Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada has become one of the key destinations for displaced Ukrainians seeking safety. The special program CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel), introduced in 2022, allowed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to enter Canada with the right to temporary stay, employment, and education.
Against this backdrop, the logical question arises: Is the Canadian government prepared to introduce a separate federal pathway for Ukrainians to obtain permanent resident status, considering the scale of migration, integration levels, and the contribution of the Ukrainian community?
Current Position of the Canadian Government
According to official statements, including those by the Minister of Immigration Marc Miller, the government:
- has no plans for forced returns of Ukrainians to Ukraine until the security situation there stabilizes;
- does not exclude the possibility of introducing a specific pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainians, though no formal decision has been announced;
- continues to assess the needs of both the Ukrainian community and Canadian society before implementing new immigration measures.
Existing Legal Mechanisms and Programs
CUAET Program (2022–2026):
- Allows Ukrainians who arrived in Canada by March 31, 2024, to legally remain, work, and study for up to three years;
- In 2024, the Canadian government extended the possibility to renew work permits, study permits, and visitor status under CUAET until March 2026;
- The program does not automatically lead to permanent resident status, but it facilitates integration and provides time to qualify for other immigration pathways.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
- Some Ukrainians have already obtained permanent residence through PNP streams, particularly in Saskatchewan and Alberta;
- Provincial nominations require meeting specific eligibility criteria, including work experience, qualifications, and demonstrated integration in the community.
Community and Advocacy Initiatives:
- Organizations such as Pathfinders for Ukraine are actively advocating for a dedicated federal pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainians;
- These proposals are currently at the stage of public discussion and do not yet have formal legal status.
Statistics and Socio-Political Context
- Over 298,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada under the CUAET program;
- More than 90% of them express the desire to remain in Canada permanently;
- A significant portion of Ukrainians have successfully integrated, securing employment, establishing families, and contributing to local communities.
At the same time, it is important to consider:
- In 2024, Canada announced a reduction in overall immigration targets, lowering the number of new permanent residents from 500,000 to 395,000 annually, which increases competition for available immigration spots;
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call on Ukrainians abroad to return home when possible, to participate in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Conclusions and Outlook
As of today:
- There is no official federal program granting automatic permanent residence to all CUAET participants;
- Canada does not carry out forced removals of Ukrainians, recognizing the instability in Ukraine;
- The idea of establishing a dedicated immigration pathway for Ukrainians remains under consideration but has not been prioritized by the government to date.
For Ukrainians wishing to remain in Canada permanently, it is advisable to:
- Utilize existing immigration programs, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications;
- Closely follow official government announcements and Ukrainian community initiatives;
- Document their integration, employment history, and contribution to Canadian society, as these factors play a critical role in the assessment of permanent residence applications.
The future of long-term immigration options for Ukrainians will depend on political decisions by the Canadian government, evolving economic conditions, and ongoing dialogue between Canada, the Ukrainian diaspora, and international partners.
