The Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, which has become the largest humanitarian mechanism for Ukrainians abroad, continues to operate with certain adjustments and limitations. Since its launch in 2022, the program has enabled hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and their family members to obtain temporary resident status in Canada, work permits, study permits, and access to social and financial assistance.
As of September 2024, the Government of Canada is not only phasing out certain temporary emergency measures but also introducing new initiatives aimed at long-term integration, family reunification, and opportunities for those who have already arrived under CUAET to extend their stay. At the same time, the rules for submitting applications, deadlines, and available benefits vary significantly depending on the date of CUAET approval and the applicant’s arrival in Canada.
This material provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the CUAET program, including key dates, recent changes, available measures for different categories of applicants, and practical recommendations for those who plan to remain in Canada or are already here.
CUAET: General Overview
The CUAET program was introduced in February 2022 as a temporary measure to provide protection to Ukrainians fleeing the war, granting them the right to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years with the possibility to work or study without paying standard government processing fees.
An important feature of CUAET was the issuance of open work permits and study permits, which significantly facilitated the integration of newcomers into Canadian society. The program was available both to new arrivals and to Ukrainians who were already in Canada and needed to extend their permits.
Starting mid-2023, the program entered a transitional phase, focusing on gradually moving from emergency assistance to policies aimed at long-term integration and immigration pathways for Ukrainians.
Key Dates and Recent Changes
The most significant milestones during 2023–2024 included:
- July 15, 2023 — closure of new CUAET applications from abroad;
- July 31, 2024 — final deadline for arrival to Canada under already submitted applications (before July 15, 2023);
- February 4, 2024 — key date determining eligibility for specific CUAET benefits;
- March 31, 2024 — end of the main entry period for CUAET participants eligible for special measures;
- October 22, 2024 — final deadline for the Family Reunification Program for Ukrainians;
- December 31, 2024 — end of the transitional period for certain categories to access free work and study permits;
- March 31, 2026 — conclusion of free settlement and integration services for Ukrainians.
It is important to emphasize that new applications for CUAET participation are no longer accepted. However, existing participants retain various rights and options depending on their application approval date and travel status.
Categories of Participants and Their Rights
Current measures for Ukrainian nationals are divided based on two main factors: the date of CUAET application approval and whether the person has already arrived in Canada.
If your CUAET application was approved before February 4, 2024:
- Those who arrived in Canada by March 31, 2024, are allowed to apply from within Canada for:
- a new open work permit;
- an extension of an existing open work permit;
- a new study permit.
However, under the new rules, standard government processing fees of CAD 255 per application now apply.
- Those who arrived after March 31, 2024, may stay in Canada until the expiration of their temporary resident status but must apply for permit extensions under regular immigration processes, including applicable fees.
- Individuals who have not yet traveled to Canada but hold a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) can still enter Canada; however, they are no longer entitled to CUAET benefits and must apply for further documents under standard conditions.
If your CUAET application was approved on or after February 4, 2024:
- Those already in Canada are exempt from paying government fees for:
- open work permit applications;
- study permit applications;
- extensions of visitor status.
This exemption applies only if applications are submitted by December 31, 2024.
- Those who have not yet traveled to Canada can still use their approved TRV to enter Canada. Upon arrival:
- they may be issued an open work permit;
- they can apply for permits directly at the border or from within Canada;
- they must present a CUAET approval letter (PoE letter) from IRCC to the border officer, confirming their eligibility for CUAET benefits.
The deadline for traveling to Canada and applying for free permits under these conditions is December 31, 2024.
All participants who arrived in Canada under CUAET by March 31, 2024, may apply for an open work permit until March 31, 2026. However, these applications are now subject to a CAD 255 government fee, unlike earlier stages of the program when fees were waived.
Long-Term Support and Social Services
Until March 31, 2026, all Ukrainians and their family members in Canada under CUAET are eligible for free settlement and integration services. These services include:
- assistance with finding employment;
- English and French language classes;
- citizenship preparation programs;
- targeted support for women, 2SLGBTQI individuals, and seniors.
Financial Assistance:
The government provided financial support for basic needs (housing, food) to those who arrived by March 31, 2024. Applications for this benefit closed on June 30, 2024. No new financial support is currently available under CUAET.
Family Reunification Program
Since October 23, 2023, a Family Reunification Program for Ukrainians has been in place, with applications accepted until October 22, 2024. This program allows Ukrainian nationals to apply for permanent residence if they can prove a close family connection to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Eligible relatives include:
- spouses or common-law partners;
- children (of any age);
- grandchildren;
- parents;
- grandparents;
- siblings (including half-siblings).
An additional pathway exists for spouses or partners of Ukrainian citizens, provided the Ukrainian citizen cannot leave Ukraine, is missing, or is presumed deceased.
Recommendations for Participants
Ukrainians participating in CUAET or planning to travel to Canada are advised to:
- Carefully monitor deadlines related to permit applications and travel;
- Ensure their TRV and other documents remain valid before traveling;
- Apply for work and study permits before the expiration of applicable benefits;
- Take full advantage of free settlement and integration services available until March 31, 2026;
- If eligible for family reunification, submit applications for permanent residence without delay, ensuring all required documentation is prepared.
Conclusions
Initially designed as an emergency response, the CUAET program has gradually evolved into a comprehensive system supporting both the immediate needs and long-term integration of Ukrainians in Canada. Although new applications for participation are no longer accepted, current participants can still benefit from extended stays, permits, integration programs, and—where applicable—pathways to permanent residency.
To successfully remain in Canada, it is crucial to comply with deadlines, correctly complete all necessary documentation, and actively engage with the support services provided by both the government and settlement agencies. Timely legal consultations and informed decision-making will help maximize the benefits of the current CUAET measures and ensure a smoother transition to life in Canada.
