The Canadian government has announced an extension to certain temporary measures designed to support Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed on February 27, 2025, that deadlines for specific permit applications and renewals under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) have been adjusted. This change addresses the ongoing situation in Ukraine and its continued impact on displaced individuals.
Key Updates:
Extended Permit Application Deadlines:
Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on or before March 31, 2024, now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for or renew open work permits (valid for up to three years) or study permits. This extension provides a significant window for individuals to secure their status and plan for the future.
Continued Visitor and Student Status Renewals:
Existing processes for renewing visitor and student status remain in place, ensuring that those seeking to extend their stay can do so through standard application procedures.
Ongoing Settlement Services:
Access to free settlement services for Ukrainian temporary residents and their families will remain available until March 31, 2025. This ensures continued support for integration and adaptation to life in Canada.
Maintaining Status:
It is very important that CUAET clients apply to extend their status before their current document expires. If they apply before the expiry date, they can continue to work or study until a decision is made.
Passport Flexibility:
Recognizing the challenges faced by those fleeing conflict, the government has affirmed that Ukrainians can still apply to extend their temporary status even if their passports are not up to date. Each case will be assessed individually.
Deferral of Removals:
The Canada Border Services Agency continues to maintain an Administrative Deferral of Removals for Ukraine.
What This Means for Ukrainians in Canada:
The extension provides peace of mind and allows individuals to continue to work, study, and build a life in Canada during a period of immense uncertainty. It also reaffirms Canada’s commitment to providing a safe haven for those displaced by the conflict. This allows more time for those that may want to return to their home country, to wait until it is safer to do so.
The Canadian government emphasizes its ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine, acknowledging the desire of many to return home when it is safe to do so. These measures are designed to provide a secure and stable environment while the situation in Ukraine remains volatile.
A Short Recap:
- Canada launched the CUAET in March 2022 to provide immediate assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the war.
- Nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their families have been welcomed to Canada under the CUAET.
- Federally funded settlement services and in-Canada supports, including transitional financial assistance and temporary accommodations, have been provided.
The extension of these measures provides a revised timeframe for affected individuals to manage their status in Canada. Those seeking to utilize these extensions should be aware of the new deadlines and application procedures.
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