Canada: Additional Immigration Concessions for Ukrainian Citizens

Update February 27, 2025: The government has extended the deadline for CUAET holders who arrived on or before March 31, 2024, allowing them to apply for a new open work permit, extend their existing open work permit, or apply for a new study permit. These applications, subject to standard government fees, can now be submitted until March 31, 2026.

​March 30, 2022: As an update to the previously-reported examples of government concessions for Ukrainian nationals in Canada, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians seeking to enter Canada temporarily or permanently. Temporary options will include: a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (expected to open by mid-March), which will be available for individuals fleeing Ukraine and seeking to enter Canada temporarily. This pathway will waive many of the regular visa requirements (not including background checks and security screening) and could allow applicants to extend their stay by at least two years. In addition, Ukrainian visitors, workers and students currently in Canada (and new Ukrainian entrants) who cannot safely return home will be eligible for an "open work permit" and IRCC will defer certain removal proceedings for foreign nationals to Ukraine. Permanent options will include a family reunification permanent residence pathway (expected to open by the end of March) for immediate and certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. More information on these programs is expected to be released by mid-to-late March, as the government of Canada works with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and other stakeholders to develop these special measures.

Updated March 17, 2022

As an update to the above, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). The program grants the following benefits to nationals of Ukraine and their eligible family members (of any nationality) seeking to enter Canada temporarily due to the crisis in Ukraine: 

• Eligible individuals can apply (free of charge) for a multiple-entry visitor visa to stay in Canada, which can be extended for up to three years (instead of the usual authorized stay of six months for other regular visitors).  
• Eligible individuals can apply for an open work permit (free of charge) with their visa application, which allows them to work independently or for any employer in Canada and can be renewed. They can also apply for a study permit free of charge.   
• CUAET-based applications (which are electronic) will be processed within 14 days from the date of submission (for standard, non-complex cases), instead of the usual processing time, which is much lengthier. 
• Applicants will be exempt from completing an immigration medical exam (IME) outside Canada prior to entry (though they may be required to complete medical diagnostic tests for communicable diseases within 90 days of arrival in Canada).  

Eligible dependents include a spouse or common-law partner; dependent children of applicants, their spouse/partner or their dependent child. CUAET applicants remain subject to background checks (including biometrics) and security screening.  

Updated March 30, 2022

As an update to the above, the following Ukrainian citizens seeking to relocate to Canada are no longer required to submit their biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) overseas before entering Canada and can instead submit their biometrics after arrival: those between the ages of 14 to 17, those over the age of 60, and those with evidence that they previously held a Canadian visa and did not violate the terms of their visa. The usual process for applicants for visitor visas, work or study permits is to submit biometrics prior to entering Canada.