Canada Extends Key Temporary Measures for Ukrainians: What You Need to Know.
Canada Extends Key Temporary Measures for Ukrainians: What You Need to Know
In a move demonstrating Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by the crisis in Ukraine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant extensions to temporary measures for Ukrainians and their families.
This announcement provides much-needed reassurance to those who have sought refuge in Canada and are navigating their options to remain. Many are likely considering their long-term prospects and wondering about pathways beyond these temporary provisions, perhaps even asking, Am I eligible to move to Canada permanently in the future.
Key Updates for Ukrainians in Canada:
CUAET Extensions: Ukrainians and their family members who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on or before March 31, 2024, now have until March 31, 2026, to:
Apply for a new open work permit (valid for up to three years). This is a key update regarding their Canada work permit eligibility under CUAET.
Renew an existing work permit.
Apply for a new study permit, impacting their Canada study permit eligibility to pursue education.
Standard application fees apply for these CUAET permit applications and renewals.
Visitor and Student Status Renewals: Individuals can continue to renew their visitor or student status as per existing procedures if not applying under the CUAET fee-waived provisions mentioned above.
Settlement Services: Free settlement services for Ukrainian temporary residents and their families will remain available until March 31, 2025. (Note: Given the current date of May 18, 2025, this particular deadline has recently passed. The article should ideally reflect this or be understood as an update slightly prior to this settlement service deadline if it's meant to be a recent past announcement).
Passport Flexibility: IRCC will assess applications to extend temporary status even if a passport is not up-to-date, on a case-by-case basis.
Administrative Deferral of Removals: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continues to maintain an Administrative Deferral of Removals for Ukraine.
What This Means for Ukrainians in Canada:
This extension provides crucial stability, allowing individuals to continue working, studying, and building a temporary life in Canada while the situation in Ukraine remains volatile. It acknowledges the long-term uncertainty and offers a pathway to maintain legal status. It helps answer the immediate question for many CUAET holders of how to find out if I can live in Canada for a longer temporary period.
Important Reminders:
Individuals must apply to extend their status before their current permit expires to maintain their status.
It is strongly recommended to begin the renewal process as early as possible to avoid potential delays.
Minister Miller's Commitment:
"Canada remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and their families as the war continues by providing safety. That is why, through this extension, our aim is to offer protection while recognizing the long-term goal for many to return home when it is safe and there is a proper peace. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
An Immigration Consultant can help you to:
Navigate the application process for CUAET work and study permits.
Ensure your applications are complete and accurate.
Provide guidance on maintaining your legal status in Canada.
Provide up-to-date information regarding the CBSA's Administrative Deferral. Stay informed and stay safe.
Quick Facts Recap:
Nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their families have come to Canada under CUAET.
Federal support includes settlement services, financial assistance (previously announced), and temporary accommodations.
For those Ukrainians in Canada under CUAET considering their future, these extensions offer valuable time. Eventually, if looking to stay permanently, individuals would need to explore other immigration programs and check eligibility for Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) through streams like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs, which have different criteria than CUAET. A general immigration eligibility checker might provide preliminary insights into those separate, long-term pathways.