Canada: Family Reunification Permanent Residence Pathway for Ukrainian Citizens Announced

Update January 20, 2026: The government has extended the deadline for eligible Ukrainians and their family members who applied under the family reunification pathway to extend their stay in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residence applications. Eligible individuals now have until March 31, 2027 to apply from within Canada for a new or extended open work permit, a new study permit or an extension or restoration of temporary resident status. Applications may be filed even if an acknowledgement of receipt for the permanent residence application has not yet been issued. Detailed application instructions can be found here.  

Update October 24, 2023: The family reunification permanent residence pathway for eligible Ukrainians has officially opened. Interested applicants can submit applications through the permanent residence online application portal. Detailed application instructions can be found here. 

Due to the continuing war in Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new family reunification permanent residence pathway for eligible Ukrainians. From October 23, 2023, until October 22, 2024, Ukrainian nationals who are the spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and are in Canada in temporary resident status, will be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Detailed information on this program and the application process are expected to be released closer to the launch of the program in October. The measure adds to a series of immigration benefits implemented by the Canadian government since March 2022 in support of Ukrainian nationals.