The Government of Canada has officially confirmed the possibility of extending legal stay and associated permits for individuals who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. This applies specifically to Ukrainian nationals who entered Canada on or before March 31, 2024.
Under the updated policy, holders of CUAET permits may extend their legal status and authorization to stay in Canada until March 31, 2026, subject to meeting applicable requirements.
Which Permits Can Be Extended
According to official information from the Government of Canada, individuals who arrived under the CUAET program are eligible to extend:
- Visitor Record (authorization to remain in Canada);
- Open Work Permit (authorization to work without employer restrictions);
- Study Permit (authorization to study at designated learning institutions).
Key eligibility requirement: You must have physically entered Canada by March 31, 2024, to qualify for an extension.
All extended permits will be valid up to March 31, 2026, provided that the applicant meets all additional program requirements.
Applicable Fees for Permit Extensions
The Government of Canada has established the following fees for extending CUAET-related permits:
- Open Work Permit:
- 155 CAD — processing fee;
- 100 CAD — Open Work Permit Holder fee;
- Total payable amount: 255 CAD.
- Study Permit:
- 150 CAD — processing fee for study permit extension.
- Visitor Record (Extension of Stay):
- 100 CAD — processing fee.
All payments are made through the official IRCC online application portal at the time of submission.
Official Source of Information
The details provided are based on the official Government of Canada website:
Canada.ca — Ukraine Measures Updates
Conclusions
The CUAET extension program is an officially approved measure by the Government of Canada, providing eligible Ukrainian nationals the opportunity to legally remain, work, or study in Canada until March 31, 2026, if they entered Canada by March 31, 2024.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
- monitor the validity period of their current permits;
- submit extension applications in advance through the official IRCC portal;
- ensure timely payment of applicable fees;
- rely solely on information provided through official Canadian government sources.
Compliance with the established procedures will help maintain legal status in Canada and preserve work or study rights through to 2026.
