The Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2022 as a temporary emergency measure for Ukrainians fleeing the war. It allowed Ukrainian citizens and their family members to obtain temporary resident status in Canada, open work permits, study permits, and access to other benefits without going through complex standard immigration procedures.
As of autumn 2024, the deadlines for submitting applications under CUAET and for traveling to Canada with already approved documents have officially expired. As a result, many Ukrainians who did not manage to apply or arrive in Canada in time now face the necessity to act under standard, or so-called “regular grounds,” procedures.
In this material, we will cover:
- What steps to take if you missed the opportunity to apply under CUAET;
- What “regular grounds” immigration means in the Canadian legal context;
- What categories of individuals have realistic chances to obtain work or study permits through standard processes;
- Practical recommendations for Ukrainians who wish to legalize their stay in Canada after CUAET deadlines have passed.
What Does “Regular Grounds” Mean
The term “regular grounds” refers to the standard legal framework and list of conditions under which a foreign national has the right to apply for a work permit, study permit, or temporary resident status in Canada.
It is critical to understand that:
- Merely expressing a desire to work or stay in Canada is not enough to apply;
- If there is no valid legal basis for an application, it is either rejected immediately or results in refusal after assessment;
- Standard immigration processes require paying government processing fees, undergoing full background checks, and meeting all legal eligibility criteria.
Accordingly, after the conclusion of CUAET-specific measures, Ukrainians wishing to work, study, or extend their stay in Canada must follow only the pathways provided by general immigration legislation.
Most Common Options to Obtain Work or Study Permits in Canada on Regular Grounds
Several legally defined pathways exist that may allow foreign nationals, including Ukrainians, to obtain work permits or other temporary status in Canada. The most common include:
1. Based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
This document confirms that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill a specific job position, allowing an employer to legally hire a foreign worker.
2. After Graduating from a Canadian Educational Institution
Graduates of eligible Canadian colleges or universities may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), typically valid for up to three years, allowing full-time work.
3. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
This program provides opportunities for youth aged 18 to 35 from certain partner countries to obtain temporary work permits under Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op Internship streams.
4. Academic Programs for Researchers and Professors
Researchers, university professors, and academic staff may obtain work permits to conduct research or teach at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
5. Intra-Company Transfers
Employees of international companies with offices both inside and outside Canada may be transferred to Canadian operations with legal work authorization, even if the company is small or newly established.
6. Through Spousal Sponsorship
The spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be eligible for an Open Work Permit, which allows employment with any Canadian employer.
7. For Refugees and Protected Persons
Individuals granted refugee status or protected person status in Canada are entitled to apply for an open work permit.
8. Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Canadian provinces operate their own immigration streams, some of which include pathways to obtaining work permits or permanent residence based on regional labour market needs.
9. Participation in Federal or Provincial Pilot Immigration Programs
Canada regularly introduces pilot programs targeting specific sectors or regions, which may include expedited work permit options.
10. Under Free Trade Agreements
Certain international trade agreements, such as the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), facilitate work permit issuance for citizens of participating countries.
11. For Individuals with Exceptional Talent or In-Demand Skills
High-skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, or scientific innovation may apply under the Global Talent Stream, which provides fast-tracked work permit processing.
12. Through the Status of a Spouse of a Foreign Worker
Spouses of foreign nationals legally working in Canada may, in certain situations, qualify for an open work permit.
Practical Recommendations for Ukrainians
Ukrainians who missed the deadlines for CUAET or who no longer qualify for special measures should proceed under regular immigration rules by:
- Carefully assessing their individual circumstances to determine if they meet any legal grounds for an application;
- Consulting with a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed consultant to realistically evaluate their eligibility and options;
- Preparing to demonstrate financial means, proof of a Canadian job offer, or acceptance to a designated learning institution, depending on the application type;
- Ensuring that all required documentation is complete and complies with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards;
- Exploring available youth mobility agreements for those aged 18 to 35, if applicable based on nationality;
- Considering family sponsorship options if they have close relatives in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents.
Conclusions
The expiration of CUAET deadlines does not mean that Ukrainians have no further pathways to remain, work, or immigrate to Canada. However, all future actions must comply strictly with standard Canadian immigration legislation and procedures.
Through CUAET, Canada temporarily provided Ukrainians with unprecedented relief from the complexity and financial costs typically associated with the immigration system. Now, with the program winding down, applicants return to the general legal framework, which includes strict eligibility requirements, processing fees, extensive documentation, and rigorous background checks.
Ukrainians who wish to remain in Canada, work, or study should objectively assess their situation, act strategically, comply with all applicable deadlines, and seek professional legal guidance to avoid refusals and potential immigration risks.
