On March 17, 2022, IRCC introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) as part of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The initial measures included were for both temporary residence and permanent residence applications. The permanent residence pathway for Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada closed on October 22, 2024.
The special measures for temporary residence that were in effect until March 31, 2026, have now been extended. IRCC issued an announcement on April 1, 2026, that Ukrainian nationals or eligible family members of a Ukrainian that arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, may be eligible to extend their open work permits. More details on extending an open work permit under these measures can be found on IRCC's website.
The extended measures will be in effect until March 31, 2027.
You may extend your open work permit status if you meet the following requirements:
- You arrived in Canada by December 31, 2024, and
- You have a valid open work permit that was issued under a public policy for Ukrainians and eligible family members of Ukrainians, and
- You’re in Canada when:
- You apply for your work permit extension, and
- A decision is made on your work permit extension, and
- You haven’t already received an open work permit extension from an application submitted on or after April 1, 2026.
Please note: these applications are no longer fee exempt. Applicants will have to pay the standard application processing fees.
IRCC has also stated that they will take Ukrainian passport renewal delays into consideration when assessing applications. If you are in Canada and in the process of renewing your passport, it is important to apply to extend your status before it expires, even if your passport isn’t ready. IRCC will assess this on a case-by-case basis.