family members already residing in the country. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is accepting applications through this pathway until October 22, 2024. There are two main categories under this pathway:
- Ukrainian Nationals: Eligible applicants must be Ukrainian nationals and have a statutory declaration form signed by a family member in Canada, explaining their relationship. Family members can include spouses or common-law partners, children (of any age), grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or siblings (including half-siblings).
- Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Ukrainian Nationals: This category applies to individuals married to or in a common-law relationship with a Ukrainian national who has immediate family in Canada. Applicants must provide evidence that their spouse or partner is unable to leave Ukraine due to being missing, deceased, or presumed dead.
CUAET: A Temporary Measure for Ukrainian Refugees
The CUAET program was launched in February 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was designed as a temporary measure to assist Ukrainians and their immediate family members fleeing the conflict. Under this program, participants were allowed to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. Additionally, they could apply for work or study permits without paying fees. This fee exemption also applied to Ukrainians already in Canada who needed an extension on their permits.
Program Statistics
Between March 17, 2022, and April 1, 2024, IRCC received a total of 1,189,320 applications under the CUAET program. Out of these, 962,612 applications were approved. However, less than 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada during this period, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties faced by those seeking refuge.
The extension of the work permit application deadline under the CUAET program will provides additional time for eligible Ukrainian refugees to secure their status in Canada. While the fee exemption has ended, the availability of work permits and settlement services continues to support these individuals as they rebuild their lives in Canada. For those with family ties in the country, the dedicated permanent residence pathway offers a chance to make Canada their long-term home.
Interested in Immigrating to Canada?
