On July 4, 2025, the Government of Canada reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Ukrainian nationals who were forced to flee Ukraine due to the full-scale Russian invasion. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially announced the extension of critical temporary measures under the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) framework.
The renewed policy enables eligible Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members—who arrived in Canada under CUAET by March 31, 2024—to extend their temporary resident status, work or study permits through March 31, 2026. Additionally, access to federally funded settlement services remains available until March 31, 2025.
1. Core Provisions of the Extended Public Policy (in force as of July 4, 2025)
1.1. Extension of Temporary Status and Permits
Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under CUAET by March 31, 2024, and currently hold valid temporary status, are eligible to:
- apply for an extension of their temporary resident status;
- obtain a new open work permit (valid for up to 3 years);
- extend an existing work permit or apply for a study permit.
The final deadline for submitting applications under this policy is March 31, 2026.
Important: The fee exemptions for work and study permits, which were previously in effect, expired on December 31, 2024. Applicants must now pay the standard IRCC processing fees.
1.2. Continued Access to Settlement Services
Until March 31, 2025, Ukrainian nationals remain eligible for federally funded settlement services, including:
- English and French language training;
- job search assistance;
- housing support;
- community integration programs.
These services were utilized by more than 120,000 Ukrainians in Canada between 2023 and 2024.
1.3. Flexibility Regarding Passports
Due to continued delays at the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Ukrainian nationals whose passports have expired or cannot be renewed on time may still apply for an extension of status. Each case is reviewed individually. If a new passport becomes available during processing, it may be submitted via IRCC’s web form.
1.4. Pathways to Permanent Residency
Although CUAET is a temporary humanitarian initiative, extended work or study permits allow Ukrainian nationals to gain Canadian experience, which may be used to qualify under existing permanent residence programs, including:
- Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST);
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Note: The special PR pathway for Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada, which was introduced in 2023, closed to new applications on October 22, 2024.
1.5. Suspension of Removals
Canada continues to suspend removals to Ukraine, recognizing the ongoing armed conflict. Ukrainian nationals in Canada may remain without risk of deportation, provided they maintain valid status or have a pending application under review.
2. Eligibility Criteria and Application Procedure
To benefit from the extended measures under the July 2025 public policy, an individual must:
- be a Ukrainian citizen or an immediate family member of a Ukrainian citizen (spouse, common-law partner, or dependant);
- have entered Canada under the CUAET program no later than March 31, 2024;
- hold valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of application.
Application Steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that entry to Canada occurred under CUAET and that your status remains valid.
- Prepare Documentation: Complete forms such as IMM 5710 (work permit) or IMM 5709 (study permit), provide passport (or explanation if unavailable), proof of status, and biometric information (where applicable).
- Submit Online: Use IRCC’s secure online portal to create or access an account, upload documents, and submit the application.
- Biometrics: If required, schedule an appointment. Note that some CUAET applicants may still qualify for a biometric fee exemption.
- Pay Processing Fees: Work or study permit applications now require payment (approximately CAD 150 depending on category).
- Maintain Implied Status: Submit your application before your current permit expires to legally remain in Canada and continue working or studying while awaiting a decision.
If online submission is not feasible, applicants may use IRCC’s Crisis Web Form, specifying “Ukraine2022” in the subject line.
3. Entry into Canada with a Valid CUAET Visa in 2025
Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who still hold a valid, unexpired CUAET visa may enter Canada in 2025.
Entry will be granted in all cases unless there are separate grounds for inadmissibility, such as a border violation or enforcement order.
With respect to permits: IRCC has instructed border officers to issue work or study permits upon entry for a duration of up to 3 years, or until the passport expiry date if earlier (e.g., if the passport is valid until 2028).
However, the final decision rests with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the time of entry and is made on a case-by-case basis.
4. Conclusion
The extension of Canada’s temporary public policy for Ukrainian nationals until 2026 constitutes a clear expression of Canada’s continued humanitarian support. Although some earlier benefits—such as fee waivers—have concluded, the new measures provide Ukrainian residents in Canada with lawful means to remain, integrate, and potentially pursue permanent residence.
Recommendations for Ukrainian nationals in Canada:
- submit extension applications well in advance of permit expiry;
- regularly monitor updates from IRCC;
- seek assistance only from licensed immigration consultants or accredited settlement organizations.
